Urban-rural demographic contrasts in Highland Ecuador: town recession in a period of catastrophe 1778–1841

An investigation of three Andean towns in their regional setting forms the basis for an assessment of urban-rural demographic differences. The towns are found to have been ethnically distinct, with a larger proportion of whites than the mainly Indian rural areas. The urban populations also had a larger surplus of women, lower average marriage ages for women but lower proportions married, a higher illegitimacy rate and a slightly older age structure. Trends in urban districts differed from those in rural areas. The towns suffered major population losses, and their share of the regional population fell from nearly 10% in 1778 to around 5% in 1841. The factors affecting population trends are examined in order to identify those which had a differential urban-rural impact. Earthquake and warfare were of key significance. In a regional context of economic depression and population stagnation, these two catastrophes instigated a major urban recession. The three towns shared in the urban decline experienced in many parts of Latin America, but their recession was particularly pronounced owing to the impact of catastrophes.