Manabí (Spanish pronunciation: [manaˈβi]) is a province in the Republic of Ecuador. Its capital is Portoviejo. The province is named after the Manabí people.[3]
Ethnic groups as of the Ecuadorian census of 2010:[4]
The economy of Manabí, a coastal province situated in the western region of the Republic of Ecuador, is deeply entrenched in the cultivation and processing of abundant natural resources and organic products. These commodities, which include but are not limited to cacao, bananas, noble woods, cotton, and seafood, have played a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of this region, and continue to serve as primary drivers of its economic growth and sustenance.
Moreover, the industrial sector of Manabí province is founded on the production of tuna, as well as tobacco products, and the manufacturing of agua ardiente, a Spanish brandy beverage.
In addition to these commercial activities, Manabí province is also renowned[citation needed] for its indigenous arts and crafts, particularly the crafting of Montecristi hats, popularly known as Panama hats, which are renowned for their stylish designs and intricate handiwork. The province is also recognized for its furniture made from rattan.[citation needed]
The province is divided into 22 cantons. The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the twenty-two cantons of Manabí province, including their respective populations at the 2001 census, their areas in square kilometers (km²), and the names of their respective canton seats or capitals:
