Ehime

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Ehime (āhē´mā), prefecture (1990 pop. 1,515,027), 2,188 sq mi (5,667 sq km), NE Shikoku, Japan. Matsuyama is the capital and chief port. The region is bounded on the N by the Inland Sea and on the W by Hoyo Strait. Mountainous, it rises to 6,497 ft (1,980 m) in Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest point on Shikoku. The region has extensive coniferous forests and orchards; rice, wheat, soybeans, and mandarin oranges are grown, and livestock is raised. Fishing is an important industry, along with the production of chemicals, fertilizer, and machinery. Imabari, Saijo, Hashihama, and Yawatahama are the major manufacturing centers.