Charente
an inland department of France, formed chiefly out of the an- France, formed chiefly out of the ancient province of Angoumois and traversed by the river Charente; area, 2,305 square miles; capital, Angoulême (pop. about 39,000). Soil generally thin, dry, and arid; one-third devoted to tillage, a third to vineyards, and the remaining meadows, woods, and waste lands. The wines are of inferior quality, but they yield the best brandy in Europe, the celebrated cognac brandy being made in Cognac and other districts. Pop. about 350,000.
CHARENTE-INFÉRIEURE (an-fari-eur), Lower Charente, a maritime province of France; area, 2,791 square miles. Surface in general flat; soil chalky and sandy, fertile, and well cultivated; a considerable portion planted with vines; salt marshes along the coast.
The pastures are good, and well stocked with cattle, horses, and sheep. The wine is of common quality, and chiefly used for making brandy. Oysters and sardines abound on the coast. Salt and brandy are the only articles manufactured to any great extent. Capital, La Rochelle (pop. about 37,000). about 450,000.