Análisis comparativo del crecimiento poblacional de las áreas urbana y rural de la provincia de Loja. Periodo 1950-2023

Abstract

Abstract: This research analyzes population growth in the province of Loja between 1950 and 2023, comparing the evolution of urban and rural areas. A clear trend toward urban growth and rural decline is observed. This has generated territorial imbalances that affect access to services, the economy, and local planning, especially in rural areas. This study used a descriptive methodology supported by time series and statistical analysis, using census data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) and secondary information from official sources. This allowed for a comparison of key indicators between urban and rural areas and the identification of factors that explain population redistribution patterns. The main causes identified are internal migration, poor access to basic infrastructure in the countryside, differences in quality of life, the concentration of job opportunities in cities, and state neglect of rural areas. This analysis is based on demographic and economic theories that explain how these movements modify the economic and social structure of the province.