CORDOVA, or CORDOBA, one of the eight provinces into which the ancient kingdom of Andalusia is divided: bounded N. by the province of Ciudad Real, N.W. by Badajoz in Estremadura, S.W. by Seville, and E. by Jaen. Area 4150 square miles. Pop. 306,760. It is watered by the Guadalquivir and its tributaries; and is intersected in the N. from E. to W. by the Sierra Morena, and in the S. by the Montes de Granada. The mountainous region of the Sierra affords abundant pasturage for sheep and goats; and its forests give shelter to numerous animals of the chase. The southern part is distinguished for its fertility; but the cultivation of the cereal crops is neglected for the easier production of wine and oil. In the summer months the soil is parched by the heats; and the system of letting the land for short terms, and receiving the rent in produce, is unfavourable to the investment of capital in irrigation and other agricultural improvements. Both divisions of the province possess rich metalliferous veins. Its manufacturing industry has declined since the expulsion of the Moors, and is confined to the production of coarse linen and woolen stuffs, soap, pottery, leather, and silversmith's goods. For the statistics of the province see ANDALUCIA.