CIUDAD MANTE

city, southern Tamaulipas state, northeastern Mexico. Formerly known as Villa Jurez, it lies at 272 feet (83 m) above sea level just south of the confluence of the Tames and Mante rivers and almost due south of Ciudad Victoria, the state capital. In the heart of a sugar-producing region, it is the commercial and manufacturing centre for an area whose agriculture has been greatly expanded through irrigation. Principal crops include tomatoes, lemons, beans, cereals, and vast quantities of sugarcane. Livestock are also raised. The city contains tanneries, distilleries, and sugar refineries, one of which is among Mexico's largest. The region is known for its fishing, hunting, and swimming. Ciudad Mante can be reached by railroad, highway, and air. Pop. (1980) 70,647.