Córdoba is a city located near the geographical center of Argentina, in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas mountains on the Suquía River, about 700 km west-northwest from Buenos Aires. It is the capital of Córdoba Province. As of 2006 Córdoba has an estimated population of over 1,300,000 inhabitants, making it Argentina's second-largest city. It is a major industrial center, but retains many of its historical buildings dating from the colonial era. Córdoba was founded in 1573 by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera, who named it after Córdoba, Spain.
Córdoba has been considered the technological centre of Argentina. The Argentinian spaceport (Centro Espacial Teófilo Tabanera) in the suburb Falda del Cañete, where satellites are being constructed and operated is located in the area. The software (Motorola, Vates) and electronic industries are advancing and exporting more and more goods.