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Corozal, Puerto Rico

Corozal, Puerto Rico
Municipality
View of Cordillera Central in Corozal, Puerto Rico, by Jack Delano in 1941.
View of Cordillera Central in Corozal, Puerto Rico, by Jack Delano in 1941.
Flag of Corozal, Puerto Rico
Flag
Nickname(s): "La Capital del Voleibol", "Los Plataneros"
Anthem: "Salve Perla de Sabana"
Location of Corozal in Puerto Rico
Location of Corozal in Puerto Rico
Coordinates: 18°20′30″N 66°19′1″W / 18.34167°N 66.31694°W / 18.34167; -66.31694Coordinates: 18°20′30″N 66°19′1″W / 18.34167°N 66.31694°W / 18.34167; -66.31694
Country United States
Territory Puerto Rico
Founded 1795
Government
 • Mayor Hon. Sergio Torres Torres (PPD)
 • Senatorial dist. 6 - Guayama
 • Representative dist. 28
Area
 • Total 42 sq mi (109 km2)
 • Land 42 sq mi (109 km2)
 • Water 0 sq mi (0 km2)
Population (2010)
 • Total 37,142
 • Density 880/sq mi (340/km2)
Demonym(s) Corozaleños
Time zone AST (UTC-4)
Zip code 00783
Area code 787

Corozal (Spanish pronunciation: [koɾoˈsal]) is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the central-eastern region, north of Orocovis and Barranquitas; south Vega Alta; southwest of Toa Alta; east of Morovis and Orocovis; and west of Naranjito. Corozal is spread over 12 wards and Corozal Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city). It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The city name is derived from the "palma de corozo" (grugru palm, Acrocomia media) which abounds in the central zone of the Island.

Corozal's local Taino Indian Cacique (Chief) was named Orocobix and his tribe was known as the Jatibonicu Taino.

Corozal was founded in 1795 and officially became a town in 1804. Commonly known as La Cuna del Volibol or Volleyball's Crib. It takes its name from the "palma de corozo" (Acrocomia media). Its population as of the 2000 census was 36,867, and it has a land area of 110.3 km2 (43 sq mi).

Corozal is home to the Historical Center of Cibuco, a park and museum with relics from the Puerto Rican natives (Tainos) as well as objects, paintings and artifacts from the town's history.

Local interest: El Balalaika is a cafeteria / liquor store which opened its doors around 1962 and hasn't been closed since, with the exceptions of Hurricane Hugo and the occasional political elections. It also serves as a Municipal Police Outpost.

One of Puerto Rico's major plaintain producers. New small businesses producing eggs and hydrophonic crops (lettuce, recao) are emerging.


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