On November 1, 2004 the former city of Saijo merged with the former city of Toyo and the towns of Komatsu and Tanbara from the former Shusou District (dissolved by this merger) merged to create the new city of Saijo.
The rural areas of the prefecture mostly engage in agricultural and fishing industires, and are particularly known for citrus fruit such as mikan (tangerine) and iyokan and cultured pearls.
Ehime is said to physically resemble the shape of a Tiger, but one of the most famous symbols for the prefecture is the Mikan, or mandarin orange, which grow in abundance near many seaside communities.