Tungurahua

Mountainous province of central Ecuador; area 3,844 sq km/1,484 sq mi; population (1996) 421,746. The capital is Ambato. Tungurahua has borders with the provinces of Chimborazo, Bolívar, Cotopaxi, Napo, and Pastaza, and is crossed by the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes. The active volcano of Tungurahua is located in the south of the province. The region is watered by the Patate and Chambo rivers, headstreams of the Pastaza. The economy is based on fruit, vegetables, drinks, tobacco, food-processing, textiles, lumber products, motor vehicles, and chemicals.

The province was hit by a severe earthquake in 1949.