Capital of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, on the Río de la Plata 48 km/30 mi southeast of the city of Buenos Aires; population (2001) 563,900. It is 9 km/6 mi from its port, Ensenada, the main outlet for produce from the Pampas. Industries include meat packing and petroleum refining. It has one of the country's best universities. The city was founded in 1882 by Governor Daroo Rocha.
The cross represents the Greek Orthodox faith. Blue stands for the sea and sky. The shade has varied over the years. White symbolizes purity. Effective date: 22 December 1978.