CHIMALTENANGO

department, southwestern Guatemala, occupying an area of 764 sq mi (1,979 sq km). Its more elevated regions are inhabited by Maya Indians, who grow corn (maize), beans, and wheat. The lower areas-below 5,000 ft (1,500 m)-are divided into private estates that cultivate coffee and sugarcane and pasture cattle and hogs. Although no railroads serve the department, the highlands are crossed by the Pan-American Highway, which links Chimaltenango (q.v.), the departmental capital, with Guatemala City. The department suffered major damage in the earthquake of February 1976; there were nearly 14,000 deaths, and nearly all of the buildings in the area were damaged. Pop. (1984 est.) 276,186. capital, Chimaltenango department, southwestern Guatemala, 30 mi (48 km) from Guatemala City, in the central highlands at an altitude of 5,860 ft (1,786 m) above sea level. Founded in 1526 just south of an old Mayan fortress, it is a market centre for the surrounding Indian villages. The inhabitants raise grains, sugarcane, and livestock. The special qualities of the local clay make the town a centre for brickmaking. A colonial church, built in 1854 on the Continental Divide, has a fountain half of whose waters flow to the Atlantic and half to the Pacific. Pop. (1981) 14,967.