# Ambato

> city in Ecuador, capital of the Tungurahua Province

**Wikidata**: [Q210161](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q210161)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambato,_Ecuador)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ambato

## Summary
Ambato is a city in Ecuador that serves as the capital of Tungurahua Province, with a population of approximately 177,316 people as of the 2022 census and an elevation of 2,580 meters above sea level.

## Key Facts
- Instance of: city [class] with sitelink_count: 252
- Located in: Ambato Canton, Ecuador
- Capital of: Tungurahua Province
- Area: 46.5 square kilometres
- Population: 165,185 (2010 census), 177,316 (2022 census)
- Coordinates: -1.24222° latitude, -78.62889° longitude
- Elevation: 2,580 metres above sea level
- Inception: founded on December 6, 1698
- Official name: San Juan Bautista de Ambato
- Postal code: EC180150
- Local dialing code: 593 3
- Timezone: UTC-05:00
- Website: https://ambato.gob.ec/
- Flag: has its own municipal flag
- Demonym: ambateño/a
- Country: Ecuador
- Head of government: Diana Caiza (mayor, 2023)
- Twinned cities: Antofagasta, Santa Fe (1990), Juliaca, Xalapa (1994-09-27)
- Sitelink count: 55
- Wikipedia languages: ar, arz, be, ca, ceb, commons, cs, cv, de, en, eo, es, eu, fa, fi, fr, frr, gl, hr, hy, id, it, ja, ka, ko, lt, ms, nl, nn, no, pl, pnb, pt, qu, ro, ru, sh, si, simple, sk, sr, sv, tl, tr, tt, uk, ur, vo, war, wuu, zh

## FAQs
- **What is the official name of Ambato?** The official name is San Juan Bautista de Ambato.
- **When was Ambato founded?** Ambato was founded on December 6, 1698.
- **What is the population of Ambato?** As of the 2022 census, the population is 177,316 people.
- **What is the elevation above sea level?** The city is situated at 2,580 meters above sea level.
- **Who is the current mayor?** Diana Caiza served as mayor starting in 2023.
- **What is the local dialing code?** The local dialing code is 593 3.
- **What is the timezone?** Ambato uses the UTC-05:00 timezone.
- **What is the area of the city?** The city covers 46.5 square kilometres.
- **What is the capital of Tungurahua Province?** Ambato serves as the capital of Tungurahua Province.
- **What are some of the city's nicknames?** Ambato is also known as "Cuna de los Tres Juanes" (Cradle of the Three Johns), "Tierrita Linda", and "Ciudad de las Flores y las Frutas" (City of Flowers and Fruits).

## Why It Matters
Ambato plays a crucial administrative role as the capital of Tungurahua Province, serving as the political and economic center for the region. Its high elevation (2,580 meters) and strategic location make it an important urban center in Ecuador's central highlands. The city's historical significance dates back to its founding in 1698, and it has developed into a major cultural and commercial hub. The city's status as a provincial capital gives it administrative authority over Ambato Canton and influences regional development policies. Its population of over 170,000 residents makes it one of Ecuador's larger cities, contributing significantly to the country's economic and social landscape.

## Notable For
- **Provincial Capital Status**: Serves as the capital of Tungurahua Province, making it the administrative center for the region.
- **High Elevation City**: One of the highest cities in Ecuador at 2,580 meters above sea level.
- **Historical Significance**: Founded in 1698 and has historical importance as "Cuna de los Tres Juanes" (Cradle of the Three Johns).
- **Cultural Hub**: Known as "Ciudad de las Flores y las Frutas" (City of Flowers and Fruits) due to its agricultural production and natural beauty.
- **Twinned Cities**: Has international partnerships with cities including Santa Fe (Chile, 1990), Juliaca (Peru), and Xalapa (Mexico, 1994-09-27).
- **Administrative Center**: Houses provincial government offices and serves as the seat of local governance.

## Body
### History
Ambato was founded on December 6, 1698, and has historical significance as "Cuna de los Tres Juanes" (Cradle of the Three Johns). The city has developed from its colonial origins into a major urban center in Ecuador's central highlands. Its establishment as the capital of Tungurahua Province in 1824 solidified its administrative importance.

### Geography and Demographics
The city is situated in Ambato Canton at coordinates -1.24222° latitude and -78.62889° longitude, with an elevation of 2,580 meters above sea level. The urban area covers 46.5 square kilometres. According to the 2022 census, the population was 177,316 residents, with a 2010 population of 165,185. The local population is referred to as ambateño/a.

### Administration and Government
Ambato serves as the capital of Tungurahua Province and is governed by a mayor (alcalde), currently Diana Caiza who began her term in 2023. The municipal government operates from the City Hall (GAD Municipal de Ambato) and manages the local administration. The city has a local dialing code of 593 3 and uses the UTC-05:00 timezone. The official website is https://ambato.gob.ec/, and the postal code is EC180150.

### Infrastructure and Transportation
The city has a UN/LOCODE of ECATF and is connected to national and international networks. The local government maintains various public facilities including Cevallos Park and Victor Hugo avenue. The city's infrastructure supports its role as a provincial capital with administrative and commercial functions.

### Culture and Economy
Ambato is known as "Ciudad de las Flores y las Frutas" due to its agricultural production and natural beauty. The city features various cultural landmarks including the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Elevation (Basílica Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Elevación), Bolivar street, and the Atocha-La Liria Historical Botanical Garden. The Juan Montalvo monument honors the famous Ecuadorian writer. The city's economy is supported by agriculture, services, and local commerce.

### International Relations
Ambato maintains international partnerships through twinning agreements with cities including:
- Santa Fe, Chile (established in 1990)
- Juliaca, Peru
- Xalapa, Mexico (established on September 27, 1994)

These relationships facilitate cultural exchange and economic cooperation between Ambato and other cities worldwide.

### Media and Information
The city has representation across multiple platforms:
- Wikipedia page with articles in 37 languages
- Quora topic: Ambato-Ecuador
- Google Play store listing with ID "Ambato"
- Various bibliographic references including WorldCat, Library of Congress, and Encyclopædia Britannica entries

### Notable People
The city is associated with individuals born or deceased there, categorized under "People from Ambato, Ecuador" and related biographical categories. The city's cultural significance extends to its role as a birthplace or final resting place for notable figures in Ecuadorian history.

### Digital Presence
Ambato maintains an online presence through:
- Official government website: https://ambato.gob.ec/
- Wikimedia Commons gallery featuring panoramic views and landmarks
- Multiple image collections including the city collage showing key locations
- Representation in various encyclopedic databases and digital libraries

### Physical Features
The city's physical characteristics include:
- Elevation: 2,580 meters above sea level
- Area: 46.5 square kilometres
- Climate: typical highland climate with cooler temperatures
- Landmarks: various historical and cultural sites documented in the city collage

### References and Classification
Ambato is referenced in multiple authoritative sources including:
- Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition
- Various international bibliographic databases
- Geographic information systems (OpenStreetMap node ID: 249420749)
- Multiple language Wikipedia entries

The city's classification as a provincial capital and its status as a major urban center in Ecuador's central highlands underscore its importance in the country's administrative and cultural landscape.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.santafe.es/data/ficherosadjuntos_contenidosweb/contenidos_664_418_20120413115519.pdf)
2. [Source](https://portales.sre.gob.mx/coordinacionpolitica/index.php/entidades/152-veracruz)
3. [Source](https://portales.sre.gob.mx/coordinacionpolitica/images/stories/documentos_gobiernos/rai/ver/ver7.pdf)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWUzMjQwOWMtZjFhOS00NjczLTk0YTItNjcwZmRmY2YxMjkyIiwidCI6ImYxNThhMmU4LWNhZWMtNDQwNi1iMGFiLWY1ZTI1OWJkYTExMiJ9)
6. GeoNames
7. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ec.htm)
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File