Bas-Rhin

a department in eastern France, located in Alsace and bordering on the Federal Republic of Germany. Area, 4,800 sq. km. Population, 883,000 (1974). The capital is Strasbourg.

The Upper Rhine Lowland occupies eastern Bas-Rhin, and the Lorraine Plateau and the Vosges, with elevations reaching 1,010 m, occupy the western part. The economy is based on industry and agriculture. In 1968 approximately 32 percent of the work force was employed in industry and 12 percent in agriculture. Bas-Rhin has machine-building, oil-refining, chemical, and food industries, primarily in Strasbourg. The cotton industry is centered in Sélestat. Farming is intensive and diversified, including the growing of wheat, sugar beets, hops, tobacco, vegetables, and potatoes. There are vineyards in the foothills. Bas-Rhin also has livestock breeding and poultry raising.