MORENO

partido (county) on the western periphery of Gran (Greater) Buenos Aires, Argentina. The settlement of Moreno was founded by Amancio Alcorta in 1860. Five years later the partido was established. In 1864 the western railroad from Buenos Aires was extended through Moreno toward Lujn. The present-day partido covers 69 square miles (180 square km) and is bordered by the partidos of General Sarmiento (northeast), Morn and Merlo (southeast), General Rodriguez (southwest), and Pilar (northwest). The Reconquista River forms its boundary on the southeast and southwest. Besides the cabecera (principal built-up area) of Mariano Moreno, the major localities within the partido are Francisco Alvarez, Paso del Rey, and La Reja. Moreno experienced rapid population growth in the 1960s and '70s, but its population density is still less than most other partidos around Buenos Aires. The western railroad crosses the partido, serving Mariano Moreno cabecera as well as the other localities. Pop. (1980) partido, 194,440.