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Place Name
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Ponce
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Pronunciation
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PON-sai
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Place Status (Type)
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city
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Population
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187,749 (1990)
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Location
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Puerto Rico, United States, Caribbean
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Latitude
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unknown
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Longitude
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unknown
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Ponce
(PON-sai), city (1990 pop. 187,749), S P.R. The isl.'s
2d-largest city in area, 3d-largest in pop. One of Puerto Rico's most
rapidly growing urban areas, it is the isl.'s chief Caribbean port.
From 1820 to 1920, its port was a center for the coffee,
sugar, and tobacco trade. In the 1950s-1970s it was an oil port
(refinery was built nearby, but has since closed). Ponce is also an
agr. trade and distribution center. Industries include the processing
of agr. prods., sugar refining, liquor distilling, mfg. (cement, shoes,
beverages, foods, coffee). Tourism is now an important
industry. Founded in the early 16th cent., Ponce is one of the oldest
cities in the Americas. Seat of the Catholic Univ. of P.R. (est. 1948)
and a regional col. of the Univ. of P.R. Landmarks include a cathedral,
an 18th-cent. fort, and many preserved old Span. homes and churches,
major central plaza restoration. Site of Ponce Mus. of Art, the
Firestation mus. (1883), and several other mus., Tibes Indian
Ceremonial Center (oldest cemetery in Antilles). Airport.
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