ESCUINTLA

city, southwestern Guatemala. It lies near the Guacalate River, on the southern flanks of the central highlands, at 1,109 feet (338 m) above sea level. It is located 28 miles (45 km) southwest of Guatemala City. Escuintla, one of Guatemala's largest cities, was a prominent political and trading centre for indigo during the 17th and 18th centuries. From the rich agricultural hinterland now come sugarcane, cotton, and coffee, as well as citronella, coconuts, pineapples, and mangoes. Beef cattle are also raised in the region. In the city are cotton-ginning and meat-packing plants; sugar refineries are in the vicinity. Escuintla is also a popular winter resort noted for its mineral baths. It lies on the Pacific Coast Highway and is served by a railroad and a nearby airport. Pop. (1990 est.) 62,051.