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| La Araucanía | |
|---|---|
| Name | La Araucanía Region |
| Native name | Región de La Araucanía |
| Settlement type | Region of Chile |
| Capital | Temuco |
| Area km2 | 31693.1 |
| Population est | 1030000 |
| Established | 1887 |
| Iso code | CL-AR |
La Araucanía is a region in southern Chile with a diverse landscape that includes portions of the Andes, the Chilean Central Valley, and the Pacific temperate rainforest. The region is centered on the city of Temuco and is notable for its Mapuche heritage, volcanic topography, and role in Chilean state formation in the 19th century. It features active volcanoes, lakes, and national parks, and it is a focal point for political, cultural, and social dynamics involving indigenous rights, land use, and regional development.
The physical geography includes the Andes Mountains, the Pacific Ocean coastline influences, and the Central Valley, with notable landforms such as Llaima, Villarrica Volcano, Tolhuaca National Park, and the Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve. Hydrology is dominated by river systems like the Bío Bío River, Trancura River, and Cautín River, and lacustrine features such as Llanquihue Lake, Calafquén Lake, and Villarrica Lake. Climatic zones range from oceanic Cfb areas near Pucón to colder alpine conditions near border passes with Argentina such as Mamuil Malal Pass and Paso Icalma. Vegetation communities include the Valdivian temperate rainforests, second-growth pine and eucalyptus plantations associated with companies like Arauco and CMPC, and remnants of native forests conserved in Conguillío National Park and Huerquehue National Park.
Pre-Columbian and colonial periods saw Mapuche polities interact with Spanish colonial forces, including engagements related to the Arauco War and figures such as Lautaro and Caupolicán. The 19th century incorporated campaigns like the Pacification of Araucanía and military expeditions under leaders linked to the Chilean Army and politicians such as Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna and Manuel Montt. Border issues involved Peru and Argentina through treaties including the Boundary Treaty of 1881 between Chile and Argentina. The 20th century featured land reform initiatives under administrations like Eduardo Frei Montalva and Salvador Allende, followed by shifts during the Augusto Pinochet era with forestry expansion tied to multinational firms and legislation such as the Decree Law 701. Social movements in the late 20th and early 21st centuries have involved organizations like the Coordinadora Arauco-Malleco and legal processes engaging the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Constitutional Court of Chile.
Population centers include Temuco, Angol, Villarrica, Pitrufquén, Freire, and Carahue. The region has a significant Mapuche population with communities organized through entities such as the Consejo de Todas las Tierras and traditional authorities including werkén and lonko. Census initiatives by the INE capture changes in urbanization, migration, and rural depopulation comparable to patterns observed in regions like Los Ríos Region and Biobío Region. Health and education provision involve regional branches of institutions like the University of La Frontera, La Araucanía Regional Airport initiatives, and public services coordinated with ministries such as the Ministry of Social Development.
Primary economic activities include forestry, agriculture, livestock, and tourism. Major companies operating in the forestry sector include Arauco and CMPC, with production linked to global markets and export infrastructure such as ports in Corral and connections to the Pacific Basin. Agriculture features crops such as cereals and specialty products promoted through programs tied to the Ministry of Agriculture and extension services like INIA (Chile). Tourism centers around destinations including Pucón, Villarrica National Park, thermal springs near Coñaripe, and cultural tourism related to Mapuche artisans represented at venues such as the Museo Regional de la Araucanía and university museums like Museo Mapuche de Cañete. Energy projects intersect with companies like CODELCO-adjacent suppliers and national initiatives under the Ministry of Energy.
Mapuche culture includes linguistic heritage through Mapudungun, artisanal traditions such as textiles and silverwork, and spiritual sites exemplified by ngillatun ceremonies and machi healers. Cultural institutions include the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural collaborations, the University of La Frontera cultural programs, and NGOs such as Consejo de Todas las Tierras and Comunidad Autónoma de Temucuicui. Literary and artistic figures connected to the region include Violeta Parra influences, contemporary writers featured by publishers like Editorial Universitaria, and musicians whose work circulates via festivals held in Temuco and Pucón. Legal recognition and rights issues have engaged instruments like the ILO Convention 169 and domestic processes in the Supreme Court of Chile.
Administrative organization follows the regional model with an intendant (now regional presidential delegate), a regional council, and provincial governors for Cautín Province and Malleco Province. Elected authorities include members of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile and the Senate of Chile representing regional constituencies alongside municipal governments in communes such as Temuco (commune), Pucón (commune), and Angol (commune). Public policies intersect with national agencies including the Ministry of Interior, the National Corporation for Indigenous Development (CONADI), and regional development agencies modeled after CORFO programs.
Transport networks include the Ruta 5 segment of the Pan-American Highway, regional roads linking to Chile Route 199-CH, and rail services historically operated by Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado with freight corridors to ports. Air connections are served by La Araucanía International Airport (Temuco) with domestic flights to Santiago, and smaller airstrips near Pucón. Energy and telecommunications infrastructure involve grid connections managed by companies subject to regulation by the Superintendencia de Electricidad y Combustibles and national programs like those run by the Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (SUBTEL). Water resources and irrigation projects coordinate with entities such as the General Directorate of Water (DGA) and rural development initiatives tied to INDAP.