Andacollo Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Andacollo

City and Commune

Andacollo Plaza

Coat of arms

Andacollo

Location in Chile

Chile

Government

• Type

Municipality

Area

• Total

310.3 km² (119.8 sq mi)

Elevation

1,019 m (3,343 ft)

Population

(2012 Census)

• Total

11,093

• Density

35.749/km² (92.590/sq mi)

• Urban

9,444

• Rural

844

Sex

• Men

5,148

• Women

5,140

Time zone

UTC−4 (CLT)

• Summer (DST)

UTC−3 (CLST)

Area code(s)

country 56 + city 51

Website

Municipality of Andacollo

Andacollo is a city and a commune (like a local area or district) in Chile. It is located in the Coquimbo Region, specifically in the Elqui Province.

Andacollo's Story
Who Lives in Andacollo?
How Andacollo is Governed
Gallery
See also

Andacollo's Story

Andacollo is a city in Chile known for its copper and gold mines. It is nestled in the mountains of a region called 'El Norte Chico' (which means 'The Small North'). The city was started in 1891.

There are many interesting stories about how Andacollo got its name. Some people say it comes from the Quechua words Anta-Goya, which mean "copper queen." Others believe it means "Hurry up, Collo!"

One popular legend tells of a local miner named Collo. He found a small wooden statue of La Virgen del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) hidden in some rocks. This statue is also known as la Virgen Morena or the Black Madonna. The statue supposedly told Collo to build a church right where Andacollo is today.

Many amazing things are said to have happened because of the "Dark Lady." For example, people believe she helped stop a serious smallpox sickness in 1871. Because of these stories, the city celebrates the Virgin every year from December 24 to 26.

Who Lives in Andacollo?

According to a count done in 2002, Andacollo had 10,288 people living there. This included 5,148 men and 5,140 women. Most of these people, about 9,444 (91.8%), lived in the city area. The rest, 844 people (8.2%), lived in the countryside.

The number of people living in Andacollo went down by 16% between 1992 and 2002.

How Andacollo is Governed

Andacollo is a commune, which is a local administrative area in Chile. It is managed by a municipal council. This council is led by an alcalde (which is like a mayor). The alcalde is chosen directly by the people every four years.