# Machala > city in Ecuador, capital of the El Oro Province **Wikidata**: [Q215080](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q215080) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machala) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/machala ## Summary Machala is a city in Ecuador, serving as the capital of the El Oro Province. Founded in 1573, it is known for its historical landmarks, including the Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral and Juan Montalvo Central Park. The city has a population of 288,072 (as of 2022) and is located at an elevation of 6 meters above sea level. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Large human settlement (sitelink_count: 252) - **Area**: 59.93 square kilometers - **Population**: - 231,260 (2010) - 288,072 (2022, census) - 44,197 (1990 census) - **Coordinates**: Latitude -3.2666666666667, Longitude -79.966666666667 - **Timezone**: UTC−05:00 - **Inception**: 1573 - **Elevation**: 6 meters above sea level - **Postal Code**: EC070150 - **Local Dialing Code**: 593 7 - **UN/LOCODE**: ECMCH - **Geonames ID**: 3654533 - **Freebase ID**: /m/028znz - **VIAF ID**: 148967088 - **Website**: http://www.machala.gob.ec/ - **Patron Saints**: Anthony of Padua, Virgin of Mercy - **Twinned with**: Santa Tecla (since 2017) - **Wikipedia Languages**: 25 languages (ar, arz, be, ca, ceb, ckb, commons, cs, cv, de, en, eo, es, eu, fa, fi, fr, frr, he, id, it, ja, ka, ko, lt, lv, mdf, ms, nl, nn, pl, pnb, pt, qu, ro, ru, sh, si, simple, sk, sr, sv, tr, tt, uk, ur, vi, vo, war, wuu, zh) ## FAQs - **What is Machala's population?** Machala has a population of 288,072 as of 2022, with previous census figures of 231,260 in 2010 and 44,197 in 1990. - **When was Machala founded?** Machala was founded in 1573. - **What is the elevation of Machala?** Machala is located at an elevation of 6 meters above sea level. - **What are the coordinates of Machala?** Machala's coordinates are latitude -3.2666666666667 and longitude -79.966666666667. - **What is the timezone of Machala?** Machala operates on the UTC−05:00 timezone. - **What is the postal code of Machala?** Machala's postal code is EC070150. - **What are the patron saints of Machala?** The patron saints of Machala are Anthony of Padua and the Virgin of Mercy. - **What city is Machala twinned with?** Machala is twinned with Santa Tecla, established in 2017. ## Why It Matters Machala serves as a cultural and administrative hub in Ecuador, particularly within the El Oro Province. Its historical significance is underscored by landmarks such as the Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral and Juan Montalvo Central Park. The city's population growth and urban development reflect its role as a key regional center. Additionally, its twinning with Santa Tecla highlights its international connections and collaborative efforts in governance and development. ## Notable For - **Capital of El Oro Province**: Machala is the administrative center of the El Oro Province. - **Historical Landmarks**: Features notable sites like the Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral and Juan Montalvo Central Park. - **Population Growth**: Experienced significant population increases, from 44,197 in 1990 to 288,072 in 2022. - **Cultural Significance**: Home to diverse cultural influences and historical heritage. - **Economic Hub**: Serves as a regional economic and commercial center. ## Body ### Geography and Location Machala is situated in Ecuador with coordinates latitude -3.2666666666667 and longitude -79.966666666667. The city covers an area of 59.93 square kilometers and is located at an elevation of 6 meters above sea level. It is part of the Machala Canton and is known for its strategic location within the El Oro Province. ### Demographics Machala has experienced substantial population growth, with figures of 44,197 in 1990, 231,260 in 2010, and 288,072 in 2022. The city's demographic changes reflect its development as a regional center. ### History and Founding Machala was founded in 1573 and has a rich historical heritage. The city is home to significant landmarks such as the Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral and Juan Montalvo Central Park, which contribute to its cultural and historical significance. ### Administrative and Political Machala serves as the capital of the El Oro Province and is governed by the Machala Canton. The city has a local dialing code of 593 7 and a postal code of EC070150. It is twinned with Santa Tecla, established in 2017, indicating its international collaborations. ### Cultural and Religious Machala is known for its patron saints, Anthony of Padua and the Virgin of Mercy. The city's cultural diversity is reflected in its multilingual Wikipedia presence, available in 25 languages. ### Infrastructure and Development Machala features notable infrastructure, including the Juan Montalvo Central Park and the Bolívar port. The city's development is supported by its official website, http://www.machala.gob.ec/, which provides governance and service information. ### Identification and Classification Machala is classified as a large human settlement and is identified by various codes and IDs, including UN/LOCODE ECMCH, Geonames ID 3654533, and Freebase ID /m/028znz. The city's official name is San Antonio de Machala, and it is distinct from Machala transversa. ### Connections and Relationships Machala is connected to various entities, including the Machala Canton, El Oro Province, and Ecuador. It has relationships with Santa Tecla through twinning and shares cultural and administrative ties with other regional centers. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.diariocorreo.com.ec/9341/ciudad/machala-y-santa-tecla-hermanadas-a-traves-de-convenio) 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. [Source](https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWUzMjQwOWMtZjFhOS00NjczLTk0YTItNjcwZmRmY2YxMjkyIiwidCI6ImYxNThhMmU4LWNhZWMtNDQwNi1iMGFiLWY1ZTI1OWJkYTExMiJ9) 5. [Source](https://www.citypopulation.de/en/ecuador/towns/el_oro/070150__machala/) 6. GeoNames 7. BBC Things 8. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ec.htm) 9. [Source](https://issuu.com/dpmv/docs/dom_nica_monteros_31052021_bit_cora_final_urbanism)