CABAAS

department, north central El Salvador, bordered to the north and east by the Ro Lempa Valley, with an area of 426 sq mi (1,104 sq km). It was formed in 1873. The production of indigo, important in the 19th century, has declined. Grain, sugar, rice, and beans are cultivated, and livestock is raised for dairy produce. Cabaas is noted for pottery, made from the excellent local clay deposits and centred at the departmental capital, Sensuntepeque, and at Ilobasco (qq.v.). Pop. (1981 est.) 179,909.