Distribución cantonal de la población en Manabí: cantones con mayor y menor concentración poblacional.

Abstract

This study analyzes the cantonal population distribution in the province of Manabí, Ecuador, using the 2001, 2010, and 2022 national population and housing censuses as a reference. This study aims to identify the cantons with the highest and lowest population concentrations, evaluate absolute and relative growth trends, and interpret these results based on a functional range of the cantonal population. Official data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) were used, processed in Excel and graphically represented using SPSS. The results show a marked population concentration in cantons such as Portoviejo and Manta, which far exceed the established functional range (25th and 75th percentiles), consolidating themselves as main nuclei. Cantons such as Olmedo and Jama maintain a small population and low attractiveness, reflecting patterns of territorial inequality in terms of population distribution and settlement dynamics. The absolute and relative variation shows that, although some small cantons have increased their population in percentage terms, their total population size remains low, widening territorial gaps. Furthermore, the data show that cantons such as Montecristi, El Carmen, and Jaramijó have experienced significant relative growth, without significantly changing overall population density. It is concluded that population distribution in Manabí remains uneven, with cantons exceeding the functional range and others remaining undersized. This type of study is key to guiding public policies for territorial planning and development, as it highlights the demographic gaps between cantons.