city, central Dominican Republic. Situated in the fertile La Vega Real region on the Yuna River, it was founded in 1505 as a mining centre. Early in the colonial era, gold, silver, and copper were mined in the vicinity; iron pyrites, amber, and graphite deposits were later discovered nearby. The surrounding agricultural lands are utilized primarily to grow rice and cacao. Cotuí is accessible by secondary highway from Santo Domingo, the national capital, and from nearby urban centres. Pop. (2002) urban area, 42,115.