MINHO

also called Aquem-os-montes, historical provincia, northwesternmost Portugal. Originally called Entre Douro e Minho, the region between the Minho and Douro rivers (now divided into Braga and Viana do Castelo districts) is the historical unit from which Portugal evolved. The area was occupied by both the Celts and the Romans, the former having left numerous ruins called castra, or hill forts. There is a narrow coastal plain stretching for about 30 miles (50 km) from north to south and extending between 2 and 10 miles (3 and 16 km) inland to the Santa Luzia Mountains. The rest of the region consists of undulating plateaus traversed by deep valleys of the Minho, Lima, Cvado, and Ave rivers. High population densities have encouraged intensive cultivation. Corn (maize) and haricot beans are the most important crops, and the field borders are used for fruit trees and vines. The use of irrigation and of terraced fields on slopes characterize the landscape. Stock rearing is important on the higher lands, and the timber industry is significant. Fishing is of local importance at Esposende, Viana do Castelo, and ncora-Gontinhaes. Braga, the capital of the historical provincia, and Guimares are textiles centres. Many buildings are constructed out of local gray granite.