Palestina Canton

Palestina Canton
Canton
Flag
Location of Guayas in Ecuador.
Cantons of Guayas Province
Coordinates: 1°37′35″S 79°58′37″W / 1.6263°S 79.9770°W / -1.6263; -79.9770
Country	Ecuador
Province	Guayas Province
Capital	Palestina
Area
• Total	186.6 km2 (72.0 sq mi)
Population  (2022 census)[1]
• Total	18,019
• Density	97/km2 (250/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-5 (ECT)

Palestina Canton is a Canton located in northern Guayas, Ecuador, created in 1988. Palestina Canton has a population of 18,019,^[1] and its nearby cities are Santa Lucía, Daule, Colimes and Balzar. The town of Palestina is located 80 km north of Guayaquil, at the Northern Centre of the province. The canton occupies a territory of 186.6 km².^[2]

Its location and denomination come after the treasury history of “Palestina,” named after the journeys to Palestine made by the founder, Dr. Vicente Piedrahita. The already mentioned treasury has become the town's main source of development due to the agricultural activities carried out in this place. The overall development reached by the population made it possible for Palestina to be deemed a rural parish of Daule's Canton under decree No. 383, on June 16, 1956. Palestina, then, was part of Daule until February 3, 1987, when it became part of Santa Lucía Canton.

On July 5, 1988, Palestina was officially categorized as a canton according to the Official Register No. 985. By resolution of the canton committee, all festivities were held on day 20, since this day coincides with the festivities of Guayaquil.

As of the census of 2001, 14,067 people are residing within canton limits. The most important river is the Daule River, used for transportation. St. Bartholomew is the patron saint of Palestina.