Ecuador cities list with latitude and longitude in CSV,SQL,XML,JSON formats
Last update : 10 December 2024.
This is the best list of 7413 cities in the Ecuador available in 4 formats ( CSV, Json, SQL, XML ). We have cleaned up the Geoname database to leave only the towns, capitals and villages. All are all associated with regions and sub-regions (where available).
Each file contains the following data: Geoname_ID, City, Alternate_Name, Country_Code, Region, Sub_region, Latitude, Longitude, Elevation, Population, Timezone, Fcode_Name. See the FAQ below for a detailed explanation.
Here is an example of the data from the Ecuador file that you are going to retrieve. The data is displayed here in the form of a table:
Geoname_ID | City | Alternate_Name | Country_Code | Region | Sub_region | Latitude | Longitude | Elevation | Population | Timezone | Fcode_Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3656728 | Hacienda La Palma | Hacienda La Palma,La Palma | EC | Pichincha | Cantón Quito | -0.16667 | -78.35 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3658131 | El Recreo | EC | Guayas | Cantón Naranjal | -2.58289 | -79.58671 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3746084 | Santa Rosa | EC | Manabí | Cantón Manta | -1.11667 | -80.88333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3657514 | Guayabo | EC | El Oro | Cantón Santa Rosa | -3.58919 | -79.86194 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3660305 | Barro Colorado | EC | Esmeraldas | Cantón Eloy Alfaro | 0.96667 | -78.88333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3657635 | Guallupe | Guallupe,Guallupi | EC | Imbabura | Ibarra | 0.78333 | -78.3 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3659363 | Chaullamba | EC | Azuay | Cantón Cuenca | -2.85773 | -78.89975 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3658144 | El Pueblito | EC | Manabí | Cantón Sucre | -0.82742 | -80.49646 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3649883 | Ceilán | Ceilan,Ceilán,Zeilan,Zeilán,Zuevlan,Zuevlán,Zueylan,Zueylán | EC | Pastaza | Arajuno | -1.57735 | -75.69424 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3658289 | El Cruce | EC | El Oro | -3.38333 | -80.31667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |||
3657371 | Hacienda Aspur | Aspur,Hacienda Aspur | EC | Pichincha | Cantón Quito | -0.35 | -78.5 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3650998 | Soledad | EC | Los Ríos | Palenque | -1.36667 | -79.71667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3653003 | Pocita | Pocita,Pocito,Pozito | EC | Manabí | Cantón Jipijapa | -1.51667 | -80.53333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3656762 | Hacienda La Joya | Hacienda La Joya,La Joya | EC | Carchi | Cantón Tulcán | 0.81667 | -77.75 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3651692 | San Lorenzo | EC | Guayas | Cantón Samborondón | -1.88333 | -79.78333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3651357 | Santa Rosa | EC | Azuay | Cantón Nabón | -3.36667 | -79.21667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3652401 | Recreo | Recreo,Recuerdo | EC | Guayas | Santa Lucía | -1.76667 | -80.03333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3656629 | Hacienda Magro | Hacienda Magro,Magro | EC | Guayas | Cantón Milagro | -2.05 | -79.53333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3659622 | Cashatoma | EC | Loja | Cantón Catamayo | -3.98333 | -79.51667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3650195 | Villa Carmela | EC | El Oro | Cantón Machala | -3.3 | -79.9 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
10345686 | El Pilche | EC | Sucumbios | Shushufindi | -0.48442 | -76.40897 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3655336 | La Bodega | EC | Imbabura | Cantón Cotacachi | 0.35 | -78.25 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3652036 | San Andrés | EC | Guayas | Canton Colimes | -1.45 | -80.08333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3760324 | Centro Shuara del Quimi | EC | Zamora-Chinchipe | El Pangui | -3.61519 | -78.55943 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3657940 | Facundo Vela | EC | Bolívar | Cantón Guaranda | -1.20425 | -79.06432 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3652406 | Rayoloma | EC | Azuay | Cantón Cuenca | -2.91096 | -78.96633 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3656421 | Hacienda Puente Limón | Hacienda Puente Limon,Hacienda Puente Limón,Limon,Limón,Puente Limon,Puente Limón,Puente de Limon,Puente de Limón | EC | Guayas | Cantón Naranjito | -2.18333 | -79.33333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3660502 | Atahualpa | Atahualpa,Engabao,Engabao de Chanduy | EC | Guayas | -2.31277 | -80.77316 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
12179094 | Caluputu | Caluputu | EC | Azuay | Cantón Nabón | -3.38654 | -79.13649 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3656486 | Hacienda Pechichal | Hacienda Pechichal,Hacienda Pechiche,Pechiche | EC | Guayas | Cantón Naranjal | -2.66248 | -79.61827 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3650552 | Toteguaico | EC | Azuay | Cantón Paute | -2.72364 | -78.66289 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3654833 | Lauro Guerrero | EC | Loja | Cantón Paltas | -3.96652 | -79.76099 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3658052 | El Triunfo | EC | Guayas | -2.31667 | -80.4 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |||
3828965 | Jiat | EC | Morona-Santiago | Taisha | -2.61301 | -77.46869 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3654955 | La Sequita | EC | Guayas | Cantón Guayaquil | -2.31667 | -80.01667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
8470137 | Río Silencio | EC | Esmeraldas | Cantón Quinindé | 0.17366 | -79.33532 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3760699 | Chau | EC | Morona-Santiago | Tiwintza | -2.8242 | -77.77179 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3653466 | Pano | EC | Napo | -0.73333 | -77.2 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |||
3656155 | Hacienda San Miguel | Hacienda San Miguel,San Miguel | EC | Los Ríos | Cantón Vinces | -1.5 | -79.73333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3651273 | San Vicente | EC | Cañar | Cantón Azogues | -2.55414 | -78.66924 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3653816 | Nieves | Chaya,Las Nieves,Nieves | EC | Azuay | Cantón Nabón | -3.34154 | -79.11547 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3659023 | Cimientos | EC | Cañar | Cantón Cañar | -2.41667 | -79.15 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3652970 | Pongal | EC | Azuay | Cantón Cuenca | -2.96667 | -78.95 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3659353 | Chaupi Loma | EC | Pichincha | Cantón Pedro Moncayo | 0.1 | -78.2 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3659094 | Chucchilán | Chucchilan,Chucchilán,Chugchilano | EC | Cotopaxi | Cantón Sigchos | -0.8 | -78.91667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3659648 | Casacay | EC | El Oro | Cantón Pasaje | -3.32225 | -79.72331 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3660254 | Bella María | EC | El Oro | Cantón Santa Rosa | -3.50122 | -79.89144 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3654916 | Las Mercedes | EC | Los Ríos | Cantón Baba | -1.70491 | -79.62175 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3658119 | El Rosario | EC | Azuay | Cantón Santa Isabel | -3.26667 | -79.26667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
12179105 | Allpachaca | Allpachaca | EC | Loja | Cantón Saraguro | -3.51519 | -79.17686 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3653179 | Pilares | EC | Loja | Zapotillo | -4.36667 | -80.43333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3660298 | Bastilla | EC | Guayas | Cantón Salitre | -1.78333 | -79.81667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3652924 | Potrerillo | EC | Loja | Cantón Macará | -4.25286 | -79.90199 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3651980 | San Antonio de Bayushig | EC | Chimborazo | Penipe | -1.53333 | -78.51667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3652200 | Rusiococha | Rusicocha,Rusiococha | EC | El Oro | Chilla | -3.48333 | -79.6 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3652712 | Puerto Quito | Puerto Quito | EC | Pichincha | Puerto Quito | 0.12783 | -79.21261 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3658043 | Elvira | EC | Los Ríos | Cantón Babahoyo | -1.86667 | -79.53333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3658676 | Cuchipamba | EC | Azuay | Cantón Sigsig | -3.05 | -78.78333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3653162 | Piliphe | EC | Pichincha | Cantón Quito | 0.09555 | -78.6615 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3746427 | La Yamilla | EC | Zamora-Chinchipe | Cantón Zamora | -4.02259 | -78.94048 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3657139 | Hacienda Cuatis | Cuatis,Hacienda Cuatis,Hacienda Cuatis Grande | EC | Carchi | San Pedro De Huaca | 0.6467 | -77.72397 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3656509 | Hacienda Palin | Hacienda Palin,Palin | EC | Azuay | Cantón Paute | -2.74528 | -78.71682 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3650170 | Vista Florida | EC | Guayas | Cantón Salitre | -1.73333 | -79.81667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3652634 | Punta de Piedra | EC | Manabí | Cantón Veinticuatro de Mayo | -1.29697 | -80.41591 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3651997 | San Antonio | EC | Morona-Santiago | Cantón Limón Indanza | -3.00653 | -78.40628 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3656391 | Hacienda Quisinche | Hacienda Quisinche,Quisinche | EC | Cotopaxi | Cantón Latacunga | -0.8 | -78.58333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3656083 | Hacienda Santa Irene | Hacienda Santa Irene,Santa Irene | EC | Guayas | Cantón Guayaquil | -2.3 | -80.21667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
9255436 | Atenas | EC | Sucumbios | Gonzalo Pizarro | -0.01086 | -77.42422 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3653407 | Pasa | EC | Tungurahua | Cantón Ambato | -1.26842 | -78.73151 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3651534 | San Rafael | EC | Carchi | Cantón Tulcán | 0.86667 | -78.08333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3656077 | Hacienda Santa Laurita | Hacienda Santa Laurita,Laurita,Santa Laurita | EC | Pichincha | Cantón Mejía | -0.51667 | -78.53333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3652887 | Progreso | EC | Esmeraldas | -1.03333 | -79.01667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |||
3658433 | Don Lucas | EC | Guayas | -2.26031 | -80.29755 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |||
3754888 | Coquito | EC | Esmeraldas | 0.69083 | -80.13472 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |||
3657147 | Cotogchoa | Cotocchoa,Cotogchoa,Hacienda Cotocchoa,Hacienda Cotogchoa | EC | Pichincha | Cantón Rumiñahui | -0.36524 | -78.45098 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3651222 | Sauceloma | EC | Azuay | Cantón Santa Isabel | -3.35 | -79.28333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3658166 | El Plateado | EC | Loja | Cantón Loja | -3.98333 | -79.25 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3656669 | Hacienda La Violeta | Hacienda La Violeta,La Violeta | EC | Guayas | Cantón El Empalme | -1.05 | -79.56667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
8470435 | Calvas | EC | Pichincha | Canton Pedro Vicente Maldonado | 0.11518 | -78.99069 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3651776 | San José | EC | Loja | Cantón Loja | -4.27154 | -79.21336 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3659694 | Carmela | EC | Pichincha | -0.65 | -79 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |||
3655171 | Laguna | EC | Manabí | Jama | -0.17403 | -80.12687 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3658370 | El Baldaco | EC | Guayas | Cantón Daule | -1.91667 | -79.93333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3654800 | Lazul | EC | Azuay | Cantón Paute | -2.73059 | -78.73087 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3659829 | Candelaria | EC | Guayas | Cantón Daule | -2.03333 | -79.93333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3659139 | Chone | Chone,Chuni,Cone,Čonė | EC | Manabí | Cantón Chone | -0.69819 | -80.09361 | 44751 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3652643 | Punguhuaico | EC | Imbabura | Ibarra | 0.26667 | -78.13333 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3652213 | Rumitola | EC | Pichincha | Cantón Quito | -0.32776 | -78.47835 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
8472287 | El Chisparo | EC | Manabí | Cantón El Carmen | -0.36411 | -79.57522 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3656355 | Rumipamba Villacís | Hacienda Rumipamba,Rumipamba,Rumipamba Villacis,Rumipamba Villacís | EC | Cotopaxi | Cantón Latacunga | -0.7495 | -78.56235 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3656592 | Hacienda Mindaburlo | Hacienda Mindaburlo,Mindaburlo | EC | Imbabura | San Miguel de Urcuqui Canton | 0.39374 | -78.20111 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3656941 | Hacienda Gualaquí | Gualaqui,Gualaquí,Hacienda Gualaqui,Hacienda Gualaquí | EC | Imbabura | Ibarra | 0.41667 | -78.06667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3654822 | La Victoria | EC | Los Ríos | Palenque | -1.28333 | -79.75 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
12179133 | Arvejas Loma | Arvejas Loma | EC | Loja | Cantón Saraguro | -3.50448 | -79.2692 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | |
3654807 | La Virgen | EC | Guayas | Cantón Salitre | -1.75 | -79.81667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3651854 | San Gregorio | EC | Azuay | Cantón Girón | -3.2 | -79.11667 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3659027 | Ciénega | Cienaga,Cienega,Ciénaga,Ciénega | EC | Guayas | -2.29427 | -80.38007 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3760232 | Corral Pamba | EC | Zamora-Chinchipe | Cantón Yacuambi | -3.57501 | -78.96265 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
8472268 | Los Naranjos | EC | Manabí | Cantón El Carmen | -0.5221 | -79.6478 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place | ||
3651793 | San José | EC | Guayas | Santa Lucía | -1.76667 | -80.05 | 0 | America/Guayaquil | populated place |
Ecuador: A Geographical Exploration of the Land of Diversity
Ecuador, a country located in the northwestern part of South America, is one of the most geographically diverse nations in the world. From the Amazon rainforest to the Andes Mountains and the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador offers a variety of ecosystems and landscapes that shape the country’s culture, economy, and way of life. As a geographer, Ecuador presents an extraordinary opportunity to study the interaction between natural environments and human settlements. The country's location on the equator—its name itself being a direct reference to this—provides it with a unique set of geographical and climatic conditions that influence every aspect of life within its borders. For those seeking to explore Ecuador’s spatial dynamics more deeply, access to detailed geographic data—such as the **latitude and longitude** of cities and regions—can unlock important insights into how its urban areas, infrastructure, and natural resources are distributed.
The Geography of Ecuador: From Mountains to Rainforests
Ecuador's diverse geography is divided into four major regions: the **Coastal Region**, the **Andean Highlands**, the **Amazon Basin**, and the **Galápagos Islands**. These regions vary dramatically in terms of climate, natural features, and human activity, providing a fascinating study for geographers.
The Coastal Region** lies along the Pacific Ocean and is home to Ecuador’s major port cities, such as **Guayaquil**, the country’s largest city and commercial center. The region is characterized by its tropical climate, vast river systems, and fertile plains, which support a thriving agricultural industry, particularly in the production of bananas, cocoa, and shrimp. The coastal area is also home to several beautiful beaches, making it a key destination for tourism.
The Andean Highlands**, which stretch through the center of the country, form the spine of Ecuador. The **Sierra** (mountain range) is home to some of the country’s most famous cities, such as **Quito**, the capital, and **Cuenca**, both of which are located at high altitudes and surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. The highland region is also home to several active volcanoes, including **Cotopaxi**, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The climate in this region is temperate, offering mild temperatures despite the high altitudes. The Andean region is also crucial to Ecuador’s cultural heritage, with many indigenous communities living in these areas.
The Amazon Basin**, or **Oriente**, lies to the east of the Andes and is a vast expanse of tropical rainforest. The basin is sparsely populated but rich in biodiversity and natural resources, including oil and timber. The region is part of the **Amazon Rainforest**, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, and plays a critical role in global environmental sustainability. Cities such as **Tena** and **Puyo** serve as entry points to the rainforest and are key to Ecuador's eco-tourism industry, which has grown in recent years due to the country’s natural beauty and conservation efforts.
Finally, the **Galápagos Islands**, located about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, are one of the world’s most famous ecological preserves. The islands are home to unique species that have helped scientists understand evolution and natural selection. These islands play a significant role in Ecuador’s environmental policies, with efforts focused on preserving their delicate ecosystems.
Ecuador’s Urban Landscape: Cities and Infrastructure
Ecuador's urban areas are a fascinating blend of colonial history and modern development. The capital city, **Quito**, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant cultural life. Situated high in the Andes, Quito is one of the highest capitals in the world and enjoys a temperate climate, making it a pleasant place to live and visit. The city is an economic and political hub, with a growing service sector, educational institutions, and a growing infrastructure network.
Further south, **Cuenca** is another major urban center in Ecuador, known for its colonial charm, historical significance, and cultural heritage. As a growing city, Cuenca is becoming increasingly important for both national and international trade and services.
Guayaquil**, located on the coast, is Ecuador’s largest city and its industrial and commercial center. The city’s port is one of the busiest in Latin America, and it plays a vital role in the country’s export-oriented economy. Guayaquil has seen substantial growth and urbanization in recent decades, with a thriving business district, residential areas, and infrastructure development.
The city of **Ambato**, located in the central highlands, is known for its agricultural production, particularly in fruits and flowers. Ambato has grown in importance as a trade and commerce hub for the surrounding rural areas. Similarly, cities like **Loja**, **Machala**, and **Ibarra** contribute significantly to Ecuador’s economy and offer a mixture of traditional and modern urban features.
Ecuador’s Administrative Divisions: Provinces and Regions
Ecuador is divided into **24 provinces**, each of which has a provincial capital and is further subdivided into **cantons** (municipalities). These provinces are grouped into **three main regions**: the **Coastal Region** (Costa), the **Highland Region** (Sierra), and the **Amazon Region** (Oriente).
- **Pichincha**, where **Quito** is located, is the capital province and a political and economic center.
- **Guayas**, home to **Guayaquil**, is the most populous and industrialized province, essential for the nation’s economy.
- **Azuay**, where **Cuenca** resides, is an important province in the highlands with a growing role in tourism and cultural preservation.
- **Morona Santiago** and **Sucumbíos** are important provinces in the Amazon region, rich in natural resources and biodiversity.
- **Galápagos** is a special province, given its international ecological significance, with a focus on conservation.
Each province and canton is governed by local authorities, while national governance is centered in **Quito**, where the central government manages national affairs, including infrastructure, education, and economic policy.
Accessing Geographic Data for Ecuador’s Cities and Regions
For those looking to better understand Ecuador’s geographical layout, access to precise geographic data is essential. Our comprehensive database offers detailed information on Ecuador’s cities, regions, and provinces, including **latitude and longitude** coordinates for each location. This data enables more accurate mapping, spatial analysis, and planning for a wide range of applications, from urban development to environmental protection.
Whether for research, urban planning, or sustainable development, having access to such data allows for informed decision-making. By obtaining the geographic coordinates of cities such as **Quito**, **Guayaquil**, and **Cuenca**, users can explore the distribution of resources, plan transportation networks, and analyze environmental impacts across the country.
Conclusion: Unlocking Ecuador’s Geographical Potential
Ecuador’s rich geography, spanning from the peaks of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, offers an invaluable perspective on how landscapes shape culture, economy, and governance. Accessing detailed geographic data, such as the **latitude and longitude** coordinates of cities and regions, allows for a deeper understanding of the country’s urbanization, infrastructure needs, and environmental conservation efforts. This data is essential for geographers, urban planners, environmentalists, and anyone interested in exploring the diverse geography of Ecuador and its future development.
FaQ about Ecuador
- Geoname_ID: This is a unique identifier for each place or geographical name in the Geoname database.
- City: The name of the place, which can be a town, village or any other form of human settlement.
- Alternate_Name: Other names or appellations that the place may have. These alternative names may be in different languages, dialects or even local names.
- Country_Code: This is the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code for the country in which the place is located. For example, "US" for the United States, "FR" for France.
- Region: This represents the first-order administrative division in which the location is situated. For example, this could be a state, province or territory.
- Sub_region: This is a second-order administrative division, such as a county or district, within the region.
- Latitude: The geographical latitude of the location, usually in decimal degrees.
- Longitude: The geographical longitude of the location, also usually in decimal degrees.
- Elevation: The elevation or altitude of the location in relation to sea level, usually measured in metres.
- Population: The estimated number of inhabitants or population of the location.
- Timezone: The time zone in which the location is located, in accordance with global time zone standards.
- Fcode_Name: This is a code that categorises the type of location. For example, "PPL" could mean a populated place, while "PPLC" could be the capital of a political entity.