KURLAND, or COURLAND, one of the Baltic provinces of Russia, lying between N. Lat. 56° 57', S.O., and E. Long. 21° 27', and bounded on the N. by Livonia and the Gulf of Riga, W. by the Baltic, S. by Wilna and Prussia, and E. by Vitebsk; area 10,324 square miles. Along the coasts the surface is flat, with numerous marshes and sandy heaths, but in the interior it is generally undulating. A range of hills runs parallel with the Duna, and sends off ramifications in various directions over the country. The elevations nowhere exceed 500 ft. in height. The principal river is the Duna, which flows along its E. and part of its N. boundary; the principal of the others are the Aa and Vindau. There are numerous lakes and marshes, which render the climate damp and foggy. About two-fifths of the surface is covered with forests, chiefly of pine, fir, birch, alder, oak, and elm. The soil is light and sandy, requiring much manure to render it productive. It is most fertile towards Livonia. The principal occupation of the inhabitants is agriculture, which is in a higher state of perfection here than in any of the neighbouring provinces. Rye, barley, and oats, are the principal grain crops; flax and hemp are also extensively cultivated, and some tobacco is raised. The rearing of cattle is little attended to, and the breeds are inferior. The manufactures are insignificant, with, perhaps, the exception of brandy. The exports, which are considerable, are chiefly corn, flax, hemp, salted meat, and skins. Courland belonged to Poland till 1795, when it came into the possession of Russia. The inhabitants still enjoy many of their own peculiar rights. Pop. (1851) 539,270.