Quezaltenango

Quezaltenango (kāsältānäng'gō) [key], city (1994 est. pop. 90,801), SW Guatemala. The city is the metropolis of the western highlands (it is 7,500 ft/2,286 m above sea level) and the second city of Guatemala. The city has much diversified light industry, including textile manufacturing and brewing. The development of hydroelectric power has helped make it a leading industrial city of Central America. Quezaltenango was rebuilt after being severely damaged in 1902 by an eruption of nearby Santa María volcano (12,362 ft/3,768 m). The site of the city was the center of the ancient Quiché kingdom of Xelaju; the region is still dominated by Quiché inhabitants.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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