Formosa

The most northerly province in central Argentina, separated from Paraguay in the north by the River Pilcomayo flowing west-to-east into the River Paraguay; area 72,066 sq km/27,825 sq mi; population (1996) 398,413. The capital is the town of Formosa. The province lies wholly in the geographical region of the Gran Chaco, with its flat alluvial plain watered by numerous sluggish and meandering streams, and covered with grass and scrub forest (except in the east, where the forest is dense). Formosa is mainly agricultural; flax, maize, tobacco, sugar cane, sorghum, and cotton are the principal crops. Cattle are also raised and the forests in the east are exploited for quebracho extract (for tanning and dyeing) and timber.

The climate is tropical, with heavy summer rains causing flooding, and a period of winter drought.