Durán, Ecuador

Durán
City
Panorama view of downtown Alfaro area and Guayas River, Durán, Guayas Panorama view of downtown Alfaro area and Guayas River, Durán, Guayas
Flag
Nickname(s): Eloy Alfredo
Durán Location in Ecuador
Coordinates:
Country	Ecuador
Province	Guayas
Canton	Durán
Founded	October 16, 1924
Government
• Mayor	Delton Narvaez Mandieta
Area
• Total	59.00 km2 (22.78 sq mi)
Elevation	4 m (13 ft)
Population (2010)INEC census
• Total	235,769
• Density	4,000/km2 (10,000/sq mi)
Time zone	ECT (UTC-5)
Area code(s)	(+593) 04
Climate	Aw
Website	www.duran.gob.ec (Spanish)

Durán, is a canton located in the province of Guayas, Ecuador, near the confluence of Daule & Babahoyo rivers, where Guayas River begins. Its township or capital is Eloy Alfaro, urban parish. The canton was created in 1986 during the presidential period of Leon Febrescodero through a presidential decree. The name "Eloy Alfaro" was choice because of the Ecuadorian ex-president Eloy Alfaro Graso. Duran is Spanish speaking According to the National census in 2010 (www.ecuadorencifras.com), there are 235,769 people residing within the canton limits. Many of its inhabitants are commuters to other places for work, hence it is known as a "dormitory town". However, many people who live in Duran find work within the canton by opening "comedores" or small restaurants, selling produce at the market, or even opening little stores with basic produce and house necessities. The towns Duran, Samborondon, and Guayaquil are connected by the bridge Rafael Mendoza Avilés.

Durán is also well known for being the first railroad hub in Ecuador. Since July, 2007, a government program for the railroad reactivation began as well as the railroad connecting Duran with other cities located in the highlands of Ecuador.