BABAHOYO

city, west central Ecuador, on the southern shore of the Ro Babahoyo, a major branch of the Ro Guayas. A processing and trade centre for the surrounding agricultural region, the city handles rice, sugarcane, fruits, balsa wood, and tagua nuts (vegetable ivory). Rice and sugar are milled, and there is also a government-owned distillery making alcohol, ether, and perfume. A technical university was established in 1971. Pop. (1983 est.) 42,583.