ARIEGE

dpartement, Midi-Pyrnes region, southern France, bordering Andorra and Spain. Its 1,888 square miles (4,890 square km) embrace the widest and highest points of the Pyrenees, including many peaks over 9,000 feet (2,700 m) and passes above 6,000 feet, which remain snow-blocked for many months of the year. North of the core of the Pyrenees lie systems of parallel ridges and valleys. The outermost of these ridges, the Montagne du Plantaurel, intersected by the Arige River, drops steeply to the lowlands of Aquitaine. The outer limestone ranges have picturesque gorges, river tunnels, and caves. The town of Foix controls the Arige gateway into the mountains and the approach to the Col (pass) de Puymorens; this mountain pass has long provided an important road route into Spain. The lands of the ancient countship of Foix now form the nucleus of the dpartement, which also includes parts of Languedoc and Gascony. Although it largely comprises the upper basin of the river Arige, the dpartement extends westward into that of the Salat headstream of the Garonne. A pastoral economy prevails in the high mountains, and, as use of the summer pastures from the French side has decreased, more use has been made of them by Spanish shepherds. Corn (maize), haricot beans, potatoes, and deciduous fruits are cultivated in the lower valleys, and the mixed farming (wheat and corn) that is so typical of the lowlands of Aquitaine is practiced in the lower country in the north of the dpartement. Although the mountains' pockets of high-grade iron ore have largely been depleted, lead and zinc deposits continue to be exploited. Gypsum and anhydrite mining are important at Tarascon, and talc at Luzenac. Hydroelectric power is an increasingly important economic factor, supporting aluminum refining at Sabart. A growing tourist industry has revived old spas such as Ax-les-Thermes. The limestone grottoes of Le Mas-d'Azil and Niaux are rich in Paleolithic archaeological remains. Foix (the capital), Pamiers, and Saint-Girons head the arrondissements. Pamiers is the seat of the bishopric that is coextensive with the dpartement. The court of appeal and the educational headquarters are outside the dpartement at Toulouse. Pop. (1985 est.) 135,000.