San Javier, Chile facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Javier
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| Country | Chile | ||||
| Region | Maule | ||||
| Province | Linares | ||||
| Founded | November 18, 1852 | ||||
| Founded as | San Javier de Loncomilla | ||||
| Government | |||||
| • Type | Municipality | ||||
| Area | |||||
| • Total | 1,313.4 km2 (507.1 sq mi) | ||||
| Elevation | 83 m (272 ft) | ||||
| Population
(2012 Census)
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| • Total | 40,189 | ||||
| • Density | 30.5992/km2 (79.252/sq mi) | ||||
| • Urban | 22,004 | ||||
| • Rural | 15,789 | ||||
| Demonym(s) | sanjavierino, sanjavierina | ||||
| Sex | |||||
| • Men | 18,827 | ||||
| • Women | 18,966 | ||||
| Time zone | UTC-4 (CLT) | ||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-3 (CLST) | ||||
| Postal code |
3660000
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| Area code(s) | 56 + 73 | ||||
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San Javier (pronounced saŋ xaˈβjeɾ in Spanish) is a city and commune in Chile. It is located in the Linares Province within the Maule Region.
This city is found in the middle of Chile. It's about 270 kilometers (168 miles) south of Santiago, the country's capital. San Javier is also close to Linares and Talca, which are important regional cities.
A major road, the Pan-American Highway, goes through the San Javier commune. This highway helps connect the city to other parts of Chile. There is also a paved road that links San Javier to places like Colbún Lake and famous hot springs.
Contents
Population and People of San Javier
San Javier is home to many people. In 2005, it was estimated that about 39,583 people lived here. This included 19,682 males and 19,901 females.
Most of the people, about 60%, live in the city areas. The other 40% live in the countryside. Between 1992 and 2002, the population of San Javier grew by 6.2%.
Understanding San Javier's Geography
The commune of San Javier covers a large area of about 1,313.4 square kilometers (507.1 square miles).
Land and Farming
The eastern part of San Javier is flat and very fertile. This area is part of Chile's Central Valley. The western part is hilly and a bit drier. This land is great for growing wine grapes and cereals. San Javier is known for having some of the best vineyards and quality wines in the Maule Valley.
Rivers and Borders
San Javier is surrounded by other communes. To the west, it borders Constitución and Empedrado. To the north, it borders Pencahue and Maule. To the east, it borders Yerbas Buenas, Villa Alegre, Linares, and Longaví. To the south, it borders Cauquenes and Retiro.
The city of San Javier is located on the right side of the River Loncomilla. The larger Maule river is a few kilometers north of San Javier, and the Loncomilla is its main branch. There's also the River Purapel, which is special because it flows east, which is unusual for rivers in Chile.
Location Details
- Elevation: San Javier is about 83 meters (272 feet) above sea level.
- Latitude: 35° 36' 0S
- Longitude: 71° 42' 0W
San Javier's Rich Heritage
Old Buildings and Villages
San Javier has many small villages and rural areas. Some of these places are far from the main cities and have kept their old-fashioned charm. You can find many well-preserved buildings from the colonial times, showing the Spanish heritage.
Some beautiful examples of these villages are Huerta de Maule, Nirivilo, Bobadilla, Caliboro, and Melozal. Along the road between San Javier and Villa Alegre, you can see traditional Chilean farmhouses. Many of the local parish churches are among the oldest in the region.
Famous Poets
The Maule Region is known for producing many writers and poets. San Javier is proud to be the birthplace of two talented poets:
- Raimundo Echeverría y Larrazábal (1897–1924)
- Jerónimo Lagos Lisboa (1883–1958)
How San Javier is Governed
San Javier is a commune, which is a local administrative area in Chile. It is managed by a municipal council. The head of this council is an alcalde, who is like a mayor. The alcalde is chosen by the people every four years.
The current alcalde (for 2008-2012) is Pedro Fernández Chavarrí. He belongs to the PDC. The council also includes other members who help make decisions for the commune.
San Javier is part of a larger electoral district for national elections. This means its citizens vote for representatives in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, which are parts of Chile's national government.
See also
In Spanish: San Javier de Loncomilla para niños
