Chita (知多市, Chita-shi) is a city in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 October 2019[update], the city had an estimated population of 83,891 in 35,798 households,[1] and a population density of 1,828 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 45.90 km2 (17.72 sq mi).
Geography
Chita is located in northwestern Chita Peninsula in southern Aichi Prefecture, at the head of the Chita Peninsula with an altitude of 50–70 m (164.0–229.7 ft) above sea level.[citation needed] It is bordered by Ise Bay to the east.
Climate
The city has a climate characterized by hot and humid summers, and relatively mild winters (Köppen climate classificationCfa). The average annual temperature in Chita is 15.5 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1638 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.5 °C, and lowest in January, at around 4.4 °C.[2]
Demographics
Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Chita has been increasing steadily over the past 70 years.
The villages of Okada, Hinaga, Kanazawa, Yahata, Shinwa and Sori were created within Chita District, Aichi Prefecture, with the establishment of the modern municipalities system on October 1, 1889.
Okada was elevated to town status in 1903, followed by Yahata in 1922 and Asahi in 1952.
Contemporary history
The town of Chita was established on April 1, 1955, by the merger of the former towns of Okada, Asahi and Yawata.
Chita was elevated to city status on September 1, 1970.
Government
Chita City hall
Chita has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 18 members. The city contributes one member to the Aichi Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Aichi District 8 of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.
Economy
Chita cotton
Chita has a strong industrial base along its coastline, with electrical power plants, chemical and petrochemical plants and refineries predominating. The interior remains agricultural, with crops including Petasites japonicus and onions, although most agriculture is dependent on irrigation. Chubu Electric operates the large Chita Power Station in the city. Companies headquartered in Chita include:
Chita has ten public elementary schools and five public junior high schools operated by the city government, and one public high school operated by the Aichi Prefectural Board of Education. There is also one private high school.
