city, southeastern Dominican Republic. It is situated at the mouth of the wide estuary of the Macorís River. The chief city of the southeastern region, San Pedro de Macorís has an economy centred on the sugar industry. Its modern port handles much of the country's exports, including sugar, molasses, cattle, and timber. Industries include corn milling, the manufacture of clothing and soap, and alcohol distilling. The Universidad Central del Este was founded there in 1970. San Pedro de Macorís has produced many Major League Baseball players. It is located on the main highway linking Santo Domingo with Higüey. Pop. (2002) urban area, 193,713.