SAGUA LA GRANDE

city, north-central Villa Clara provincia, north-central Cuba. Lying on the Sagua la Grande River, 15 miles (24 km) from its mouth, the city is a major port and regional manufacturing and commercial centre. The area is known primarily for its sugarcane, but rice, black beans, and livestock also are economically significant. Foundries, distilleries, railroad shops, lumberyards, and industrial plants that manufacture caustic soda are located in the city. Its ocean port, La Isabela, lies at the mouth of the river, which is navigable as far upstream as Sagua la Grande. Pop. (1990 est.) 56,263.