It was founded on the 31st of August of 1794, the day of San Ramón Nonato, and named after the Spanish conquistador Ramón García de León y Pizarro, born in Oran, in Africa, hence the name of San Ramón de la Nueva Orán.

Word says it was the last city founded by the Spanish conquistadors, in a sub-tropical weather zone with large rivers north of Salta, as part of a political strategy to occupy the territory then disputed with the Chaco natives.

It is currently the second largest city in the province, with 50,000 inhabitants dedicated mostly to large-scale agriculture.

Among the agricultural produces of the area, the sugarcane, mostly destined to the production of sugar at the sugar refinery of Tabacal, a place close to the city, stands out. There are also citrus groves, mainly oranges and grapefruits; the oranges are used to make concentrated juice at the processing plant of Zenta, which also commercialises the whole fruits. Finally, there are also pepper and banana plantations, among others.

Coffee is also cultivated in the area, and was formerly processed by the Salta Café Company, though with a relatively small production.

Its current constructions tend towards modernity, and at its commercial centre travellers can purchase regional products, as well as wood, leather and silver craftsmanship. Every 31st of August the festivities commemorating its foundation day and for the patron of the city, San Ramón Nonato, take place.

The rides through its surrounding grounds are interesting. There are also lumber exploitation areas and sawmills. With previous permission, travellers can visit the sugar refinery of San Martín del Tacabal, 15 kilometres away from the city. A little farther, 81 kilometres away, is the Parque Nacional Baritú National Park.

Big game and sport fishing can be practiced at the Río Bermejo River. For more information visit the Club de Pesca y Caza Orán Fish and Hunting Club.