Central China's province of Shaanxi is one of the country's oldest continuously inhabited regions. Remains of human habitation date back to prehistoric times. The province has many natural resources, including coal and oil, but agriculture is also an important industry, as the area includes a very fertile central belt. The south of Shaanxi is covered with lush forests and mountains, while the north is dry and barren. The capital of Shaanxi is Xi'an.