Chos Malal

Chos Malal, the capital of the department of Chos Malal in the province of Neuquén in southwest Argentina. The place belongs in the classification of municipalities in the province of Neuquén to the communities of the first category.

Origin of the name

The city's name comes from the Mapudungun. Chos Malal means Yellow corral.

History

The Colonel Manuel José Olascoaga founded Chos Malal on 4 August 1887. Was the capital of the province of Neuquén 1887-1904.

Geography

The place is surrounded by the rivers Neuquén River and Curi Leuvú. In the near Chos Malal is the mountain range Cordillera del Viento.

Attractions

The biggest attraction of the city is the historical museum Manuel José Olascoaga.

Population

According to estimates by the INDEC, the population grew from 8,529 inhabitants ( 1991) to 11,361 inhabitants in 2001. Currently live in Chos Malal (2007) about 15,000 inhabitants and rising.

Traffic

The Ruta Nacional 40 is the most important trade of the city.

Sons and daughter of the town

• Gregorio Álvarez, writer