AraucanÃa Region
The IX Araucanía Region is located in the small southern Chile and the Chilean Switzerland, about 600 kilometers south of Santiago de Chile. The region's capital is Temuco.
General
The region is located between the Pacific and Argentine border. To the north it borders the Region VIII ( Región del Bío -Bío ) and in the south to the region XIV, the Región de Los Ríos.
The capital is a center of Temuco Mapuche ( Araucanians ) but also German- Chileans. The chessboard-shaped city has 270,000 inhabitants ( 2012).
The region is named after the araucaria trees, which are the outstanding feature of the landscape. The Chilean Araucaria is located in this part of Chile and Argentina.
History
1552 Pedro de Valdivia reached the area around Temuco. The town dates back to a Spanish foundation in order to control the Mapuche ( Araucanians ) better.
The establishment of settlements in the middle of the Mapuche territory proved to be fatal. The Mapuche destroyed many settlements within a short time, and many settlers and soldiers died. As 1597 Pelantaro was elected the new Toqui the Mapuche, many cities of the Río Bío Bío were destroyed south. The Spaniards retreated after 1602 for a long time in the area back.
It was only in 1883 began again a Chilean resettlement of the region.
On May 22, 1960, the port town of Puerto Saavedra was completely destroyed by a strong earthquake.
Geography and climate
The region consists of two provinces:
- Malleco province, capital Angol
- Cautín province, capital Temuco
Major cities:
- Temuco, capital, population 270,000 (2012 )
- Angol, 49,000 inhabitants ( 2002)
- Pitrufquén
- Lautaro
- Puerto Saavedra
- Villarrica
- Pucón
The most important river:
- Rio Imperial
To Temuco lying around large volcanoes such as the Villarrica volcano with 2840 meters altitude and the Volcán Llaima with 3125 m height. The last activity of Volcán Llaima was. Between January 2008 and June 2009
32 km west of the Pacific coast, the island of Isla Mocha is with the National Reserve Isla Mocha. An ideal area for diving and hiking in the forests of the island.
The climate is similar to that of Germany. Especially in winter it rains a lot but; Snowfall is rare.
Economy
The region depends mainly on agriculture and tourism. Here, the cultivation of fruit, maize and rapeseed play an important role.
Around 30% of the Chilean apple exports come from Angol. In addition, many other fruits and vegetables are grown, eg Tomatoes and walnuts. In addition, many flowers, such as orchids are grown.
To Angol, there are a number of large eucalyptus plantations.