city, east-central Cuba. It is a major commercial, manufacturing, and transportation centre for the surrounding agricultural and pastoral lands, which are known primarily for sugarcane, although tropical fruits, beeswax and honey, molasses, and cattle are also produced. The city contains sawmills, distilleries, bottling plants, and factories producing dried, salted beef. Sugar refineries and a thermal power plant are located nearby. Ciego de Ávila lies on the central highway and a major railroad; its port, Júcaro, lies 15 miles (24 km) south-southwest on the Caribbean Sea. Pop. (2002) 106,225.