a maritime province of Brazil, lying between S. Lat. 26° and 29° 30', W. Long. 48° 30' and 32°, bounded on the E. by the Atlantic, N.W. by the province of Sao Paulo, S.W. by that of Rio Grande do Sul. Length from north to south about 230 miles; breadth varying from 60 to 200; area, 14,707 square miles. The coast is low, but the inland part of the province is hilly, being traversed by the mountain range of Santa Catharina, from which numerous offsets stretch towards the sea. Down the valleys thus formed flow many rivers, such as the Sao Francisco, Aracary, Tapecu, Tijéa, and others, discharging their waters into the Atlantic; while on the other side of the mountain, the Uruguay, one of the affluents of the La Plata, has its source within the limits of this province. The soil is for the most part fertile, and the climate mild; and, owing to the variety of elevation in different parts of the country, the productions of European countries are raised here, as well as those of more tropical lands. The extensive forests of the country abound in valuable timber; but many of them are infested with wild animals, who dispute their possession with the native Indian tribes. Indigo and cochineal grow without culture. Sugar, rice, millet, beans, onions, and garlic, are used in large quantities, and exported to Rio Janeiro. Some of the rivers are navigable, and there are a few good harbours along the coast; but the principal is that formed by the island of Santa Catharina. This island, upwards of 30 miles in length, by about 10 in breadth, is separated from the mainland by a strait about 7 miles broad at the widest, but narrowing at one place to less than a mile across. This narrow part is formed by two projecting capes, which thus divide the strait into two safe and capacious harbours. The surface of the island is undulating, and well wooded; it has many fine lakes and rivers, and enjoys a mild and salubrious climate. The capital of the province, Nossa Senhora do Desterro, stands on the west-coast of the island, which contains also some of the other principal towns. The province of Santa Catharina returns one senator and one deputy to the Legislative Assembly of Brazil. Pop. (1856) 105,000.