# Nueva Loja > city in Ecuador, capital of the Sucumbíos Province **Wikidata**: [Q683938](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q683938) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nueva_Loja) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nueva-loja ## Summary Nueva Loja is a city in Ecuador, serving as the capital of Sucumbíos Province and Lago Agrio Canton. Founded on May 5, 1971, it is known for its cultural significance, including the patron saint Virgin of El Cisne (The Swan), and its strategic location along the Aguarico River. The city has a population of 55,627 as of the 2022 census, making it a notable urban center in the region. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: City (instance_of: city) - **Founding**: May 5, 1971 - **Capital of**: Sucumbíos Province and Lago Agrio Canton - **Population**: 55,627 (2022 census) - **Area**: 17.81 square kilometers - **Elevation**: 297 meters above sea level - **Coordinates**: 0.084444444444444° N, 76.891111111111° W - **Timezone**: UTC−05:00 - **Postal Code**: EC210150 - **Local Dialing Code**: 593 6 - **Patron Saint**: Virgin of El Cisne (The Swan) - **Official Name**: Nueva Loja - **Aliases**: New Loja, Lago Agrio - **Demonyms**: Neolojana (feminine), Neolojano (masculine) - **Website**: http://www.lagoagrio.gob.ec/ (in Spanish) - **Flag**: Flag of Lago Agrio Canton - **Office Held by Head of Government**: Mayor ## FAQs **What is the population of Nueva Loja?** As of the 2022 census, Nueva Loja has a population of 55,627. Earlier estimates from 2010 recorded a population of 48,562. **When was Nueva Loja founded?** Nueva Loja was founded on May 5, 1971. **What is the elevation of Nueva Loja?** Nueva Loja is situated at an elevation of 297 meters above sea level. **What is the patron saint of Nueva Loja?** The patron saint of Nueva Loja is the Virgin of El Cisne (The Swan). **What are the demonyms for people from Nueva Loja?** The demonyms for people from Nueva Loja are Neolojana (feminine) and Neolojano (masculine). ## Why It Matters Nueva Loja plays a crucial role as the administrative center of Sucumbíos Province and Lago Agrio Canton, facilitating governance, economic activity, and cultural preservation. Its strategic location along the Aguarico River supports regional trade and transportation. The city’s cultural identity is deeply tied to its patron saint, the Virgin of El Cisne, which is celebrated through religious festivals and traditions. Additionally, Nueva Loja serves as a hub for local governance, with a mayor overseeing municipal affairs. Its historical significance and urban development contribute to the socio-economic landscape of Ecuador’s Amazonian region. ## Notable For - **Cultural Significance**: Recognized by the Virgin of El Cisne as its patron saint, reflecting deep-rooted religious and cultural identity. - **Administrative Role**: Serves as the capital of both Sucumbíos Province and Lago Agrio Canton, centralizing governance and services. - **Strategic Location**: Situated along the Aguarico River, enhancing its role in regional trade and transportation. - **Demonyms**: Features unique demonyms (Neolojana and Neolojano) for residents, reflecting local identity. - **Historical Founding**: Established on May 5, 1971, marking its formal recognition as a municipal entity. ## Body ### Geography and Location Nueva Loja is located in Ecuador, specifically within Sucumbíos Province and Lago Agrio Canton. The city covers an area of 17.81 square kilometers and is situated at an elevation of 297 meters above sea level. Its coordinates are 0.084444444444444° N, 76.891111111111° W, placing it in the Amazonian region of the country. The city’s strategic position along the Aguarico River supports its role in regional transportation and trade. ### Demographics and Governance As of the 2022 census, Nueva Loja has a population of 55,627, reflecting its status as a significant urban center. The city is governed by a mayor, who oversees municipal affairs and represents the local community. The official name of the city is Nueva Loja, though it is also known by the aliases New Loja and Lago Agrio. The demonyms for residents are Neolojana (feminine) and Neolojano (masculine), emphasizing local identity. ### Cultural and Religious Identity Nueva Loja is culturally significant due to its patron saint, the Virgin of El Cisne (The Swan). This religious figure is celebrated through festivals and traditions, reinforcing the city’s cultural heritage. The city’s flag is the flag of Lago Agrio Canton, symbolizing its regional affiliation. ### Infrastructure and Connectivity Nueva Loja has a postal code of EC210150 and operates under the local dialing code 593 6. The city is connected to broader infrastructure through its timezone, UTC−05:00, ensuring synchronization with regional time standards. Additionally, Nueva Loja is twinned with Iquitos, fostering international collaborations and exchanges. ### Historical Context Founded on May 5, 1971, Nueva Loja was established as a municipal entity, formalizing its administrative and cultural role. The city’s historical development has been marked by its strategic location and governance structure, contributing to its growth as a regional hub. ### Visual Representations Nueva Loja is visually represented by its flag, flag of Lago Agrio Canton, and a montage image showcasing key landmarks such as the February 12 Street, Monument to the Worker, and Our Lady of the Swan Cathedral. These visual elements provide a snapshot of the city’s architecture and cultural landmarks. ### Digital Presence The city’s official website, http://www.lagoagrio.gob.ec/, is available in Spanish and serves as a portal for municipal information and services. The website is maintained by the local government, ensuring accessibility to residents and visitors. ### Categorization and Classification Nueva Loja is classified as a city and is categorized under various topics, including its Wikipedia title, commons category, and main category. These classifications help organize and retrieve information about the city across different platforms and languages. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. [Source](https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWUzMjQwOWMtZjFhOS00NjczLTk0YTItNjcwZmRmY2YxMjkyIiwidCI6ImYxNThhMmU4LWNhZWMtNDQwNi1iMGFiLWY1ZTI1OWJkYTExMiJ9) 3. GeoNames 4. [Source](http://repositorio.sangregorio.edu.ec/bitstream/123456789/2431/1/MARQ2021017.pdf)