Mendoza

Capital of Mendoza federal district, western Argentina, in the foothills of the Andes, 760 m/2,500 ft above sea level; population (2001) 111,000. It is the commercial centre of an irrigated wine-producing and fruit-growing region. The city has an important university, and because of a nearby oilfield, a growing industrial base. The city was founded in 1561 on the site of an Inca fort by the Spaniard Garcí Hurtado de Mendoza, after whom it is named. It developed because of its position on the Trans-Andean railway where the Argentine and Chilean rail lines link.

Modern quake-proof construction techniques have enabled many of the damaged older historic buildings to be replaced.

Mendoza

Andean province in the Andina region of western Argentina, bordered on the west by Chile; area 146,827 sq km/56,690 sq mi; population (1996) 1,412,481. The capital is Mendoza. Apart from the southeast region, the province is mountainous and has within its borders some of the highest peaks of the Andes, including Aconcagua (6,960 m/22,834 ft) and Juncal (6,060 m/19,882 ft). Agriculture is vital to this region's considerable prosperity. Wine-growing is the leading economic activity; Mendoza is Argentina's chief wine producer. Winter sports are also a popular attraction. There is some hydroelectricity generated in the province.

The climate of Mendoza province is arid, and without the artificial irrigation made possible by the many rivers fed by the snow and glaciers of the Andes, cultivation would be impossible. As it is, the valleys are extremely fertile and have gained for Mendoza the title ‘Garden of the Andes’; though, remarkably, only 4% of the entire area of the province is cultivated. A great variety of fruits are grown, such as peaches, apples, plums, pears, cherries, apricots, and olives. Cattle raising is also important. Productive oilfields and uranium mines are located within the province. Thus far, mineral resources have not been exploited on a large scale, with the exception of sulphur. Until 1776, the province was part of Chile.