San Miguel

Administrative capital of the department of San Miguel in El Salvador; population (1992) 182,800. The city is situated at the foot of the volcanoes of San Miguel (2,130 m/6,988 ft) and Chinameca, 141 km/88 mi from San Salvador and lies on the Inter-American Highway and on the railway. San Miguel is El Salvador's third-largest city and is the main centre for the eastern part of the country. It attracts many tourists. There is some gold and silver mining in the area.

San Miguel was founded in 1530 and has an 18th-century cathedral. There is an annual fiesta held for the Virgen de la Paz in November. Chaparrastique volcano nearby is still active, and erupted 10 times in the 20th century, most recently in 1976.

San Miguel

Department in the east of El Salvador; area 2,532 sq km/978 sq mi; population (1993) 362,300. In the north it is bordered by Honduras and in the south by the Pacific Ocean. It is the country's largest department and extends into Honduras. There are numerous lakes, the biggest being the Laguna de Olomega in the extreme southeast. The department is crossed by several mountain ranges, including the Sierra Tecapa Chinameca, and the Cordillera Jucuáran-Intipuca. Essentially agricultural, the area produces beans, maize, cotton and sisal. Cattle raising and dairy farming are also important. Some silver and gold is mined. The capital is San Miguel.

San Miguel

Town in Bulacan province on Luzon Island in the Philippines, 38 km/24 mi northwest of Malolos; population (1990) 91,100. Rice, corn, and sugar are grown in its hinterland. There are mineral springs, and iron ore is found nearby.