IntroductionAlsace (älzäsˈ) [key], Ger. Elsass, region and
former province, E France. It is separated from Germany by a
part of the Rhine River. It comprises the departments of Bas-
Rhin, Haut-Rhin, and the Territory of Belfort (a department
created after the Franco-Prussian War when the rest of Alsace
was annexed by Germany). Alsace is rich agriculturally
(especially in the plain between the Rhine River and the Vosges
Mts.), geologically (potassium exploitation in the Mulhouse area
ranks France among the top worldwide producers), and
industrially. Strasbourg is the ancient capital and the leading
industrial center. Textile industries are located in the
Mulhouse-Colmar area, and wines (notably Riesling) are produced
there. Hydroelectric plants are at Kembs and Ottmarscheim.
Virtually the whole population speaks French, but a very large
majority have also retained their German dialect. About 75% of
the population is Roman Catholic. Alsace retains many old
customs such as the wine and harvest festivals. Sections