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Maricao, Puerto Rico

Maricao, Puerto Rico
Municipality
Flag of Maricao, Puerto Rico
Flag
Nickname(s): Pueblo de las Indieras, Ciudad del Monte del Estado, Ciudad de Leyenda y Romance, Tierra del Café
Anthem: "Sobre las verdes altura"
Location of Maricao in Puerto Rico
Location of Maricao in Puerto Rico
Coordinates: 18°10′51″N 66°58′48″W / 18.18083°N 66.98000°W / 18.18083; -66.98000Coordinates: 18°10′51″N 66°58′48″W / 18.18083°N 66.98000°W / 18.18083; -66.98000
Country United States
Territory Puerto Rico
Founded April 10, 1874
Government
 • Mayor Hon. Gilberto Pérez Valentín
 • Senatorial dist. 5 - Ponce
 • Representative dist. 21
Area
 • Total 37.1 sq mi (96.0 km2)
 • Land 37.1 sq mi (96 km2)
 • Water 0 sq mi (0 km2)
Population (2010)
 • Total 6,276
 • Density 170/sq mi (65/km2)
Demonym(s) Maricaeños
Time zone AST (UTC-4)
Zip code 00606

Maricao (Spanish pronunciation: [maɾiˈkao]) is the second-least populous municipality of Puerto Rico located at the western edge of the Cordillera Central. It is a small town set around a small plaza in hilly terrain, north of San Germán, Saban Grande and Yauco; south of Las Marías and Lares, southeast of Mayagüez, and west of Adjuntas. Maricao is spread over 15 wards and Maricao Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city).

The town borders the Maricao Fish Hatchery, a collection of tanks and ponds in a garden setting, where some 25,000 fish are raised yearly to stock farm fishponds and island lakes. The hatchery is part of the Maricao State Forest, also known as Monte del Estado. Though of dryer vegetation than the other mountain forest, Maricao is home to large number of bird species. Its stone observation tower provides far-flung views to the coast and the Mona Passage.

Maricao has a 2000 census population of 6,449. It has a land area of 37.1 square miles (96.87 km2.

Maricao was founded on April 1, 1874 when Bernardo Collado, Julián Ayala, Francisco M. Sojo, Napoleón Pietri and Leoncio S. Martínez requested the Provincial Deputation authorization to establish an official town. It originally belonged to the district of San Germán, but they alleged the roads were too long and almost impassable. Their request made references to a parish already established in 1866.


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