CHIQUIMULA

also called Chiquimula de la Sierra town, southeastern Guatemala. It lies along the San Jos River in the central highlands, 1,378 feet (424 m) above sea level. Founded during the colonial era, it has sustained much earthquake damage, particularly in 1765 and 1773. Ruins of its colonial church remain. Chiquimula is now a market centre for an agricultural hinterland that also supports mining activities. Most of the inhabitants of the surrounding area are farmers cultivating corn (maize), wheat, beans, and fodder grasses and raising livestock in the higher elevations. At lower altitudes, coffee, sugarcane, bananas, tobacco, and rice are grown. Chiquimula is 125 miles (200 km) by highway and railroad from Guatemala City. Pop. (1994 est.) 32,120.