town, eastern Guatemala, situated at 738 feet (225 metres) above sea level along the San José River. Although the town is old, it grew greatly in size and importance only after the Puerto Barrios–Guatemala City railroad was completed; it is the junction of the line from El Salvador. Zacapa is also a commercial and manufacturing centre for the agricultural and pastoral hinterland, which yields principally sugarcane, corn (maize), beans, tobacco, and livestock. The town is locally renowned for cheese and cigars. Buildings in the town suffered much structural damage in the earthquake of 1976. Pop. (2002) 30,036.