I. An inland department of Peru, occupying a portion of the valley bordered by the Eastern and Western Cordilleras, N. of the department of Lima. The surface is irregular, being intersected by hills mostly densely wooded, and delightful vales, watered by the Hua-llaga, Jauja, and numerous minor streams. The climate, hot in the low and cold in the elevated regions, is very salubrious, and the soil is extremely fertile and well cultivated. Precious woods, particularly cedar, and coca leaves are important articles of commerce. The sugar cane thrives well, and sugar is manufactured in several places; and coffee of superior quality is grown. The plains, though of inconsiderable extent, afford good pasturage for large herds of cattle and sheep; and the horses of Concepcion are highly esteemed. The district of Cerro de Pasco, formerly the capital of the department, has long been celebrated as the principal mining region of Peru. There are weaving factories at Tarma and elsewhere. Ruins of towns, temples, palaces, and fortresses, in various parts of the department, attest the opulence and civilization of the ancient Incas, once the exclusive lords of the soil. II. A city, capital of the department, and of a province and district of the same name, near the river Huallaga, 165 m.

N. N. E. of Lima; pop. about 7,000. The only objects of interest still remaining hi this once flourishing city are the ruins of edifices attesting its early splendor, and particularly a palace and temple of the sun, built by the Incas. Besides mining and agriculture, the manufacture of sweetmeats, much prized in Lima, occupies many of the inhabitants. It was founded in 1539 by Gomez Alvarado, who named it Leon de los Caballeros.