CHER

dpartement, Centre rgion, central France. It was created from the eastern part of the historic province of Berry and from small parts of the provinces of Bourbonnais and Nivernais. It comprises wooded and agricultural land and is bordered on the east by the Allier and Loire rivers. The Cher River flows in a northwesterly direction to the west of the departmental capital, the ancient cathedral city of Bourges. There is some timber cutting in the woodlands to the north and west. Widespread agriculture in the dpartement includes wheat farming, cattle raising, beekeeping, and viticulture, particularly in vineyards around the historic village of Sancerre, situated on a hill above the Loire River. Cher's industry, which includes metalworks, aircraft construction, and the manufacture of agricultural machinery, clothing, chemicals, armaments, and porcelain, is concentrated around Bourges and Vierzon. The dpartement has three arrondissements, Bourges, Saint-Amand-Montrond, and Vierzon. Area 2,793 square miles (7,235 square km). Pop. (1990) 321,556; (1994 est.) 321,337.