Chubut Province Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Chubut

Provincia del Chubut
Talaith Chubut

Flag	Coat of arms

Motto(s):

"Ni muerte ni esclavitud. Solo patria y libertad" (Spanish)
"Neither death nor slavery. Only motherland and freedom"
"Nid marwolaeth na caethwasanaeth. Dim ond mamwlad a rhyddid" (Welsh)

Location of Chubut within Argentina

Municipalities and communes

Area

• Total

224,686 km² (86,752 sq mi)

Population

(2010)

• Total

509,108

chubutense

UTC−3 (ART)

Chubut is a large and exciting province located in the southern part of the country. It is part of the famous Patagonia region. Chubut is known for its amazing wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and a unique history that includes Welsh settlers. The capital city of Chubut is Rawson.

To the north, Chubut borders the Río Negro province. To the south, it borders Santa Cruz. To the west, it shares a border with Chile. The province also has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

What is Chubut?
Where is Chubut Located?
People and Culture
Amazing Animals and Nature
Important Cities
How is Chubut Governed?
What is the Economy Like?
Images for kids
See also

What is Chubut?

Chubut is one of Argentina's 23 provinces. It covers a huge area of about 224,686 square kilometers (86,752 square miles). This makes it one of the larger provinces in Argentina. The name "Chubut" comes from the Tehuelche language, an indigenous language. It means "transparent" or "clear," likely referring to the Chubut River.

Where is Chubut Located?

Chubut is in the middle of the Patagonian region. This area is known for its vast open spaces and incredible nature. The province has different types of landscapes. In the west, near the Andes mountains, you'll find forests and lakes. As you move east towards the Atlantic coast, the land becomes drier, with wide plains and plateaus.

The Chubut River is an important river that flows through the province. It starts in the Andes and flows east, ending in the Atlantic Ocean. This river has played a big role in the history and development of the region.

People and Culture

About half a million people live in Chubut. Most people speak Spanish, which is the official language of Argentina. However, Chubut is special because it also has a strong connection to the Welsh language and culture.

In the 1860s, many Welsh people came to Chubut to start a new life. They built towns and farms, and their culture became an important part of the province's identity. You can still find Welsh chapels, tea houses, and cultural festivals in places like Trelew and Gaiman. This mix of cultures makes Chubut a very interesting place.

Amazing Animals and Nature

Chubut is a paradise for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts. One of its most famous natural areas is the Valdés Peninsula. This peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance for marine wildlife.

Southern Right Whales: Every year, between June and December, Southern right whales come to the calm waters around Valdés Peninsula to breed and raise their calves. It's an incredible sight to see these giant creatures up close.
Penguins: The province is home to large colonies of Magellanic penguins, especially at Punta Tombo. You can watch thousands of penguins waddle around and swim.
Other Wildlife: You might also spot sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, and many different types of birds along the coast. Inland, you can find animals like guanacos and rheas.

Important Cities

Chubut has several important cities, each with its own unique character:

Comodoro Rivadavia: This is the largest city in Chubut. It's a major center for the oil industry and has a busy port.
Trelew: Located in the lower Chubut River valley, Trelew is an important commercial and industrial hub. It's also known for its paleontological museum, which has amazing dinosaur fossils.
Puerto Madryn: This city is a popular tourist destination, especially for whale watching and diving. It's the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula.
Rawson: As the capital city, Rawson is where the provincial government is located. It's a smaller city but plays a key role in the province's administration.
Esquel: Located in the Andes foothills, Esquel is a charming mountain town. It's a popular spot for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

How is Chubut Governed?

Like other provinces in Argentina, Chubut has its own government. The head of the provincial government is the Governor. The Governor is elected by the people of Chubut. There is also a provincial legislature, which is like a parliament. This group of elected officials makes laws for the province. The province is divided into 15 smaller areas called departments to help with local administration.

What is the Economy Like?

Chubut's economy relies on several key activities:

Oil and Gas: The province is rich in oil and natural gas, especially around Comodoro Rivadavia. This industry is very important for the economy.
Fishing: With its long coastline, fishing is another major industry. Many different types of fish and seafood are caught here.
Tourism: The beautiful landscapes and amazing wildlife attract many tourists. Whale watching, visiting penguin colonies, and exploring the Andes mountains are popular activities.
Sheep Farming: In the drier inland areas, sheep farming is traditional. Wool and meat are important products.

Provinces of Argentina
Buenos Aires \| Buenos Aires Province \| Catamarca \| Chaco \| Chubut \| Córdoba \| Corrientes \| Entre Ríos \| Formosa \| Jujuy \| La Pampa \| La Rioja \| Mendoza \| Misiones \| Neuquen \| Río Negro \| Salta \| San Juan \| San Luis \| Santa Cruz \| Santa Fe \| Santiago del Estero \| Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands \| Tucumán

Images for kids

Argentine Geological Society founder Dr. Victorio Angelelli (2nd from right), ca. 1950, whose study of Chubut's mineral wealth identified resources for economic development.
Government House.
Molino NantFach.png

A historic mill in Trevelin.
Cholila Lake.
Los Altares, Chubut, Argentina.jpg

The town of Los Altares.
The town of Esquel.
Rada Tilly, on the Atlantic Ocean.
Southern right whale in Península Valdés, its preferred sanctuary.