# Manta

> city of Manabí Province, Ecuador

**Wikidata**: [Q990738](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q990738)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manta,_Ecuador)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/manta

## Summary
Manta is a city in Ecuador's Manabí Province, serving as the capital of Manta Canton. Founded on March 2, 1534, by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado, it is a major urban center with a population of 258,697 as of the 2022 census. Known for its port and coastal location, Manta plays a significant economic and cultural role in the region.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: March 2, 1534, by Pedro de Alvarado.
- **Official Name**: San Pablo de Manta.
- **Population**: 258,697 (2022 census); historical counts include 217,553 (2010), 183,166 (2001), and 63,514 (1974).
- **Area**: 60.49 square kilometers.
- **Elevation**: 6 meters above sea level.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -0.9500°, Longitude -80.7162°.
- **Time Zone**: UTC−05:00.
- **Country**: Ecuador (UN/LOCODE: ECMEC).
- **Twin Cities**: Vladivostok (since 2009), Long Beach, and Acapulco de Juárez.
- **Patron Saint**: Paul the Apostle.
- **Demonym**: Mantense.
- **Website**: http://www.manta.gob.ec/.
- **Identifiers**: VIAF ID 130217487, GND ID 10203018-2, GeoNames ID 3654410, OpenStreetMap Node ID 2163462352.

## FAQs
- **When was Manta founded?**  
  Manta was founded on March 2, 1534, by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado.

- **What is Manta's population?**  
  As of 2022, the population is 258,697, reflecting growth from 183,166 in 2001 and 63,514 in 1974.

- **Where is Manta located?**  
  It is situated in Manabí Province, Ecuador, at coordinates -0.9500° latitude and -80.7162° longitude.

- **What cities is Manta twinned with?**  
  Manta has twinning agreements with Vladivostok (since 2009), Long Beach, and Acapulco de Juárez.

- **Why is Manta notable?**  
  It is a historic port city, a cultural hub, and a key economic center in western Ecuador, known for its beaches and monuments like the Tuna and Fisherman statues.

## Why It Matters
Manta is a critical economic and cultural hub in Ecuador, driven by its port and tourism industries. As the capital of Manta Canton, it serves as an administrative center and a gateway for regional trade. Its founding in 1534 by Pedro de Alvarado underscores its historical significance in Spanish colonial expansion. Today, Manta’s blend of colonial heritage, coastal attractions, and modern infrastructure makes it a focal point for both domestic and international visitors, contributing to Ecuador’s tourism and maritime sectors.

## Notable For
- **Historic Founding**: Established in 1534 by Pedro de Alvarado, a key figure in Spanish colonization.
- **Canton Capital**: Administrative center of Manta Canton in Manabí Province.
- **Population Growth**: Expanded from 63,514 in 1974 to 258,697 in 2022, reflecting urbanization trends.
- **Coastal Significance**: A major port city with beaches like El Murciélago and a scenic malecón (boardwalk).
- **International Ties**: Twinned with cities in Russia, the U.S., and Mexico, fostering cultural and economic exchanges.
- **Cultural Landmarks**: Features monuments to the Tuna and Fisherman, celebrating its maritime identity.

## Body

### History
Manta was founded on March 2, 1534, by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado, who named it San Pablo de Manta. The city’s origins trace back to the pre-Columbian Jocay culture, later integrated into the Inca Empire. Its strategic coastal location made it a focal point for colonial and maritime activities.

### Geography and Climate
Located at coordinates (-0.9500°, -80.7162°), Manta spans 60.49 km² and sits 6 meters above sea level. Its tropical savanna climate (Aw) features warm temperatures and distinct wet/dry seasons. The city is part of the Pacific coastal lowlands, bordered by the ocean and hills of Manabí Province.

### Demographics
As of 2022, Manta’s population is 258,697, up from 217,553 in 2010 and 183,166 in 2001. This growth reflects broader urbanization trends in Ecuador. The demonym for residents is *Mantense*, and the city serves as a cultural melting pot in the region.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Manta is a major economic hub, driven by its port, tourism, and fishing industries. The city’s infrastructure includes the Eloy Alfaro International Airport and a scenic malecón (boardwalk) with restaurants and shops. Its port handles commercial and fishing activities, contributing to national trade.

### Culture and Landmarks
Key attractions include the monuments to the Tuna and Fisherman, El Murciélago Beach, and the historic center. The city celebrates festivals like the *Feria de Manta* and honors its patron saint, Paul the Apostle. Museums and galleries, such as those in the *Manta Cultural Center*, preserve local heritage.

### Governance and International Relations
Manta is governed by an elected mayor and serves as the capital of Manta Canton. It maintains international ties through twinning agreements with Vladivostok (since 2009), Long Beach, and Acapulco de Juárez, promoting cultural and economic collaboration.

### Administrative and Identifying Information
- **Website**: http://www.manta.gob.ec/  
- **Postal Code**: EC130850  
- **Dialing Code**: +593 5  
- **Identifiers**: VIAF 130217487, GND 10203018-2, GeoNames 3654410, OpenStreetMap Node ID 2163462352.  

### Recognition and Documentation
Manta is documented in Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (1885–1890) and the Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Its history and significance are archived in institutions like the National Library of Israel (J9U ID: 987007559856705171) and the U.S. National Archives (ID: 10037988).

## References

1. [Source](https://topovl.ru/netcat_files/userfiles/vladivostok-sister-cities/011-San-Pablo-de-Manta-city.pdf)
2. [Source](https://topovl.ru/vladivostok-sister-cities/)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://archive.is/20130428141050/http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gpro&lng=en&des=wg&geo=-67&srt=pnan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&pt=c&va=&geo=320553928)
6. [Source](https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWUzMjQwOWMtZjFhOS00NjczLTk0YTItNjcwZmRmY2YxMjkyIiwidCI6ImYxNThhMmU4LWNhZWMtNDQwNi1iMGFiLWY1ZTI1OWJkYTExMiJ9)
7. BBC Things
8. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ec.htm)
9. [Source](https://app.sni.gob.ec/sni-link/sni/PORTAL_SNI/data_sigad_plus/sigadplusdocumentofinal/1360000980001_PLANDEDESARROLLOYORDENAMIENTOTERRITORIALGADMANTA2014-2019_16-03-2015_09-46-13.pdf)
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File