Gran Chaco

Gran Chaco, a district of South America between lat. 20° and 29° S.. partly in Bolivia, partly in the Argentine Republic, and having an area edmost twice that of France. The plain inclines S.E., and is in the basin of La Plata, being watered by the Pilcomayo, Vermejo, and other tributaries of the Paraguay. The great rains of the N. cause many marshes and lakes, while the dry steppes of the S. abounding in cactus plants are subject to extensive floods. The district is inhabited chiefly by Indians, and has abundance of forest and pasture, exporting cattle and, of late years, petroleum.