Highest elevation 3,590 m (11,780 ft) Time zone ECT (UTC-5) Area 5,767 km² Area code 07 | Established April 23, 1884 Lowest elevation 0 m (0 ft) Vehicle registration O Team Fuerza Amarilla SC | |
Points of interest Parque Picapiedra, Zoo Arenillas, Pasaje De Las Nieves, Monumento al Bananero, Gobernación de El Oro Destinations | ||
El Oro province (Spanish: Provincia de El Oro; Oro (es:oro) = Gold) 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.
Contents
Map of El Oro, Ecuador
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:
Economy
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 (km²), and the name of the canton seat or capital.