Cunco, Chile facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cunco
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| Country | Chile | |||
| Region | Araucanía | |||
| Province | Cautín | |||
| Government | ||||
| • Type | Municipality | |||
| Area | ||||
| • Total | 1,906.5 km2 (736.1 sq mi) | |||
| As of 2002 | ||||
| Elevation | 364 m (1,194 ft) | |||
| Population
(2012 Census)
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| • Total | 15,628 | |||
| • Density | 8.1972/km2 (21.2307/sq mi) | |||
| • Urban | 8,806 | |||
| • Rural | 9,897 | |||
| Sex | ||||
| • Men | 9,203 | |||
| • Women | 9,500 | |||
| Time zone | UTC−4 (CLT) | |||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−3 (CLST) | |||
| Area code(s) | 56 + 45 | |||
| Website | Municipality of Cunco | |||
Cunco is a city and a commune in Chile. A commune is like a local government area. It is located in the Cautín Province of the Araucanía Region. Cunco is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast of the city of Temuco. It is also 77 kilometers (48 miles) west of the Icalma International Pass.
Two important natural features in this area are the Allipén River and the Colico Lake. The name "Cunco" comes from the Mapuche language. According to Friar Ernesto Wilhelm de Moesbach, it means "dark red water." This name likely refers to water with volcanic ash or silt.
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Contents
History of Cunco
How Cunco Was Founded
Cunco was started in 1883 by Colonel Gregorio Urrutia. It began as a fort to protect the frontier. The fort was built between the Cunco and Nahuelcura marshes. It was also near a small river that flows into the Allipén River.
Growth and Development
When the railroad arrived in the early 1900s, Cunco grew quickly. It became an official "commune" on August 20, 1918. This change gave it more local government powers.
A Historic Flight
In 1918, Cunco was part of an important moment in aviation history. On April 13, Luis Candelaria completed the first airplane flight across the Andes mountains. He flew all the way from Zapala, Argentina, and landed in Cunco.
People and Area of Cunco
Population Details
According to a 2002 study, Cunco covers an area of 1,906.5 square kilometers (736.1 square miles). At that time, 18,703 people lived there. This included 9,203 men and 9,500 women.
Urban and Rural Life
About 8,806 people (47.1%) lived in the city areas of Cunco. The other 9,897 people (52.9%) lived in the countryside. Between 1992 and 2002, the population of Cunco grew by 2%, adding 364 more people.
How Cunco is Governed
Local Government
As a commune, Cunco has its own local government. This government is run by a communal council. The head of the council is called an alcalde, which is like a mayor. The alcalde is chosen by the people in an election every four years.
Current Leadership
The alcalde for the 2008-2012 term was Patricio Mittersteiner Garrido. The communal council also has several members who help make decisions for the area. These members include:
- Osvaldo Inostroza Mora
- Danilo Urrutia Cárcamo
- Rene Sepulveda Ceballos
- Patricio Oakley Oviedo
- Cristian Moraga Lagos
- Alfonso Coke Candia
See also
In Spanish: Cunco (Chile) para niños
