Cotuí | |
---|---|
Cotuí in the Dominican Republic | |
Coordinates: 19°03′36″N 70°09′0″W / 19.06000°N 70.15000°WCoordinates: 19°03′36″N 70°09′0″W / 19.06000°N 70.15000°W | |
Country | Dominican Republic |
Province | Sánchez Ramírez |
Founded | 1505 |
Municipality since | 1847 |
Area | |
• Total | 619.88 km2 (239.34 sq mi) |
Elevation | 66 m (217 ft) |
Population (2012) | |
• Total | 79,596 |
• Density | 130/km2 (330/sq mi) |
• Urban | 48,998 |
• Demonym | Cotuisano(a) |
Distance to – Santo Domingo |
105 km |
Municipal Districts | 4 |
Climate | Af |
Cotuí is a city in the Dominican Republic and is one of the oldest cities of the New World. It is the capital of Sánchez Ramírez Province in the Cibao. It was founded in 1510 by Rodrigo de Trujillo for order of Nicolas de Ovando, who was the governor of Hispaniola. Cotuí was the name of an aboriginal Caribbean tribe leader (Cotoy) who governed the area. The city is well known for its gold, silver, iron, bauxite, marble and nickel mines, its rich soils and the largest artificial lake in the Caribbean, Presa de Hatillo. It is also known for its crystal clear rivers, and its caverns (prehistoric caves called Guácaras). It produces rice, plantains, cacao, pineapples, passion fruits, and yams. Cotui is also the hometown of Mets pitcher Duaner Sánchez and Milwaukee Brewers pitcher José Capellán.
Other major towns near Cotuí in Sánchez Ramírez, are Villa La Mata, Fantino, La Cueva and Cevicos.