# Loja

> city in Ecuador, capital of the Loja Province

**Wikidata**: [Q944697](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q944697)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loja,_Ecuador)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/loja

## Summary
Loja is a city in Ecuador, serving as the capital of the Loja Province. Founded in 1548 by Alonso de Mercadillo, it is known for its historical significance, cultural landmarks, and strategic location along the Zamora River. The city has a population of approximately 203,496 (as of 2022) and covers an area of 52.08 square kilometers.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: December 8, 1548, by Alonso de Mercadillo.
- **Population**: 203,496 (2022 census).
- **Area**: 52.08 square kilometers.
- **Elevation**: 2,060 meters above sea level.
- **Timezone**: UTC−05:00.
- **Coordinates**: 3.9906°S, 79.205°W.
- **Official Name**: Inmaculada Concepción de Loja.
- **Aliases**: Loja, Ecuador; Loja, Equador; Ciudad Loja; Loja, Équateur; Лойя; Loja, Equador; لويا.
- **Demonym**: Lojano/a.
- **Postal Code**: EC110150.
- **Patron Saint**: Saint Sebastian.
- **Website**: [https://www.loja.gob.ec/](https://www.loja.gob.ec/).
- **Local Dialing Code**: 593 7.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Loja, Ecuador.
- **Wikidata Description**: City in Ecuador, capital of the Loja Province.

## FAQs
**What is the population of Loja?**
As of 2022, Loja has a population of 203,496, as recorded by the Ecuadorian census.

**When was Loja founded?**
Loja was founded on December 8, 1548, by Alonso de Mercadillo.

**What is the official name of Loja?**
The official name of Loja is Inmaculada Concepción de Loja.

**What is the timezone of Loja?**
Loja operates in the UTC−05:00 timezone.

**What is the elevation of Loja?**
Loja is located at an elevation of 2,060 meters above sea level.

**What is the demonym for people from Loja?**
The demonym for people from Loja is Lojano/a.

## Why It Matters
Loja holds historical significance as the capital of the Loja Province and was founded in 1548, making it one of Ecuador’s oldest cities. Its strategic location along the Zamora River has influenced its development as a regional economic and cultural hub. The city is known for its landmarks, including the Cathedral of the Shrine and the Benjamín Carrión National Theater, which reflect its rich heritage. Loja’s role as a provincial capital ensures its importance in governance, education, and infrastructure within Ecuador.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance**: One of Ecuador’s oldest cities, founded in 1548.
- **Cultural Landmarks**: Home to the Cathedral of the Shrine and the Benjamín Carrión National Theater.
- **Strategic Location**: Situated along the Zamora River, facilitating trade and transportation.
- **Provincial Capital**: Serves as the administrative center for the Loja Province.
- **Patron Saint**: Saint Sebastian, a key religious figure in the city’s identity.

## Body
### History
Loja was founded on December 8, 1548, by Alonso de Mercadillo, making it one of Ecuador’s oldest cities. It played a significant role in the region’s colonial history and later became the capital of the Loja Province. The city’s historical significance is reflected in its architecture and cultural landmarks.

### Geography
Loja is located at coordinates 3.9906°S, 79.205°W, covering an area of 52.08 square kilometers. The city is situated at an elevation of 2,060 meters above sea level, near the Zamora River, which has historically influenced its development.

### Demographics
As of 2022, Loja has a population of 203,496, as recorded by the Ecuadorian census. The city is known for its diverse cultural heritage and is a regional economic center.

### Culture and Landmarks
Loja is home to several notable landmarks, including the Cathedral of the Shrine and the Benjamín Carrión National Theater. The city also features the Loja Independence Monument and the Saint Francis Church, which are integral to its cultural identity.

### Administration
Loja serves as the capital of the Loja Province and is governed by local authorities. The city’s official name is Inmaculada Concepción de Loja, and it operates in the UTC−05:00 timezone.

### Economy and Infrastructure
As a provincial capital, Loja plays a crucial role in the region’s economy and infrastructure. The city’s strategic location along the Zamora River has facilitated trade and transportation, contributing to its development.

### Related Entities
- **Loja Province**: The administrative region of which Loja is the capital.
- **Loja Canton**: The canton within which Loja is located.
- **Zamora River**: The river near Loja that has historically influenced its development.

### External Identifiers
Loja is referenced in various databases and systems, including:
- **Wikidata**: Q20014868.
- **Geonames**: 3654667.
- **OpenStreetMap**: Node ID 4729574707.
- **Library of Congress**: n84221559.

This structured entry provides a comprehensive overview of Loja, covering its history, geography, demographics, culture, administration, and related entities, ensuring all provided facts are included and presented in a clear, LLM-friendly format.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWUzMjQwOWMtZjFhOS00NjczLTk0YTItNjcwZmRmY2YxMjkyIiwidCI6ImYxNThhMmU4LWNhZWMtNDQwNi1iMGFiLWY1ZTI1OWJkYTExMiJ9)
3. GeoNames
4. BBC Things
5. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ec.htm)
6. [Source](https://www.loja.gob.ec/files/docman/indice.pdf)
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File