BARBACENA

city, southeastern Minas Gerais estado (state), Brazil. It is situated in the Serra da Mantiquera, at 3,727 feet (1,136 m) above sea level. The settlement was made the seat of a municipality in 1791 and elevated to city rank in 1840. It is now the trade and manufacturing centre for an agricultural region that raises corn (maize), feijo (beans), rice, coffee, and various fruits and vegetables. The largest of Barbacena's industries are two textile factories. Railroads and highways link the city to Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro (130 miles south), and neighbouring communities. Pop. (1980) 69,566.