MANAT

town, north-central Puerto Rico, situated on the humid coastal lowlands. Of Indian origins, the name Manat refers to a sea mammal, the manatee. Founded in 1738 on the northernmost point of limestone hills, Manat is linked by road to San Juan. The town produces shoes, pearl buttons, clothing, and woodwork and has a pineapple cannery. Manat is the centre of an agricultural area that grows fruits, sugarcane, and coffee. Pop. (1990) town, 16,352; mun., 38,692; (1995 est.) mun., 39,770.