MATURN

city, capital of Monagas state, northeastern Venezuela, on the Ro Guarapiche, between the easternmost outliers of the Andean highlands and the Orinoco Delta. Founded in 1710 by Capuchin missionaries, the city is a commercial and manufacturing centre for an agricultural and pastoral region that produces cattle, cacao, cotton, and cereals. Oil from nearby fields to the north and west is piped through the city, which is accessible by highway from Carpano, in Sucre state, and from the BarcelonaPuerto La Cruz area in northeastern Anzotegui state. A road leads south from Maturn to Barrancas, on the Orinoco River. The city also has an international airport. Pop. (1981 est.) 181,000.