Parral, Chile facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Parral
Villa Reina Luisa del Parral
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| Country | Chile | |||||
| Region | Maule | |||||
| Province | Linares | |||||
| Founded | 1795 | |||||
| Founded by | Ambrosio O'Higgins | |||||
| Named for | Maria Luisa of Parma | |||||
| Government | ||||||
| • Type | Municipality | |||||
| Area | ||||||
| • Total | 1,638.4 km2 (632.6 sq mi) | |||||
| Elevation | 162 m (531 ft) | |||||
| Population
(2012 Census)
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| • Total | 38,922 | |||||
| • Density | 23.7561/km2 (61.5280/sq mi) | |||||
| • Urban | 26,397 | |||||
| • Rural | 11,425 | |||||
| Sex | ||||||
| • Men | 18,963 | |||||
| • Women | 18,859 | |||||
| Time zone | UTC-4 (CLT) | |||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-3 (CLST) | |||||
| Postal code |
3630000
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| Area code(s) | 56 + 73 | |||||
| Website | Official website: http://www.parral.cl | |||||
Parral is a city and a commune (a type of local government area) in the Linares Province of Chile's Maule Region. It is an important place in Chile's history and culture.
Contents
Exploring Parral's Location
Parral is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Linares. It's also 97 kilometers (60 miles) south of Talca. The city sits on the southern edge of the Maule Region and Linares Province.
Parral's Borders
Parral shares its northern border with the communes of Longaví, Retiro, and Colbún. To the west, it borders the commune of Cauquenes. To the south, you'll find the communes of Ñiquén and San Fabián (in the Ñuble Region). Finally, to the east, it borders San Fabián.
Size and Rivers
The commune of Parral covers an area of 1,638.4 square kilometers (632.6 square miles). The Perquilauquén River forms its southern border.
Parral's Past: A Look at its History
Parral was founded in 1795. It was established by Ambrosio O'Higgins, who was the Viceroy of Peru at the time.
How Parral Got Its Name
The city was first named Villa Reina Luisa del Parral. This name honored Maria Luisa of Parma, who was the wife of Carlos IV, the King of Spain.
Famous People from Parral
Parral is known as the birthplace of the famous poet Pablo Neruda. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971 for his amazing poems.
Who Lives in Parral? Demographics
Parral is the second largest city in Linares Province by population. More than 26,000 people live here.
Urban and Rural Living
According to a 2002 census, about 26,397 people (70%) live in the city's urban areas. Another 11,425 people (30%) live in the surrounding rural areas. There are slightly more men than women, with a ratio of 101 men for every 100 women.
Population Changes and Newcomers
Between 1992 and 2002, the total population of Parral decreased slightly. However, the city itself grew by about 1,900 people. Parral has also welcomed people from other countries, especially Italy and Germany.
How Parral is Governed
As a commune, Parral is managed by a municipal council. This council is led by an alcalde, who is like a mayor. The alcalde is chosen directly by the people every four years. The alcalde from 2008 to 2012 was Israel Urrutia Escobar. The current alcalde is Paula Retamal Urrutia.
Fun Things to See and Do in Parral
Parral and its surroundings offer many natural and historical places to visit.
- Termas de Catillo: These are thermal baths (hot springs) located 27 kilometers (17 miles) east of Parral. They are 320 meters (1,050 feet) above sea level and have a large hotel.
- The Digua Dam: This is a reservoir that's great for recreation and fishing. It's mostly undeveloped, offering a natural experience.
- The Bullileo Dam and Laguna de Amargo: Another reservoir and a recreational area perfect for outdoor activities.
- Fort Viejo: This is a recreational area that is also an archaeological site. It holds history from the time of the Spanish colonization of the Americas (called La Conquista).
- La Balsa: A recreational area close to the Andes mountains. You can also find thermal baths nearby.
See also
In Spanish: Parral (Chile) para niños
