RHONE-ALPES

rgion, encompassing the southeastern French dpartements of Loire, Rhne, Ain, Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isre, Drme, and Ardche. The capital is Lyon. The rgion is bounded by the dpartements of Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to the southeast; Vaucluse and Gard to the south; Lozre, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dme, and Allier to the west; and Sane-et-Loire and Jura to the north. Switzerland lies to the northeast and Italy to the east. The Massif Central extends into Ardche and is separated by a series of valleys from the Alps to the east. The Jura Mountains rise in the north; northern Rhne and Isre belong to the low-lying basin of the Sane River. The prevailing mountain climate is generally cooler and wetter than the lowlands of France. The rgion is densely populated. The population declined slightly between 1901 and 1946, contradicting a stronger national trend of even greater decline; since World War II, however, it has subsequently increased. Immigrants and a relatively high birth rate have accounted for the increase, which has favoured Isre, Rhne, and Haute-Savoie. The population is heavily concentrated in the agglomerations of Lyon, Roanne, Saint-tienne, Bourg-en-Bresse, Annecy, Chambry, Grenoble, and Valence. Agriculture is highly mechanized and employs only a small percentage of the rgion's workforce. Animal husbandry predominates; fodder and cereals are the leading crops. Viticulture is largely limited to the Rhne River valley. Industries are highly developed. Metalworking is concentrated around Lyon, Grenoble, and Saint-tienne and along the Arve River. The region is a leading producer of synthetic fibres. Coal is mined in the basin of Saint-tienne; La Mure in Isre produces anthracite; and petroleum is refined at Feyzin in Rhne. Winter sports are a major industry and centre on Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Megve, Morzine, Avoriaz, and Flaine in Haute-Savoie; Val-d'Isre, Tignes, and Courchevel in Savoie; and Alpe-d'Huez and Chamrousse in Isre. Area 16,872 square miles (43,698 square km). Pop. (1992 est.) 5,461,080.