city, eastern Cuba. Lying on the Cauto River, on the northern slopes of the Sierra Maestra, Palma Soriano is a commercial and manufacturing centre for the agricultural and pastoral hinterland, which yields sugarcane, cacao, coffee, corn (maize), fruits, and cattle. Coffee, soft drinks, and furniture are the main industrial products. Manganese is found in the vicinity. Palma Soriano is on the central highway and a major railroad and has a noncommercial airfield. Pop. (2002) 76,179.