CASTELLN

provincia in the comunidad autnoma (autonomous community) of Valencia, eastern Spain, and northernmost of the three provinces corresponding to the ancient kingdom of Valencia. Castelln comprises three distinct regions: the inhospitable Maestrazgo in the mountainous northwest; the Mjares and Palancia river valleys, separated by the Sierra de Espadn; and the Mediterranean coastal plains. Lumbering, livestock (cattle and sheep) raising, grain cultivation, and agriculture (olives, oranges, and grapes in the valleys and almonds, figs, and pomegranates along the coast) constitute the principal economic activities of the province. Light industry (textiles, sandals, ceramic tiles) is concentrated in the provincial capital, Castelln de la Plana (q.v.), and in the towns of Onda, Alcora, Villarreal, and La Val de Uix. Fisheries are based on the ports of Burriana, Vinaroz, and Benicarl. Tourism is centred on the Mediterranean beaches of the Costa del Azahar. Area 2,579 square miles (6,679 square km). Pop. (1992 est.) 442,049.