Manzanillo

Manzanillo, city, eastern Cuba. It lies amid swamplands at the head of the shallow Gulf of Guacanayabo, an embayment of the Caribbean Sea.

Founded in 1784, Manzanillo is a commercial and manufacturing centre for the fertile agricultural district to the east and north, which produces sugarcane, fruit, rice, cattle, and a variety of other items. The city contains sugar refineries, sawmills, tanneries, canneries, and cigar factories. Zinc and copper deposits are located in the vicinity. The port handles mainly sugar products, tobacco, and hardwoods; fishing also contributes to the economy. Manzanillo is linked by railroad and highway to Santiago de Cuba (east-southeast) and has an airfield. Pop. (2002) 97,038; (2011 est.) 97,800.