MENDOZA, a province, town, and river of the Argentine Confederacy, South America. The province is bounded on the N. by that of San Juan, E. by San Luis, S. by an unsettled and desert region, and W. by Chili; and is about 150 miles in length, and nearly the same in breadth. The country for the most part is flat, except towards the W., where the Paramillo range of the Andes and some other branches diversify the form of the surface. In this part of the province are found several volcanoes. The principal
rivers are the Mendoza, the Desaguadero, and the Tunuyan; and there are several lakes. The soil is for the most part sandy and sterile, but when well watered it is by no means unproductive. Corn, fruits, olives, and wine are the chief articles produced; and these, along with hides, soap, and tallow, constitute the most part of the export trade. Silver and copper are found here, as well as limestone, alum, slates, &c. Mendoza is an independent state, owing little subjection to the central government of the confederacy. The governor, who has the chief executive authority, is elected by the Junta or provincial assembly. The capital is Mendoza, situated at the foot of the Andes; Lat. 32. 53. S., Long. 69. 6. W. The city is neatly built and pleasantly situated; and from its dry, healthy climate, has obtained the name of the Montpellier of South America. The houses are for the most part low, and have gardens or orchards round them. Among its buildings are a handsome church and several convents. The public promenade, called the Alameda, which is about a mile long, under a fine avenue of poplars, is one of the best in South America. Pop. of the town, 12,000; of the province, 57,000.
The River Mendoza rises in the above province, near the volcano of Aconcagua; flows S.E. till about 10 miles from the town Mendoza, then turns to the N., and after a total course of 200 miles, falls into Lake Guanacache.