CONCEPCION, a province of southern Chile, lying between the province of Nuble on the north and Bio-Bio and Cautin on the south, and extending from the Pacific to the Argentine boundary. Area, 4,423 sq.m. (according to the boundaries of 1928); pop. Concepcion is the most important province of southern Chile because of its advantageous commercial position, fertility and productive industries. Its coast is indented by two large well-sheltered bays, Talcahuano and Arauco, having respec tively the ports of Talcahuano, Penco and El Tome, and Coronel and Lota. Its railway communications are good. The province produces wheat and manufactures flour for export ; its wines are reputed the best in Chile, cattle are bred in large numbers, wool is produced, and considerable timber is shipped. Near the coast are extensive deposits of coal, which is shipped from Lota and Coronel, the site of the most productive coal mines in South America. The climate is mild and the rainfall is abundant. The valley of the Itata is largely devoted to vine cultivation, and the port of this district, El Tome, is noted for its wine vaults and trade. The principal towns are on the coast : Talcahuano, pop. , 27.594: Lota (1930), 25,032 (largely operatives in the mines) ; Coronel (193o), 9,019 and El Tome ,