MALAGA, a maritime province of Spain, one of the eight modern subdivisions of Andalusia; bounded on the west by Cadiz, north by Seville and Cordova, east by Granada, and south by the Mediterranean sea. Pop. (193o), 613,16o; area, 2,812 square miles. The northern half of Malaga belongs to the Anda lusian plain watered by the Guadalquivir, the southern is moun tainous, and rises steeply from the coast. Of the numerous sierras is that of Alhama, separating the province from Granada rising above 7,000 f t. ; its westward continuation in the Sierra de Abdalajis and the Axarquia between Antequera and Malaga; and not far from the Cadiz boundary the Sierras de Ronda, de Mijas, de Tolox and Bermeja, converging and culminating in a summit of nearly 6,5oo f t. The principal river is the Guadalhorce, which rises in the Sierra de Alhama. After a westerly course past Ante quera it bends through the defile of Peiiarrubia and the Vega or Vale of Malaga, falling into the sea near that city. The only
other considerable stream is the Guadiaro or Guadalevin, which has the greater part of its course within the province and flows past Ronda. 'There is an extensive salt lagoon near the northern boundary. The mountains are rich in lead and iron. There are warm sulphurous springs and baths at Carratraca. Large quanti ties of grapes and raisins, oranges and lemons, figs and almonds, are exported. The oil and wines of Malaga are also esteemed. After 187o the manufacture of beet and cane sugar developed into an important industry. The fisheries are important. The prov ince is traversed by the Cordova-Malaga railway.
Malaga, the capital (pop. 188,oio), Antequera (32,974), Velez Malaga (27,564), Ronda Coin (15,032) and Alora (11,622), are described in separate articles.