Ecuador's Most Populous City
Ecuador's most populous city is Quito with approximately 2.8 million inhabitants as of September 2024. Quito is the largest city in Ecuador, followed closely by Guayaquil, which has about 2.7 million residents. These two cities compete for the title of Ecuador's most populous urban center, with Quito currently holding the top position.
Population rankings of Ecuador's largest cities
- Quito: 2,781,641 inhabitants as of September 2024 - currently Ecuador's most populous city
- Guayaquil: 2,723,665 inhabitants as of September 2024 - second-largest city in Ecuador
- Cuenca: 636,996 inhabitants as of September 2024
Key facts about Guayaquil, contender for Ecuador's most populous city
- Known as the "economic capital of Ecuador" due to its commercial importance
- Covers an area of 344.5 km²
- Located on the Pacific coast in the Litoral Region of Ecuador
- Nicknamed "The Pearl of the Pacific"
Economic significance of Guayaquil in relation to Ecuador's largest cities
- Has a GDP of $51 billion in 2024, compared to Quito's $20 billion , despite Quito's larger population
- Principal commercial center of the country with regional influence in trade, finance, culture, and entertainment
- Characterized by a high use of mass transit, total density, and population diversity
Recent developments in Guayaquil, Ecuador's second-largest city
- Creating a network for gender violence prevention involving public and private sectors
- Implementing Equity and Justice centers to provide legal assistance, psychology, and employment reintegration advice for women and families
FAQ
What is Ecuador's most populous city?
As of September 2024, Quito is Ecuador's most populous city with approximately 2.8 million inhabitants.
How many people live in Quito, the largest city in Ecuador?
Quito has a population of about 2,781,641 inhabitants as of September 2024.
Is Guayaquil or Quito the largest city in Ecuador?
Quito is currently the largest city in Ecuador, with Guayaquil following closely as the second-largest city.
What is the population difference between Quito and Guayaquil?
The population difference between Quito and Guayaquil is approximately 58,000 people, with Quito having about 2.8 million inhabitants and Guayaquil having about 2.7 million.
How has Quito's population growth affected its status as Ecuador's largest city?
Quito's population growth has allowed it to maintain its status as Ecuador's largest city, but the competition with Guayaquil remains close, with only a small margin separating their populations.
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