city, east central Córdoba provincia (province), north-central Argentina, on the Tercero River at the northwestern limits of the Pampa. Founded in 1867, it was nominated but rejected as the site for the national capital in 1871. It is a rail junction and commercial and manufacturing centre for the hinterland, in which livestock are raised and various grains are grown. Dairies, cement factories, canneries, and textile and flour mills are located in the city, and a military gunpowder and explosives factory is nearby. Villa María is linked by railroad and highway to Córdoba, the provincial capital, and to Buenos Aires, the national capital. Pop. (2001) 72,162.