Morbihan

Département in the Brittany region of western France; area 6,763 km/2,611 sq mi; population (1999 est) 643,900. Its Atlantic coastline has many inlets. Barren heath covers a quarter of the area, while a third part produces good crops of wheat and rye. Fisheries and oyster culture are important. Industries include tyres, car parts, and electrical goods. The administrative centre is Vannes and other principal towns are Lorient and Pontivy. Morbihan is noted for its prehistoric remains, especially megaliths, or standing stones, in the area of Carnac.

The rivers Vilaine and Blavet, into which flow the Auray and the Scorff, are both canalized. The highest land (297 m/974 ft) is in the Montagnes Noires in the north.

The département was formed in 1790 from the southern part of the old province of Brittany. Breton is spoken in the west, and the traditions and culture remain. Some historic towns and villages are major tourist attractions.