city and port, southeastern Dominican Republic, on the Caribbean Sea opposite Catalina Island. Founded near the end of the 19th century, La Romana grew rapidly after the establishment of a large sugar mill in 1911. In addition to sugarcane, the surrounding region produces coffee, tobacco, beeswax, cattle, and hides. The city has food-processing and soap, shoe, and furniture plants. The port handles mainly sugar, and there is considerable fishing. New residential luxury resorts also have been built. La Romana is accessible by secondary highway from San Pedro de Macorís and El Seíbo. Pop. (2002) urban area, 191,303.