city and port on the Gulf of Mexico (Mexico, Gulf of), northern Yucatán estado (state), Mexico. It lies about 22 miles (35 km) north of Mérida, the state capital. The chief port of Yucatán, Progreso was initially developed to export henequen (a fibre produced on plantations in the hinterland), but it now handles a variety of regional exports, including wood products and copra. Chief imports include foodstuffs and consumer goods for Mérida and the northern Yucatán peninsula. The port is also frequented by ferries and cruise ships carrying international tourists. Progreso's white sand beaches and clear, calm waters make it a popular local resort destination, but the coastline suffers from beach erosion. Pop. (2000) 44,354.