Geography of Brittany
Brittany is a region in northwestern France.Brittany,a historic region and a former province of northwestern France. It occupies a peninsula between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay. Brittany is about 175 miles (280 km) long and up to 120 miles (195 km) wide. The undulating plateaus of the Armorican Massif make up virtually the entire region. Along the deeply indented coast are some of France's best natural harbors. Principal rivers include the Loire and Vilaine. Politically the region belongs to five departments of France—Finistère, Côtes-du-Nord, Morbihan, Loire-Atlantique, and Ille-et-Vilaine—which had a total population of 2,795,600 in 1990.
Agriculture is the basis of Brittany's economy. Though the soils are relatively poor, such hardy crops as cereals, potatoes, root vegetables, and apples are grown. Various kinds of livestock are raised, and the region is especially noted for its dairy cattle. Fishing, both coastal and deep-sea, is also a major occupation. Manufacturing includes canning, shipbuilding, and the making of weapons and other military equipment. Brittany's numerous harbors and beaches make it a popular seaside resort area.
The people, called Bretons, are descended from Celts who were driven from Britain about 500 A.D. It is estimated that one-third of the people know the Breton language and about 11 per cent speak Breton all the time. The population is largely Roman Catholic.
The region's principal cities, with their 1990 populations, are Nantes (251,133); Rennes, the historic capital (203,533); and Brest, the chief port and industrial center (153,099).
Brittany, known as Armorica in ancient times, was conquered by Caesar in the Gallic wars. In the Middle Ages it was an independent duchy, but was united with France in 1491. Brittany was officially annexed to France in 1532 by a treaty that guaranteed local liberties. The Bretons retained their own culture, language, and traditions as well as strong regional unity. Discontent with the French government aroused Breton nationalist feeling in the 20th century. Separatist sentiment led to a series of bombings and demonstrations in 1969.