Collipulli (Chile)

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Collipulli is a city and comuna (commune) forming part of the Malleco Province in the Araucanía Region in southern Chile. Its name means "coloured lands" in the Mapuche language spoken in the area. It has a population of 22,354 (2005) and an area of 1,296 km². Its current mayor is Leopoldo Rosales Neira (2004-2008).

History
On 22 November 1867, the city was founded as a military fort during the Occupation of Araucanía. No traces of the fort remain today. The fort was protected by defensive ditches and wooden stakes, and was supported by a series of bridges placed over the Malleco River and its tributaries. Other forts were established in the area, and settlers soon followed, developing the land for agriculture.


The Malleco Viaduct, today a National Monument, was officially opened on 26 October 1890, by President Manuel Balmaceda. The viaduct served as a rapid and effective transportation system for trade and commerce.


Present day
Collipulli's economy relies on farming, forestry, and services. Although the majority of the land is suitable for agriculture, an increasing area has been given to forestry in recent years.


Politics
In the National Congress of Chile, Collipulli is part of the 48th district of the Chamber of Deputies (along with Angol, Renaico, Lumaco, Los Sauces, Purén, Ercilla and Traiguén) and the 14th district (Araucanía Norte) of the Senate.