Ghilan, a province of Persia, bounded X. by Russia, E. and N. E. by the Caspian sea, S. E. by the province of Mazanderan, S. and S. W. by Irak-Ajemi, and N. W. by Azerbijan. It is about 120 m. long and 40 m. wide; pop. about 100,000. It* inland boundary on the south and west is formed by the Elburz range of mountains, averaging from 6,000 to 8,000 ft. above the sea. The interior is covered, excepting where cleared for cultivation, with dense forests, and much of the country is level and swampy. The rainfall is excessive, and the climate unhealthy. In the woods lurk the tiger, the panther, the wild boar, and the jackal; and the marshes are filled with wild fowl. The soil is fertile, and the productions include barley, hemp, hops, fruits, and especially rice, the production of which has more than doubled since 1865, on account of the failure of the silk crop, which, however, has greatly improved since 1870. There are extensive sturgeon fisheries along the Caspian, but they are mostly in the hands of Russians. There are few towns, most of the people living in small hamlets. The capital, Resht, is a clean town, with extensive bazaars.

Enzeli, the only seaport, has a harbor deep enough for vessels of 250 tons.