# Riobamba

> city in Ecuador, capital of the Chimborazo Province

**Wikidata**: [Q478675](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q478675)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riobamba)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/riobamba

## Summary
Riobamba is a city in Ecuador and the capital of the Chimborazo Province, officially known as San Pedro de Riobamba. Founded on August 15, 1534, by Diego de Almagro, it serves as the administrative center for both the province and the Riobamba Canton. Located at an elevation of 2,750 meters, the city is a large human settlement with a population of 177,213 as of the 2022 census.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** San Pedro de Riobamba
- **Location:** Chimborazo Province, Ecuador; located in the Riobamba Canton
- **Administrative Role:** Capital of Chimborazo Province and Riobamba Canton
- **Founded:** August 15, 1534, by Diego de Almagro
- **Population (2022):** 177,213 (based on census data)
- **Population (2010):** 146,324 (based on census data)
- **Area:** 40.17 square kilometres
- **Elevation:** 2,750 metres above sea level
- **Coordinates:** -1.6730555555555555, -78.64833333333333
- **Timezone:** UTC−05:00
- **Demonym:** Riobambeño/a
- **Patron Saints:** Saint Peter and Saint Barbara
- **Postal Code:** EC060150
- **Local Dialing Code:** 593 3
- **UN/LOCODE:** ECRBA
- **Head of Government:** Mayor
- **Twinned Administrative Body:** Ambato
- **Flag:** Flag of Riobamba Canton
- **Anthem:** Riobamba anthem

## FAQs
**Where is Riobamba located and what is its status?**
Riobamba is situated in the Riobamba Canton within the Chimborazo Province of Ecuador. It serves as the capital city for both the canton and the province.

**When was Riobamba founded and who established it?**
The city was established on August 15, 1534, by the Spanish conquistador Diego de Almagro.

**What is the population and physical size of Riobamba?**
According to the 2022 census, the city has a population of 177,213, an increase from 146,324 in 2010. It covers a physical area of 40.17 square kilometres at an elevation of 2,750 metres.

**What are the cultural symbols and identifiers of Riobamba?**
The city's official name is San Pedro de Riobamba, and its inhabitants are known as Riobambeños or Riobambeñas. Its patron saints are Saint Peter and Saint Barbara, and the city possesses a specific flag and anthem.

**What are the key administrative and communication codes for Riobamba?**
The city uses the UTC−05:00 timezone, has the postal code EC060150, and a local dialing code of 593 3. Its UN/LOCODE is ECRBA.

## Why It Matters
Riobamba holds significant importance as the political and administrative heart of the Chimborazo Province. Its founding in 1534 places it among the historic cities established during the early colonial period of Ecuador, contributing centuries of history to the region's cultural identity. As a capital city, it functions as a central hub for governance and local services for the province. Additionally, its location provides a strategic base near prominent geographical features, including the Chimborazo volcano, enhancing its relevance in the central Ecuadorian Sierra region. The city's sustained population growth, reaching over 177,000 residents, underscores its role as a vital urban center and a focal point for demographic and economic activity in the area.

## Notable For
- **High Elevation:** Situated at 2,750 metres above sea level.
- **Historical Founding:** Established in the 16th century (1534) by Diego de Almagro.
- **Dual Capital Status:** Serves as the capital for both a province (Chimborazo) and a canton (Riobamba).
- **Specific Identity:** Holds the official name "San Pedro de Riobamba" and uses the demonym "Riobambeño/a."
- **International Coding:** Assigned a UN/LOCODE of ECRBA.
- **Twin City Relationship:** Formally twinned with the city of Ambato.
- **Digital Presence:** Listed across 61 Wikipedia languages and has a presence on various databases including Getty Thesaurus, GeoNames, and VIAF.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Riobamba is geographically positioned at coordinates -1.6730555555555555 latitude and -78.64833333333333 longitude. It resides within the Riobamba Canton, which is part of the larger Chimborazo Province in Ecuador. The city covers a land area of 40.17 square kilometres and sits at an elevation of 2,750 metres above sea level. The region observes the UTC−05:00 timezone.

### History and Foundation
The city's inception dates back to August 15, 1534. It was founded by Diego de Almagro, a significant figure in the Spanish conquest of the region. Since its establishment, Riobamba has grown into a major urban settlement, evolving from its colonial roots into a modern administrative capital.

### Demographics
The population of Riobamba has shown growth over the decade between 2010 and 2022. In the 2010 census, the city recorded a population of 146,324. By the 2022 census, this number had risen to 177,213. The residents of the city are referred to as Riobambeños (masculine) or Riobambeñas (feminine).

### Administration and Governance
As the capital of both the Chimborazo Province and the Riobamba Canton, the city is a critical administrative center. The head of government office is the mayor. Riobamba maintains a sister-city relationship with Ambato. For logistical and postal purposes, the city is assigned the postal code EC060150 and the UN/LOCODE ECRBA. Telecommunications in the city utilize the local dialing code 593 3.

### Culture and Identity
Riobamba possesses a rich cultural identity defined by several official symbols. Its official name is San Pedro de Riobamba, and it is also known by the Arabic alias ريوبامبا (الإكوادور). The city honors Saint Peter and Saint Barbara as its patron saints. Cultural symbols include the "Flag of Riobamba Canton," the "Riobamba anthem," and a specific coat of arms. The city is visually represented by a collage image showcasing landmarks such as the St. Peter Cathedral, the Maldonado High School, the Riobamba railway station, and the Chimborazo volcano.

### Identification and Digital Presence
Riobamba is extensively cataloged in global databases and knowledge repositories. It holds a VIAF ID of 127968369, a GeoNames ID of 3652350, and a Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names ID of 1024149. Other identifiers include:
- Freebase ID: /m/05dt23
- Library of Congress Control Number: n89653318
- Bibliothèque nationale de France ID: 12101014j
- IdRef ID: 029368707
- WorldCat Entities ID: E39PBJfWVYPQkWdVgqwjb8Pfbd
- BBC Things ID: 01f9f07a-0c74-4182-b824-8279b801a80b
- Yale Lux ID: place/4b430628-e2a0-495d-b1ee-c3bdb2bbea15
- Who's On First ID: 421169107
- GNS Unique Feature ID: -932685
- FactGrid Item ID: Christian rock

The city maintains an official website at http://www.gadmriobamba.gob.ec/. It has a significant presence on Wikipedia, with pages available in 61 languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Arabic. Additionally, it is categorized under "Category:People from Riobamba" and "Category:Deaths in Riobamba," and appears as a topic on Quora and the Google Play Store.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWUzMjQwOWMtZjFhOS00NjczLTk0YTItNjcwZmRmY2YxMjkyIiwidCI6ImYxNThhMmU4LWNhZWMtNDQwNi1iMGFiLWY1ZTI1OWJkYTExMiJ9)
5. GeoNames
6. BBC Things
7. Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
8. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ec.htm)
9. [Source](http://dspace.unach.edu.ec/bitstream/51000/10172/6/Calle%20S.%2C%20Gabriel%20S.%20%282022%29%20Planificacion%20Estrategica%20para%20la%20Implementacion%20de%20un%20Cinturon%20Verde%20en%20la%20Ciudad%20de%20Riobamba%2C%20Provincia%20de%20Chimborazo.pdf)