Geography
The
‘alpine’ appearance
of the terrain
is characteristic
of the southern
Ecuadorian
Andes. Several
rivers run
through the
land whose
tributaries
flow into
the Pacific
or through
the Amazon.
Four hydrographical
basins have
been constructed
in Loja in
harmony with
the principle
river that
crosses each
one: Puyango,
Catamayo,
Macara and
Zamora. The
first three
flow into
the Pacific
and the latter
runs to the
Amazon after
joining up
with River
Paute to form
the River
Santiago.
The terrain
is blessed
with many
peaks. There
are rivers
and streams,
snow-covered
mountains,
deep ravines,
wide plains
and forests
teeming with
wildlife.
The climate
here is extremely
variable,
communication
routes are
sometimes
difficult
due to immense
distances.
Rivers
Catamayo,
Macara, Puyango
and Zamora
are the area’s
principle
rivers. Zamora
runs towards
the Amazon
whilst the
others flow
towards the
ocean. Catamayo’s
tributaries
are Piscobamba,
Guayabal and
Arenal. The
river and
its tributaries
run through
small valleys
such as Piscobamba,
Malacatos,
Guayabal,
Casanga, Alamor
and Bella
Maria.
Demography
The
province’s
urban growth
rate is high,
mainly directed
towards the
city of Loja
whose population
has multiplied
almost five
times in the
last 30 years,
according
to CEPAR statistics.
In
recent years
literacy rates
have improved.
The majority
of the population
is employed
in the agricultural
sector which
is just ahead
of the service
sector in
importance.
Climate
The
climate is
varied according
to the area,
although it
has a predominantly
dry-subtropical
climate with
temperatures
averaging
20 degrees
centigrade.
Last
Updated 14th
August 2006
(DLW)
