SANTANDER, a province of Spain, bounded on the N. by the Bay of Biscay, E. by the province of Biscay, S. by that of Burgos, S.W. by Palencia, and W. by Oviedo. Area 3434 square miles. It is almost entirely occupied with lofty mountains, for the Cantabrian chain traverses the south of the province, and sends off numerous branches towards the sea. Between these there are deep narrow valleys and glens, watered by the rivers that take their rise in the mountains; such as the Deva, Nansa, Besaya, Miern, and others. The loftier regions of the province contain much fine pasture-ground, and are clothed with extensive forests, affording good timber for various purposes. The most prevalent tree in these woods is the lime; but oaks, firs, walnuts, chestnuts, plum-trees, fig-trees, and some apple-trees, are also grown in the province. Maize, wheat, wine of inferior quality, vegetables, and fruit, form the principal produce of the valleys; and maize bread is the chief article of food among the peasantry. Iron, argenterous lead, and other metals, are obtained here; and there are quarries of limestone, marble, gypsum, and beds of potters' clay. Leather, woollen and cotton cloth, agricultural implements, and other articles, are manufactured; and many of the people live by fishing and fish-curing; but trade of all kinds is much impeded by the deficiency in the means of communication. The only important seaport in the province is Santander, the capital, through which the foreign trade is carried on. The people of the province are quiet, sober, and industrious, and education is more attended to here than in most parts of Spain. Pop. (1867) 232,523.