VILLA MARA

city, east central Crdoba province, north central Argentina, on the Ro Tercero at the northwestern limits of the Pampa. Founded in 1867, it was nominated but rejected as the site for the national capital in 1871. It is a rail junction and commercial and manufacturing centre for the hinterland, in which livestock are raised and various grains are grown. Dairies, cement factories, canneries, and textile and flour mills are located in the city, and a military gunpowder and explosives factory is nearby. Villa Mara is linked by railroad and highway to Crdoba, the provincial capital, and to Buenos Aires. Pop. (1980) Greater Villa Mara, 67,490.