| Manicaragua | |
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| — Municipality — | |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Cuba |
| Province | Villa Clara |
| Area[1] | |
| • Total | 1,063 km2 (410.4 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 150 m (492 ft) |
| Population (2004)[2] | |
| • Total | 73,370 |
| • Density | 69.0/km2 (178.7/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EST (UTC-5) |
| Area code(s) | +53-422 |
Manicaragua is a municipality and city in the Villa Clara Province of Cuba. It is located in the southern part of Villa Clara, bordering the provinces of Cienfuegos to the west and Sancti Spíritus to the east.
In 2004, the municipality of Manicaragua had a population of 73,370.[2] With a total area of 1,063 km2 (410 sq mi),[1] it has a population density of 69.0 /km2 (179 /sq mi).
Manicaragua is one of the four largest municipalities in Cuba. Main crops and source of income in this area include such items as tobacco and coffee. Coffee is grown in the slopes of El Escambray mountains, a mountain ridge extending from the southeastern part of the Cienfuegos province to neighboring Sancti Spiritus. Coffee beans from Manicaragua bear a flavorous unparallel nectar, though not known in the Western World due to the economic embargo. Not simingly, cigars made in the local factory, enjoy the popularity of many a tourist from different parts of the World. El Hoyo de Manicaragua, once known as the Land of the Best Tobacco in the World, is a small village located in this municipality. Its popularity faded after the crop was relocated to the western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio, where many of the local campesinos were transferred due to their anti-Castro activities.
It has areas of outstanding natural beauty and value as the Valley of Jibacoa, Hanabanilla, the dam, and the Hotel of the same name.
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