# Atuntaqui

> city of Imbabura Province, Ecuador

**Wikidata**: [Q4741622](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4741622)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atuntaqui)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atuntaqui

## Summary
Atuntaqui is a city located in Imbabura Province, Ecuador, serving as the capital of Antonio Ante Canton. Founded in 1566, it has a population of 25,115 as of the 2022 census and is situated at an elevation of 2,405 meters above sea level. The city is officially named Santa Marta de Atuntaqui and is known for its cultural heritage and bilingual Spanish-Quichua-speaking community.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1566.
- **Official Name**: Santa Marta de Atuntaqui.
- **Population**: 25,115 (2022 census); 21,286 (2010).
- **Area**: 9.88 square kilometres.
- **Elevation**: 2,405 metres above sea level.
- **Coordinates**: 0°19′57″N 78°12′49″W.
- **Time Zone**: UTC−05:00.
- **Country**: Ecuador.
- **Province**: Imbabura.
- **Canton**: Antonio Ante (capital).
- **Demonym**: Atuntaqueño/a or Anteño/a.
- **Patron Saint**: Martha.
- **Languages**: Spanish, Northern Quichua.
- **Postal Code**: EC100250.
- **Website**: http://www.antonioante.gob.ec.
- **UN/LOCODE**: ECATI.
- **Geonames ID**: 3660478.
- **OpenWeatherMap City ID**: 3660478.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 593 6.

## FAQs
- **Where is Atuntaqui located?**  
  Atuntaqui is in Imbabura Province, Ecuador, and serves as the capital of Antonio Ante Canton.  

- **How has the population changed over time?**  
  The population grew from 21,286 in 2010 to 25,115 by the 2022 census, reflecting steady growth.  

- **What is the city's historical significance?**  
  Founded in 1566, it is one of Ecuador's older settlements, named after Saint Martha and retaining colonial-era heritage.  

- **What languages are spoken there?**  
  Spanish is predominant, but Northern Quichua is also used, reflecting Indigenous cultural influence.  

- **What is Atuntaqui's administrative role?**  
  It is the administrative and political center of Antonio Ante Canton within Imbabura Province.  

## Why It Matters
Atuntaqui holds historical and cultural significance as a colonial-era city in northern Ecuador. Its bilingual community and role as a cantonal capital make it a regional hub for governance and local culture. The city’s population growth underscores its importance in Imbabura Province, while its elevation and geographic position contribute to its unique Andean identity. As a municipality with documented territorial plans and census data, it serves as a focal point for understanding Ecuador’s demographic and administrative structures.

## Notable For
- Founded in 1566, making it one of Ecuador’s older cities.  
- Bilingual community with Spanish and Northern Quichua languages.  
- Elevation of 2,405 metres, characteristic of the Andean highlands.  
- Capital of Antonio Ante Canton since the canton’s establishment.  
- Home to the Monument to Antonio Ante in Parque Central "Antonio José de Sucre".  

## Body

### Geography & Climate
Atuntaqui covers 9.88 km² in Imbabura Province, Ecuador, at coordinates 0°19′57″N 78°12′49″W. Its elevation of 2,405 metres above sea level places it in the Andean highlands. The city operates in the UTC−05:00 time zone.  

### History
Founded in 1566 as Santa Marta de Atuntaqui, the city’s name honors Saint Martha. It has retained its official name while commonly being referred to as Atuntaqui. The city’s history is marked by colonial influences, evident in landmarks like the Monument to Antonio Ante in the central park.  

### Demographics
As of 2022, the population is 25,115, up from 21,286 in 2010, based on census data. Residents are called *Atuntaqueños* or *Anteños*. The community is linguistically diverse, with Spanish and Northern Quichua both in use.  

### Administration
Atuntaqui is the capital of Antonio Ante Canton within Imbabura Province. It has a postal code of EC100250 and a local dialing code of 593 6. The municipal website (http://www.antonioante.gob.ec) provides governance information.  

### Culture
The city celebrates its patron saint, Martha, reflecting Catholic traditions. Its bilingual identity (Spanish and Quichua) highlights the interplay of Indigenous and Spanish colonial heritage.  

### Infrastructure & Economy
Key identifiers include a Geonames ID (3660478), OpenWeatherMap ID (3660478), and UN/LOCODE (ECATI). While specific economic data is not provided, its role as a cantonal capital suggests administrative and local commercial importance.  

### Technical & Reference Data
Atuntaqui is documented in Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names (ID 1024079) and has a SNARC ID (1767). Its territorial plan is referenced in municipal documents, and geographic coordinates are verified through 2018 sources.

## References

1. GEOnet Names Server. 2018
2. [Source](https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWUzMjQwOWMtZjFhOS00NjczLTk0YTItNjcwZmRmY2YxMjkyIiwidCI6ImYxNThhMmU4LWNhZWMtNDQwNi1iMGFiLWY1ZTI1OWJkYTExMiJ9)
3. [Source](http://vocab.getty.edu/tgn/1024079)
4. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ec.htm)
5. [Source](https://www.antonioante.gob.ec/AntonioAnte/images/PDF/2013/10/Plan-de-Ordenamiento-Territorial-Atuntaqui-Andrade-Marin.pdf)