ZAMORA

town, southeastern Ecuador. It lies in the forested jungles east of the main Andean ranges and is situated at the southeastern foot of the Andean Cordillera (mountains) de Zamora, just south of the Zamora River. The Roman Catholic Church has established a Vicar Apostolic in Zamora, which is considered to be a missionary settlement; the population is almost entirely Indian. The economy is based on local Indian trade, with barter largely supplanting currency. Pop. (1990 prelim.) 8,076. in full Zamora De Hidalgo, city, northwestern Michoacn state, west-central Mexico. It lies at an elevation of 5,141 feet (1,567 m) above sea level in the Zamora valley, formed by the Duero River. It was founded in 1540 as an outpost to guard against Indians. Commerce, agriculture, and livestock raising are the principal sources of income. Corn (maize), wheat, beans, and numerous fruits and vegetables are grown in the surrounding area and flourish in the temperate climate. Dairy products and candy are manufactured in the city, as are various handicraft items, including rebozos (shawls), jewelry, pottery, and sandals. The Heroica NogalesGuadalajaraMexico City highway passes through Zamora, linking the city with Morelia, the state capital. Pop. (1980) 86,998. province, in the autonomous community (region) of Castile-Len, northwestern Spain. It was formed in 1833 from part of the historic province of Len and is bounded by Portugal and Orense (west), by Len (north), by Valladolid (east), and by Salamanca (south). It has an area of 4,077 square miles (10,559 square km) and is traversed from east to west by the Duero (Portuguese Douro) River; the Tormes River skirts the southwestern boundary for about 25 miles (40 km). Except in the northwest, where it is entered by two outlying ridges of the Cantabrian Mountains, the surface is a level or slightly undulating plateau. Its plains, especially the Esla Valley, yield much grain and pulse; wine and flax also are produced, and on higher grounds merino sheep and goats are reared. The provincial capital, Zamora, is the main communications centre; other towns include Benavente and Toro. Pop. (1988 est.) 223,029. capital of Zamora province, in the autonomous community (region) of Castile-Len, northwestern Spain. It lies along the northern bank of the Duero (Portuguese Douro) River, northwest of Madrid. The city occupies a rocky height overlooking the Duero, a little below its confluence with the Valderaduey River. In the early period of the Christian reconquest (8th11th century) the city was strategically important and passed between Christian and Moorish rule several times. It finally became subject to Alfonso VI of Len and Castile in 1073. In the 15th century it was held for a time by the Portuguese supporters of Princess Juana, claimant to the Castilian throne, but was finally surrendered to Ferdinand II the Catholic in 1475. Outstanding landmarks include a fine 14th-century bridge across the Duero, consisting of 16 pointed arches; the citadel of Zamora, dating from the 8th century; and the Romanesque cathedral, one of four 12th-century churches, completed c. 1174. The city is primarily an agricultural trade centre. Pop. (1986 est.) 61,899.