Río Gallegos is the capital of Santa Cruz, the southernmost continental province in Argentina; it has a population of 112,000 and significant administrative, commercial and financial activities. This is the point of exit of the coal production of Río Turbio, some 250 km west, and of other minor mining enterprises. Sheep breeding is quite important in this area, however the most important activity is the oil extraction. In Río Gallegos the southern Patagonia highways meet, both the coastal and mountain roads. A narrow gauge railway connects the coal mines in Río Turbio (at the frontier with Chile) to the wharfs at Punta Loyola. There is an airport serving domestic and regional flights.