El Oro Province


El Oro is the southernmost of Ecuador's coastal provinces. It was named for its historically important gold production. Today it is one of the world's major exporters of bananas. The capital is Machala.

History

El Oro province is historically the major area of banana production in Ecuador.

Geography

To the north and east the province has borders with the provinces Guayas, Azuay and Loja. To the west and south it is limited by the Pacific Ocean and the Peruvian Tumbes Region.
The province is divided in 14 cantons and features a wide range of attractions, such as the Jambelí Islands, the petrified forest of the Puyango River, and the island of Santa Clara, to name a few.

Demographics

Ethnic groups as of the Ecuadorian census of 2010:
El Oro economy is mainly based on export of banana and shrimp. Other agricultural products of importance are cacao and coffee.

Politics

Unicameral government.

Cantons

The province is divided into 14 cantons. The following table lists each with its population at the 2001 census, its area in square kilometres, and the name of the canton seat or capital.
CantonPop. Area Seat/Capital
Arenillas32,920803Arenillas
Atahualpa6,410278Paccha
Balsas9,01069Balsas
Chilla2,410328Chilla
El Guabo62,460603El Guabo
Huaquillas59,42072Huaquillas
Las Lajas4,980297La Victoria
Machala286,120338Machala
Marcabelí6,210147Marcabelí
Pasaje86,580452Pasaje
Piñas29,930615Piñas
Portovelo13,910282Portovelo
Santa Rosa81,210889Santa Rosa
Zaruma25,650645Zaruma