SANTA ROSA DE COPN

capital, Copn department, northwestern Honduras, in the highlands at 3,806 ft (1,160 m) above sea level, near the Alash Higuito River, a tributary of the Mejocote. It was founded in the 18th century and was called Los Llanos until 1812 and Los Llanos de Santa Rosa thereafter. In 1843 it received city status; when it became department capital in 1869, it received its modern name. Santa Rosa is now the chief commercial centre of western Honduras. Major industries include tobacco blending and cigar making, sugar refining, and mat weaving; lumber, furniture, leather products, clothing, and beverages are also produced; antimony is mined in the vicinity. Santa Rosa is also a transportation centre, and highways lead in several directions toward centres in Honduras and El Salvador; it also has an airfield. Pop. (1989 est.) 20,300.