PRINCIPALITY OF (Ital. Piemonte, or Pie di Monte, meaning "foot of the mountain"), a district of the continental portion of the Sardinian States, now forming the divisions of Turin, Coni, Alessandria, Aosta, and Novara. On three sides it is inclosed by mountains; by the Alps on the N. and W., and by the Apennines on the S.; while towards the E. it stretches into the great plain of Lombardy. Its length from N. to S. is 120 miles, its breadth nearly 100; area 15,913 square miles. It is a distinct physical region shut in by the loftiest chains of the Alps and Apennines, and forming the upper part of the valley of the Po, to which it entirely belongs. The western and larger portion of Piedmont is mountainous, being occupied with branches and offsets from the Alps and Apennines, with numerous upland valleys among them; and from these high lands the ground gradually descends in beautifully-waving slopes to the rich level plains which occupy the east of the principality. The Po, which rises in this country, receives within its limits many tributaries. These, though few of them are navigable, are all of the highest importance to the country, as an extensive and skilful system of irrigation is carried on by their means. The soil is thus enabled to produce the richest crops. Wheat, maize, rice, and beans are the principal articles raised. Wine and fruits are also produced; and excellent timber is obtained from the forests. Besides agriculture, the people are largely employed in pastoral pursuits, and great numbers of cattle are reared. The corn produced in Piedmont is more than sufficient for the wants of the people, and supplies also the adjacent country along the Mediterranean as far as Toulon. Some minerals are obtained in this country; the principal being iron, marble, copper, and argentiferous lead. Manufactures are actively carried on; hosiery, linen, woollen, and silken goods, brandy, glass, and iron, being the chief articles made here. Besides corn and cattle, silk, wine, wool, iron, &c., are exported. The Alpine valleys of Piedmont are celebrated as the country of the Waldenses, who have from time immemorial stood out against the corruptions of the Romish Church, notwithstanding the persecutions to which they have been exposed. They now enjoy toleration. With this exception, the people of Piedmont all profess the Roman Catholic religion. The population of the country is more than 3,000,000. (See SARDINIA.)