Malaga

Malaga, a maritime district of Andalusia, in Spain, having Cadiz on the W., Granada on the E., the Mediterranean on the W., and containing 2,823 square miles. The land rises rapidly from the coast, and inland are several sierras, the loftiest being that of Alhama (7,000 feet), which separates the district from Granada. The chief river, the Guadalhorce, rises in the Alhama Sierra, and flows W. and S., falling into the sea near the town of Malaga. Another river is the Guadiaro. Lead, nickel, and iron are found, and at Carratraca are sulphuretted hydrogen springs. Much oil and wine are producedand exported, though the phylloxera has injured the wine trade, and the United States now go to California for most of their raisins instead of importing from Malaga. Other products are wheat, oranges, lemons, figs, almonds, and some sugar-cane. The capital (Malaga) is a seaport, 65 miles N.E. of Gibraltar, and has a harbour protected by two moles. The chief industries are the manufacture of cotton, linen, machinery, pottery, and wine, and oil-presses. It is also a great resort for invalids by reason of the dry, sunshiny, but temperate climate which is afforded by the shelter of the mountains. Originally founded by the Phoenicians, Malaga was Moorish till 1478, and a Moorish castle still exists.