or Sannio, a province of Naples, bounded on the N. by Abruzzo Citra, E. by Capitanata, S. by Principato Ultra, and W. by Terra di Lavoro; having an average length of 55 miles, a breadth of 40 miles, and an area of 1783 square miles. The province is situated on the E. slope of the Apennines, the main ridge of which traverses it from N.W. to S.E., and sends off several branches in a northeasterly direction. The surface is thus for the most part rugged and mountainous; but the valleys and the lower parts of the hills are fertile, though ill cultivated; and the higher regions afford excellent pasturage. The principal rivers of the province are the Trigno, the Biferno, and the Fortore, all of which flow from the Apennines to the Adriatic. The chief productions of the province are—maize and other sorts of corn, pulse, rice, oil, wine, and fruits. Sheep, goats, swine, and a small number of horned cattle are reared; but the breeds are inferior. Bees are also reared in large quantities. The most important manufactures of the province are those of cutlery and firearms; the principal seats of which are Campobasso, Frosolone, Lucito, and Agnone. The inhabitants are for the most part sunk in poverty; and thefts and murders are more common here than in most other parts of Italy. The province of Molise corresponds to the lands of Larinum, of the Caraceni, and of the Pentri, in ancient times. It is now divided into three districts,—Campobasso, Isernia, and Larino, comprehending 33 arrondissements and 136 communes. Pop. (1854) 376,750.