seaport, west-central Portugal, at the mouth of the Mondego River on the Atlantic Ocean, west of Coimbra city. Little is known of its origin, save that it received the title and privileges of a city in 1882. Tourism is a primary economic concern, and the local beaches are considered among the finest in Portugal. Other attractions include the Dr. Santos Rocha Municipal Museum, with archaeological relics from the surrounding region as well as a library containing more than 50,000 volumes, and the Santa Catarina fort, which guards the harbour entrance. Figueira da Foz is an important fishing station for Atlantic cod and is the centre of the coastal trade in grain, fruits, wine, olive oil, cork, and coal. Salt, panned locally, is exported, and lignite is mined; manufactures include cement and glass. Pop. (2001) 22,719.