Instead of cigars, the box contains a set of baseball cards featuring portraits of various members of ProCigar, the organization of major Dominican cigar. And they certainly did with Liga Undercrown 10—celebrating the 10 th anniversary of the Undercrown brand. They produce cigars as well, all as a father-and-sons team that also includes Nestor’s brothers Gustavo and José Luis. Table of Contents. Cigar tobacco is grown in significant quantities in Brazil, Cameroon, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Indonesia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Sumatra, the Philippines, and the Eastern United. The strong 2021 followed a fairly strong 2020, when 361. At Vivonté, we care about our customers and our cigars. Cigar Port hosts a large selection of Premium Cuban and non-Cuban Cigar brands made from the best tobacco in the world. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – TABACALERA A. The cigar which features an Ecuadorian wrapper from Oliva Tobacco’s El Bajo farm is selected from the upper portion of the plant which adds to the strength and flavor. However, the Broadleaf Dark cigar above is the genuine, machine-made in Connecticut article. We offer a wide range of services for companies , retailers and final customers ; Cigars handmade by our artisans, personalized private label , We assist you to develop your own cigar brand . The highly rated Monte by Montecristo premium cigars are handmade with aged Dominican tobaccos. All cigars are shipped factory direct to your doorstep. Cigar News: Procigar 2024 Dates Announced. for ourselves, but also for dozens of other cigar “manufacturers” and private labelers around the world. 4. | Cigar. 00. The festival allows attendees intimate access to Dominican cigar companies and direct access to the country’s most prominent cigarmakers. "The cigar is the pinnacle of full flavor" (Cigar Aficionado review). Aroma; Bear Paw; Bolivar; Calixto Lopez; Cohiba;. com +1 (809) 569 9494 +1 (809) 569 9595 Zona Franca Industrial de Villa Mella. In 1927, the tobacco industry in Lebanon County employed 560 people and produced goods worth $1,230,600 ($19. WRAPPER: Hab. S. Box Single Length. Filler. Yet in Honduras, the Dominican Republic and at one time in Cuba, cigar rollers were respected craftsmen, and even today their wage can support a family. We have worked with local factories for decades to offer you the finest cigars in the world at the lowest prices guaranteed. Hosted by the Dominican cigar manufacturers organization, PROCIGAR and our good friend, Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego, the ProCigar Festival has it all. MENU MENU Order. Madrid also has one of my favorite cigar places, the Cava de Magallanes. The strong 2021 followed a fairly strong 2020, when 361. The 16th ProCigar Festival will be taking place from February 18 to 23, 2024, in the Dominican Republic, during its traditional week of President’s Day. Our cigars are manufactured with the finest blends of tobacco from the Dominican Republic and. Despite this, Nicaragua surpassed the Dominican Republic to become the largest cigar exporter in the world. Thus the demand far exceeds the supply of this. By now, you know why Cuba is the perfect place for growing cigar tobacco. 6) Wrapper: El Bajo Ecuadorian Ligero. Educational tour of Vivonte Cigar Factory in the Dominican Republic. April 19, 2022. The Dominican Republic exports a wide range of cigars with varying flavours and intensities. Already the world's largest cigar producer, the Caribbean nation is on track. Eduardo León Jimenes opened La Aurora in Guazumal, near Santiago. 30 per cigar. and only M&N Cigar Manufacturers (United States distributors of Arturo Fuente and Cuesta-Rey brands under the. . The Rare Cigar Club. A. So it was a good idea to transfer production from Miami to the Dominican Republic. The Arturo Fuente Grand Reserva is just one of the hardest cigars to find, so if you see them in stock, don’t delay. This solid 5 x 50 smoke features an all-Dominican. THE THOROUGHBRED CHAMPIONThe original Dominican cigar, La Aurora cigars have set the standard for premium craftsmanship since 1903. We’re talking about getting costs, hand-rolled cigars from brand names like Montecristo, La Aroma de Cuba, Arturo Fuente, Rocky Patel, and also even top-shelf brand names like. Cigar Country’s Experts will guide you through the VegaFina cigar-making experience and assist you in choosing the right cigar for you. Thompson Dominican Casino Royale Maduro Lonsdale Grande Vanilla. Binder – Dominican Republic. Kom ihåg att det är ditt ansvar att. Actually, a lot of cigar manufacturers in other countries recognize the quality of our tobacco by naming some of their products after Nicaragua when they use it, like Davidoff NicaraguaCollection. Quesada. The J. Davidoff has carved out its sophisticated niche in the cigar industry, although the company manufactures a number of other products aimed at the high-end consumer market, including cigarettes, coffee, leather goods, watches, cognac, and fragrances. 15 - $183. The Fuente Family’s philosophy has always been, “It’s not about cigars, it’s about the people. 30% OFF. Shop Now. Your cigars will be ready to be commercialized. From Cusano Cigars, one of the top boutique cigar manufacturers who have earned high-scores for their flavorful boxed cigar selections, comes this full-flavored Cusano CC bundle edition. Skip to content. The Company also has a cutting/flavoring line in the Dominican Republic. Honduras had an increase of 18. 1918. Welcome to Secretariat Cigars, Premium Handmade Cigars in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. There is no bigger, more inclusive celebration of Dominican cigars and culture than the annual ProCigar Festival. “We are very pleased to know that our festival participants have knowledge of where our tobacco grows and how our cigars are produced. The Dominican Republic's original and oldest cigar is celebrating a New Dawn. 2% through 2028. They come in various formats like the belicoso and Lonsdale. Unfortunately if you are NOT, this is not a website for you. When Winston Churchill visited the Romeo factory in 1946, the company named his favorite cigar size, a 7 by 47 Parejo, the “Churchill. Country: Nicaragua. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. Curiously, it doesn’t really matter how much tobacco, say, a cigar made in the Dominican Republic has in it from Nicaragua. There isn’t a single major Dominican producer of handmade cigars that doesn’t participate, and guests are given a choice as to which manufacturers they wish to visit. Available from Arturo Fuente, 100% Dominican, and more brands. 00 • Medium to Full. Following a successful 2022 Procigar Festival, the Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers has announced the dates of its 2023 festival. The cigar lines from Don Lucas are. The Festival offers attendees a chance to see a considerable amount of the beautiful, cigar-loving nation and engage with some of the most respected cigar manufacturers in the world. We’re both capable and eager to take on your project. Larutan’s story began during the cigar boom of the ’90s, like many other cigar manufacturers. Vintage Cigar Box J R Churchhills JR Tobacco Made in Dominican Republic. to better serve our customers and . Whether you smoke regularly or just on the occasion, order your Dominican cigars through our website or visit our shop in Toorak, Melbourne. Dominican Republic Honduras Packaging. Our passion for cigars goes beyond a huff and puff. About. C. Today, the brand’s portfolio has grown to include a number of high-quality, handmade profiles that. Nicaragua is a major region for tobacco growing and rolling. Department of Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. 99. 2. (One exception is the Opus X brand from Tabacalera A. 3 percent, to 84. Visit Website. Montecristo Monte (also called Monte by Montecristo) reveals a medium to full-bodied portrait of leather, spices, and chocolate. The largest cigar company in the world is Imperial, with a revenue of $41. and a. Hi, Welcome! Our DBL Cigars Website contains tobacco products and is only acceptable for 21 years old or older. Why is La Aurora considered one of the Dominican Republic’s iconic cigar manufacturers? La Aurora is the oldest cigar manufacturer in the Dominican Republic, with a history dating back to 1903. A golden Connecticut Shade wrapper glistens over a magnificent blend of premium aged Dominican binder and filler tobaccos grown by the Fuente family. Description. S. At 7 inches by 47 ring gauge, this high-scoring smoke—made by the oldest producer of cigars in the Dominican Republic—is one of the best values you’ll find on the. As a. Expert Cigar Manufacturers. Boasting the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America, the Dominican Republic (DR) is known for many things, notably tourism, crystal-clear blue waters, sandy white beaches, and baseball. 4 – Arturo Fuente Hemingway. Over the years, the Dominican Republic has become home to many acclaimed cigar manufacturers. In 2018, political turmoil rocked Nicaragua and threatened to derail the cigar industry again. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve the same limelight. CP: 11206March 21, 2022. Enjoy our master class and become a better cigar smoker. Find High Quality Dominican Cigar Boxes Manufacturer Dominican Cigar Boxes Suppliers and Dominican Cigar Boxes Products at the Best Price on Alibaba. Hanging on for a little over a decade following Gilbert, it eventually also moved to the Dominican Republic, in 2000. 2. Their Puerto Plata facility has a selection of custom cigars . Price. Macanudo cigars were introduced in 1971 by the General Cigar Company under the management of Ramon Cifuentes who was a cigar master of the Partagas. These cigars vary in flavor and strength. 00 Original price. Our team is one great machine, where each part is crucial for the others success. 1 The Best Dominican Cigars 2023. with filler, binder, and wrapper from the U. proudly dominican republic manufacturer EST. Delivery. Corp. First launched at the 2021 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, these top-notch cigars were met with overwhelming approval by the many participants that had the. Wrapper – Habano Jalapa. Leading off our Top 5 JR Private Label Cigars is a cigar that came out earlier this year with the collaboration from Rafael Nodal of AUSA, and JR Cigars. Despite Cuba still having a stronghold over the big cigar business, most critics, including me, will argue that often, they’re just not all they are cracked up to be. H. 2 million handmade cigars. Ring. These cigars vary in flavor and strength. 39 cigars dominican republic products are offered for sale by suppliers on Alibaba. Sticking with what works, according to Kelner, results from years of high-risk gambles that didn't pay, especially in the Dominican Republic. Browse the collection of cigars. DBL CIGAR BASEBALL BAT. As per the Volza's Dominican Republic Cigar boxes Exporters & Suppliers directory, there are 73 active Cigar boxes Exporters in Dominican Republic exporting to 107 Buyers. The Dominican Republic is a sovereign state occupying the eastern five-eighths of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. CP: 11206Best known for his wallet-friendly Victor Sinclair line, Jose Dominguez is one of the best cigar manufacturers currently working in the Dominican Republic. Its smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper covers a Dominican binder and filler. Buying Cigars While in the Dominican Republic. We have a broad range of customers so we have a broad range of products, from papers to tapes, bags, labels, offset. But here, we have an absolute homerun for team innovation. Top-notch, highly sought after and respected cigars hail from Honduras. This allows that we only release cigars when they are. The tobaccos are slightly milder than those grown in Cuba or. Strength – Medium. With brands like La Aurora, Macanudo, and Arturo Fuente, the DR represents strong in the cigar game. To help our readers-cum-cigar explorers find their way happily in the original cigar-friendly nation, Cigar Aficionado offers the following guide to lodging, dining and various Dominican idiosyncrasies. Davidoff Cool Water cologne is perhaps one of the company’s best-known non-tobacco products. We produce adult consumer products for the U. 8 Options. This, however, is all changing now. The second edition of the Dominican Cigar Fest will be held on 10, 11, and 12 November in the municipality of Tamboril, located in the northeast of the province of Santiago and is considered the “Cigar Capital of the World. Established in 1903 the factory is located in the Cibao Valley of Santiago, the second-largest city in the DR. Clients Around the World. Eduardo León Jimenes opened La Aurora in Guazumal, near Santiago. Our cigars are made from the finest, aged first-generation Cuban seed tobacco and each GTO Cigar is meticulously crafted by some of the most experienced torcedors (rollers) in the Dominican Republic. Every legend and superhero has an origin story. All rights reserved. Only 75 hand-rolled cigars are made a day. “We are very. See where we've been and where we're going in 2023. In the premium cigar industry, Davidoff is viewed as the creme de la creme of premium cigars—luxury, high-quality and, at times, ultra-premium. José Arnaldo Blanco II established Tabacalera Palma in 1925 and filed for industrial registration in 1936, becoming one of the first cigar manufacturers in the Dominican Republic. planted 37 acres of Cuban seeds in the Dominican Republic. 25. 22-25 in Santiago de los Caballeros, the heart of the Dominican cigar industry. The cigars are made using the finest Cuban-shredded tobaccos from the Dominican Republic,. The Oldest Dominican Brand. Still owned by the Marnier Lapostolle family, the acclaimed liqueur possesses a luxurious taste and uses the same secret recipe. Tabacalera Cubana S. In our Hi-Tech production facility located in Santiago, Dominican Republic, several million high-quality are made each year. Points: 24. Accents. Showing 6 items Results per page. Procigar has announced the dates for its annual festival will be February 18 to 23, 2024 in the Dominican Republic. Product/Service:We. A cigar’s origin is determined by where it’s made. Each […]New: from the Dominican Republic. 75 x 52) are among the bestselling sizes. Plus, all ten sticks are nested in a convenient humidor that’s perfect for aficionados on the go. This beautiful country situated at the heart of the Caribbean is blessed with lush fertile soil, the perfect weather to cultivate high-quality tobacco, and the most joyful islanders to ever roll handmade cigars. Procigar made the announcement of its dates on its social channels. Country: Dominican. 000 - Coupon code: DISCOUNT5; 10% Discount on Orders above R 12. Since its premiere in 2008, the ProCigar festival has served as an up-close, behind-the-scenes exhibition of the Dominican Republic’s premium cigar industry, offering picturesque outings to tobacco fields and bustling factory tours. Ring – 50. Corporation Cigar Export Dominican Republic Ave Marie Tabacalera A. trade embargo in the 1960s, Ecuador quickly emerged as a sought. FUENTE. Procigar, an association of cigar manufacturers in the Dominican Republic, organizes this annual festival that offers a unique and immersive experience for cigar enthusiasts. LA AURORA IS NOW AVAILABLE NEAR YOU. Throughout the decade, the Dominican Republic has supplied roughly half of the premium cigars smoked in America. Each year, our 9-member panel of tobacconists collectively spends nearly half a year in man hours in Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic working with manufacturers to refine new blends. This cigar is a. Cigar manufacturers such as Emmanuelle Marty, cofounder, co-owner and president of Sublimado Cigar Corp. The approved sales area covers seven major regions across China, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangdong, Shandong, Zhejiang, and Sichuan. THE THOROUGHBRED CHAMPIONThrough these methods, we always strive to be some of the best dominican cigars and top cigar brands in the market. Enjoy our master class and become a better cigar smoker. 8 million in 1977, grew to 33. See full list on bespokeunit. The partnership has stood the test of time because the families share values of quality, integrity, loyalty, and philanthropy. After canceling this year’s event due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, Procigar will return from Feb. 8 million, and come 1981 these figures had swelled to 33. From our boutique cigar factory located in the . The country’s climate is a sweet spot for growing high-quality tobacco, allowing them to have a booming cigar market. Procigar refers to both the festival as well as the association of cigar manufacturers in the Dominican Republic whose members include: De Los Reyes; General Cigar Dominicana (General Cigar. Notable Dominican Republic Cigars and Producers. #3 - Oliva. Handmade in the Dominican Republic, Davidoff offers a burgeoning portfolio of premium blends with a distinctly mellow and approachable profile. Discover the Dominican Republic’s rich cigar heritage and taste the world-class cigars made by Ashton, Arturo Fuente and Romeo y Julieta. We hand craft a perfectly sized american aromatic cedar box and to ensure perfect humidity, we have partnered with Boveda, the global leader in 2-way humidity control systems to maintain a perfect 69% humidity. Box Pack Length. C. Subtle bourbon infusion enhances these mild to medium-bodied cigars. Everyone is trying to up the ante in one way or another. The Best Dominican Republic Cigars. 000 - Coupon code: DISCOUNT3 5% Discount on Orders above R 7. Churchill. A passionate four-generation family-run company in the Dominican Republic, Fuente began with very humble beginnings and have grown to grown and evolved to become one of the world’s most renown brands of. 4. Camacho has been thinking outside the box for some time. Accents and Connecticut, Nat. ABAM Cigars S. The American appeared slightly nervous as he waited for American Airlines Flight 621 to Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic. When we tried Undercrown 10—the most dressed-to-kill cigar (including double bands and a vertical yellow ribbon over the cap) in the brand’s lineup—we were immediately struck by the deep,. In 2020 alone, the Caribbean nation recorded $1 billion worth of tobacco exports. List Grid. 78 $191. View full details Original price $3. MSRP: $7-$7. 580 shipments match cigar. Our progressive development team of innovators are consistently evolving to improve our capabilities giving us the edge over most conventional manufacturers. com +1 (809) 569 9494 +1 (809) 569 9595 Zona Franca Industrial de Villa Mella. These are the names for Dominican cigars sizes. Country of Origin – Nicaragua. 1992. The city is large and very cosmopolitan. Filler – Ometepe Jalapa. 12. Cigar giant Tabacalera USA makes cigars in a host of countries, but its biggest factory is Tabacalera de Garcia, located in La Romana, Dominican Republic. 1972. Once the cigars get to us we continue the ageing process in our specially designed humidors. The cigar store and lounge opened on Monday, Aug. 3 million handmade cigars were shipped to the United States, a seven-percent increase over 2019 numbers. Cigar manufacturers have been chasing new and bold flavors for the past. Grand Marnier had been an icon of authentic French "Joie de Vivre" for over 150 years. Payne Mason Cigars. American cigars manufacturers; Suppliers similar to Rolida Investments Inc. The Cuban Cigar Factory was established in 1995 in the heart of San Diego’s Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Cigar manufacturers of world-renowned brands. Calle Italia, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 62106. Tobaccos grown in the Dominican Republic have been used in premium cigars for generations, but only in the past 25 years has the country become known for producing wrappers. HOME; OUR COLLECTION; EVENTS; OUR STORY; SHOP; CONTACT US; Search for: Home secretariat 2021-10-28T01:08:09+00:00. Each of our cigar rollers are from the Dominican Republic and has 20 or more years of professional experience rolling cigars for some of the biggest names in the industry. Cigar Country by VegaFina Megastore. Welcome to Secretariat Cigars, Premium Handmade Cigars in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. According to Cigar Aficionado magazine, 44% of the world's most traded cigars come from the Dominican Republic, the world's largest producer of cigars, especially from the fertile lands of the Cibao capital, where 90% of the factories are located. Handmade in the Dominican Republic at Jose “Jochy” Blanco’s Tabacalera Palma factory. 100% tobacco. This beautiful country situated at the heart of the Caribbean is blessed with lush fertile soil, the perfect weather to cultivate high-quality tobacco, and the most joyful islanders to ever roll handmade cigars. 99. 5 million cigars. Filler – USA / Nicaragua / Peru. 2. Moca, Apartado Postal 178 . The Dominican domination is interrupted by wrappers like the Connecticut shade from Connecticut and Ecuador. (100) $19. Nude as we are brought into the…JM's Dominican Connecticut. Atraves time we have been experiencing transformations to please and accommodate all of our distributors. Enjoy our master class and become a better cigar smoker. The DR’s tobacco industry got a boost in 1903 when an 18-year old member of a tobacco-growing family decided to open a cigar factory. com The original Dominican cigar brand expertly crafted for a variety of medium and full-bodied blends. 4500. The soil in the Dominican Republic proved to be even better than expected, and Dominican cigars have been hitting the top-25 cigar charts ever since. The Dominican Republic is one of the largest exporters of cigars worldwide. United States. Box of 50. 1 – Davidoff Aniversario Series. Now that Procigar Festival 2022 has successfully concluded, the Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers has announced the dates for the festival in 2023. An alluring. by 7 customers. Dominican Republic Cigars. Wholesale Shipping Tobacco Cigar Package with Dominican Republic Cigar Wooden Cigar Gift Box $2. They are special productions for pre- order and signed by our brand, made by our designer and specialists. Procigar is an organization of cigar manufacturers based in the. De León Cigars. 0. in the U. 75-$12. 26 cents per cigar. Beautiful Selection. La Aurora Cigar Factory is located off Avenida 27 de Febrero in terminal three of the Zona Franca of Tamboril, just outside Santiago de los Caballeros. Top Dominican Cigar Brands. The. The brand is handcrafted to an exquisite standard by seasoned artisanal cigar-rollers in the Dominican Republic’s premier boutique factory. Best Known Cigar Producing Countries. Our top 20 cigars, from mild to robust, smoke like Cuban cigars but hail from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. In one hand, everyone holds a drink; in the other, a box. The Gurkha family is amongst the leaders if not the leading company when it comes to Dominican Republic cigar manufacturing. The country has the ninth-largest economy in Latin America and is the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central American region. 0 54. What a great way to memorialize your special day! Call us toll free today at (800) 434-3994 or use our convenient online order form to order the finest custom label cigar available! Don’t need custom bands? Our premium cigars are also available without private labels. “We are really a microcosm of all the Atlantic branches under one roof. One month after declaring tobacco and cigars as Cultural Heritage of the country, the. Argyle debuted to satisfy cigar lovers with a preference for milder flavors and unbeatable prices. Tyler Sizemore Show More. 2 million handmade cigars. Perdomo Special Craft Series Pilsner. Shop cigars from the Dominican Republic at Cigars International. $3. Procigar made the announcement of its dates on its social channels. Last spring, I visited a number of tobacco manufacturers in Santiago, the center of tobacco production in the Dominican Republic, and some of them reminded me of condemned men. Already the world’s largest cigar producer, the Caribbean nation is on track to export a record $1 billion worth of tobacco products this year, up 6 percent over the $942 million it sold abroad in 2019, according to. January 13, 2023 4 Min Read 0 152 Let’s start with the fact that cigars in the Dominican Republic are one of the gifts that tourists bring home. “We are very pleased to know that our festival participants have knowledge of where our tobacco grows and how our cigars are produced. Tabadom Holding, Inc. This Fuente 8-5-8 has a magnificent dark and ridged wrapper. But I think that most of the premium. Dominican Republic Cigar Factory Tours: Schedule Today! Davidoff. He was reading a book, Cigar Aficionado's World of. ORDER NOW Making Our Cigars All our private label cigars are a blend of Cubano Piloto in both Lijero and Seco as well as Olor Dominicano used as the trippa, or filler. Our reputation for unsurpassed quality, with both flavor and construction, has amassed a. In the Free Zones, there are currently more than 80 cigar manufacturers and tobacco processors, generating around 30,000 direct jobs. With. Expert cigar-makers understand that it takes a well-paired selection of tobaccos to craft a cigar. Thus the demand far exceeds the supply of this. The Piloto Cubano Dominican Binder varies in color, but is generally a darker leaf with smooth to medium strength. Complement the cigar with a good rum, and feel an experience unlike anything. Color: Natural. Preferred Vitola: 5. Dominican Cigar Fest 2022 will begin Friday, June 3, and conclude on June 5. April 17, 2019. Next year’s Procigar festival will begin in the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic and will then continue in Santiago De Los Caballeros from February 19-24, 2023. They both devoted all their efforts to the trade of cocoa beans, fruits, meats, and of course, tobacco. Cigar News: Procigar 2024 Dates Announced. Today, this is a landmark operation, and they are the producers of some of the finest smokes on the planet; the La Aurora Barrel Aged Robusto is a perfect example. What you don’t find a lot of these days are premium, handmade cigars with the label “Made in the USA. Welcome to Secretariat Cigars, Premium Handmade Cigars in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Each day. Dominican Republic Packaging. The 16th ProCigar Festival will be taking place from February 18 to 23, 2024, in the Dominican Republic, during its traditional week of President’s Day. Free shipping over $199. Cigar Country is the largest distributor and retailer of Dominican premium handmade cigars in the Caribbean. 5245. When cigar manufacturers were seeking alternatives to Cuban tobacco following the U. A similar fate befell the island’s other famous brand, Macanudo. Fuente cigars are hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic. Welcome to our artisanal tobacco company, a true beacon of excellence in Punta Cana. The manufactory was founded in 2001, by its owners Ruth De Leon and her husband Sylvio Buchschatz. Although it has been less of a problem since Davidoff began producing cigars in the Dominican Republic, his company was plagued for many years by phony cigars coming from Central and South America, especially Brazil. Largest Cigar Companies Research Summary. While 50 U. This is in a country with about seven million in population.