Iwate (岩手町, Iwate-machi) is a town located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. As of 29 February 2020[update], the town had an estimated population of 13,111, and a population density of 36 persons per km2 in 5455 households. The total area of the town is 360.46 square kilometres (139.17 sq mi).[1]
Geography
Iwate is located in an inland region in northwest Iwate Prefecture.
Iwate Town has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classificationDfa) characterized by mild summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature in Iwate is 8.4 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1384 mm with September as the wettest month, and February as the driest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 22.0 °C, and lowest in January, at around -4.1 °C.[2]
Demographics
Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Iwate has steadily declined over the past 60 years.
Numakunai, Kawaguchi, Ikkatai and Midō villages were created within Kita-Iwate District on April 1, 1889, with the establishment of the modern municipality system. Kita-Iwate and Minami-Iwate Districts merged to form Iwate District on March 29, 1896. The four villages merged to form Iwate Town on July 21, 1955.[4]
Government
Iwate has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 14 members. Iwate, together with the city of Hachimantai and the town of Kuzumaki, contributes two seats to the Iwate Prefectural legislature. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Iwate 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.
Economy
The local economy is based on agriculture. Iwate is famous for its blueberry production.
Education
Iwate has five public elementary schools and three public middle schools operated by the town government, and one public high school operated by the Iwate Prefectural Board of Education.
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