a department in northwestern France, on the lower course of the Loire River. Area, 7,200 sq km; population, 600,000 (1971). Its capital is the city of Angers. In 1968, 29 percent of the gainfully employed population was engaged in agriculture, and 24 percent in industry. There is intensive farming (viticulture and fruit and vegetable growing) in the Loire valley. Livestock breeding and grain farming for consumption are prevalent in the other areas of the department. Bocage landscape is typical. Industry (chiefly light industry and food processing) is concentrated in Angers and Cholet.