Nueva Toltén facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nueva Toltén
Tolten
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Town
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 Nueva Toltén
Location in Chile
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| Country |  Chile |
| Region | Araucanía |
| Province | Cautín |
| Commune | Toltén |
| Municipality | Toltén |
| Founded | 1866 |
| Elevation | 10 m (30 ft) |
| Population
(2017)
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| • Total | 9,776 |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (Santiago) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-3 (Santiago Verano) |
Nueva Toltén is a town in Chile, a country in South America. It is part of the Toltén area, located in the Cautín Province within the Araucanía Region. This town is found near where the Toltén River meets the ocean. The Toltén River flows from Villarrica Lake. Nueva Toltén is about 40 miles (64 km) southwest of the city of Temuco.
The town was founded in 1866. This happened after the original town of Toltén was destroyed. A huge tsunami, caused by the Great Chilean earthquake in 1960, wiped out the old community. Today, Nueva Toltén has about 9,776 people living there. The name "Toltén" comes from the Mapuche language. It means "meeting place of different waters."
Contents
History of Nueva Toltén
Nueva Toltén has an interesting history. It was created because of a natural disaster. The original town of Toltén was much older. It was a port town located closer to the river's mouth.
The Great Chilean Earthquake and Tsunami
On May 22, 1960, the strongest earthquake ever recorded happened in Chile. It caused a massive tsunami. This giant wave hit the coast and completely destroyed the old town of Toltén. Many buildings were washed away.
Founding of the New Town
After the disaster, people decided to build a new town. They chose a safer spot further inland. This new town was named Nueva Toltén, which means "New Toltén." It was officially founded in 1866. This shows how communities can rebuild after big challenges.
Geography and Location
Nueva Toltén is located in a beautiful part of Chile. It sits close to the Pacific Ocean. The town's location near the Toltén River is very important.
The Toltén River
The Toltén River is a major river in the region. It starts at Villarrica Lake, a large and scenic lake. The river flows west and empties into the Pacific Ocean. This river is important for the local environment and economy.
Surrounding Area
The area around Nueva Toltén is part of the Araucanía Region. This region is known for its natural beauty. It has forests, rivers, and lakes. The climate is generally mild, with rainfall throughout the year.
Government and Community
Like other towns in Chile, Nueva Toltén has its own local government. This government helps manage the town and its services.
Local Leadership
The town is part of the Toltén commune. A mayor leads the local government. The current mayor is Guillermo Allende Martínez. He is a member of the Independent Democratic Union political party. The mayor and the local council work to improve the lives of the town's residents.
Community Life
The people of Nueva Toltén live in a close-knit community. They share a history of rebuilding and resilience. The town provides basic services for its residents. It is a quiet place, often visited by people who enjoy nature and the coast.
See also
In Spanish: Toltén para niños
