city, southwestern Dominican Republic, in the lowlands between the eastern shore of Lake Enriquillo and the Yaque del Sur River. It was founded about the beginning of the 18th century. Sugarcane and fine timber are the principal products of the area; rock salt and gypsum deposits in hill-like formations are located in the vicinity. The city is accessible by secondary highways from Barahona and Jimaní, and it has an airfield. Pop. (2002) urban area, 18,305.