Loreto, Santiago del Estero

Loreto is a city located in central Argentina in the southwest of the province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. It has 9,854 inhabitants as per the 2001 census [INDEC], and is the head town of the Loreto Department. It is located 59 km south of the provincial capital Santiago del Estero, on National Route 9.

Loreto
City
Flag
Loreto Location of Loreto in Argentina
Coordinates: 28°18′S 64°12′W
Country	Argentina
Province	Santiago del Estero
Department	Loreto
Population  (2001 census)
• Total	9,854
Time zone	UTC-3 (ART)
CPA base	G4208
Dialing code	+54 3845
Climate	BSh

Population

Loreto had 9854 inhabitants (INDEC, 2001), representing an increase of 33.4% compared to the 7386 inhabitants (INDEC, 1991) of the previous census. This figure makes it the 8th largest urban area in the province.

Economy

Its main economic activities are livestock raring, agriculture and forestry.

Geography

• Altitude: 140 meters.
• Latitude: 28° 18′ 00″ S
• Longitude: 64° 12′ 00″ O

Culture

Loreto is basically characterized by its ancient traditions, such as celebrations of the Virgin of Loreto, patroness of Argentine aviation and for edible craft products such as the Rosquete (a sweet dough in the form of a doughnut topped with meringue) which has a delicious flavor. Loreto features different sports institutions like the Union Workers Club, Sportivo Loreto, El Remanso, San Martin and, Alberdi.

Celebrations

• On December 10, the popular patron saint festivities are celebrated in commemoration of its patron saint the Virgin of Loreto.
• It is the National Capital of Rosquete and home to the Rosquete Festival in February.

References

• Municipal information: Municipal Affairs Federal Institute (IFAM), Municipal Affairs Secretariat, Ministry of Interior, Argentina. (in Spanish)