Higüey
Higüey (Spanish pronunciation: [iˈɣwej]), or in full Salvaleón de Higüey, is the capital city of the eastern La Altagracia Province, in the Dominican Republic, and the eighth largest city of that country. The Yuma River flows through the urban areas of Higüey.
Higüey | |
|---|---|
| Salvaleón de Higüey | |
Shrine of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey | |
|
Seal | |
Higüey | |
| Coordinates: 18°37′12″N 68°42′36″W | |
| Country | Dominican Republic |
| Province | La Altagracia |
| Founded | 1503 |
| Municipality since | 1844 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2,029.14 km2 (783.46 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 106 m (348 ft) |
| Population (2012) | |
| • Total | 288,990 |
| • Density | 140/km2 (370/sq mi) |
| • Demonym | Higüeyano(a) |
| Municipal Districts | 3 |
| Classification | Af |
Higüey is also the name of a former native chiefdom in Hispaniola's easternmost end when Christopher Columbus arrived. It is now one of the country's economically fastest-developing cities, sometimes nicknamed the Capital of Dominican Tourism or the Capital of Stockbreeding. As of 2006, over 150,000 people lived in Higüey. The city thrives chiefly on tourism, with many of its inhabitants employed in the hotel complexes of Punta Cana a few kilometers away, or selling tourist products.
The most important monuments in the city are the Basilica of La Altagracia and the Church of San Dionisio (Saint Denis), from the 16th century. The current mayor of the city is Rafael Baron Duluc.