Concepción, Chile
Encyclopedia
Concepción is a city in Chile
, capital of Concepción Province
and of the Biobío Region or Region VIII. Greater Concepción
(Gran Concepción, including Talcahuano
, San Pedro de la Paz
, Hualpén
, Chiguayante
, Penco
, Tomé
, Lota
, Coronel
, Hualqui
and Concepción) is the second-largest conurbation
in the country, with 889,725 inhabitants (2002 census). Individually, it is the 11th largest commune in the country, with a population of 212,003.
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Concepción was founded by Pedro de Valdivia
I.S.W. Vernon, 1969 in 1550 north of the Bío-Bío River
, at the site which is today known as Penco
. At that time it was given the name Concepción del Nuevo Extremo. The new settlement of Concepción was just a few kilometers north of La Frontera
(The Frontier), the boundary between Spanish
territory and the land of the Mapuche
, an American Indian ethnic group that remained independent until the 1870s. The settlement was formally recognized by the Spanish authorities as a town two years later by a royal decree. It was given a coat-of-arms that is still in use today.
Although Concepción was a significant military settlement for the Captaincy-General of Chile
, it was overrun and destroyed by Mapuche armies
in 1554, and once again after being refounded in 1555. Concepción was restored during the governorship of García Hurtado de Mendoza when he landed there and built a fort on the Alto de Pinto in 1557. The town was refounded once more on January 6, 1558, by captain Jerónimo de Villegas. It became the headquarters of the military forces engaged against the Mapuche
in Araucanía over the next two centuries, growing to a population of 10,000 despite a siege
in 1564 and other attacks by the Mapuche. Concepción was the home of the Real Audiencia from 1565 to 1575.
Earthquakes and tsunamis, which razed the town in 1570
, 1657, 1687, 1730 and 1751
, led the authorities to move the town to its current site in the Valle de la Mocha
, alongside the Bío-Bío River
; the old site lay empty until March 29, 1842, when the present town of Penco
was founded.
The new site for the town of Concepción became the main town of the Intendancy of Concepción, whose jurisdiction extended from the Maule River
to La Frontera. The first Intendant of Concepción was the Irishman Ambrose O'Higgins, Marquis of Osorno, who later became Royal Governor of Chile
and Viceroy of Peru.
When the First National Government Board met in Santiago
on September 18, 1810, citizens of Concepción joined up. Concepción was used as the point of entry by the Spanish Army in the attempt by the Viceroyalty of Peru
to re-conquer Chile. Concepción politicians and soldiers became a significant political force in the newly-independent country.
On January 1, 1818, Ambrose O'Higgins's son, Bernardo O'Higgins
, proclaimed and took the oath of the Chilean War of Independence in the main square of Concepción, which since then has been known as "Plaza de la Independencia". On February 20, 1835, the town again was largely destroyed by an earthquake and had to be rebuilt.
As of 2010, Concepción is the second largest city of Chile. The Universidad de Concepción
, founded in 1919, became the first private university in Chile. The neighboring harbor of Talcahuano is the site of the largest naval base in Chile.
struck the city of Concepción, killing more than 521 people and injuring thousands nationwide. Following the earthquake, geologists relying on global positioning satellite (GPS) data concluded that the city had been displaced roughly 3 meters (10 feet) to the west as a result of the event. Fortunately, the city avoided the tsunami that followed the earthquake.
After the 2010 Chile earthquake
, a prison riot
began in Concepción's El Manzano
prison following a failed escape attempt by the internees. Different parts of the prison were set on fire and the riot was controlled only after the guards shot into the air and received help from military units. As of 5 March 2010, a Peruvian field hospital has been deployed to the city.
in 1939. Another major earthquake
in 1960 had a nearby epicenter.J.M. Nickles, 1965
On February 27, 2010, an earthquake
of 8.8 magnitude struck at 35.846°S, 72.719°W, 115 km (71.5 mi) NNE of the city. The United States Geological Survey said the earthquake struck at 0334 GMT on Saturday at a depth of 35 km (21.7 mi). The effects were felt as far away as São Paulo, Brazil—2870 miles (4,618.8 km).
csb, with a dry summer nadir in February. Despite the csb classification, the climate is generally considered oceanic
, because for most of the year it resembles an oceanic climate. The climate's oceanic influence keeps temperatures mild throughout the year. Temperatures rarely exceed 30°C or decrease below -3°C. In the five-month period between May and October, the city receives approximately 83% of it's total annual precipitation, which totals 1110 mm (43.7 in).
The chart at right provides a climate summary for Concepción; additionally the weather box belows covers the information in higher detail.
According to data collected on 2002 in the Census of the National Institute of Statistics, the township has an area of 221.6 sqkm and a population of 216,061 inhabitants, of whom 103,860 are men and 112,201 are women.
Conception is home to 11.61% of the total population of the region. 1.88% (4,058 persons) is for rural population and 98.12% (212,003) to urban population.
Between 1970 and 1982 there is a large increase in the population. One reason is the inclusion of San Pedro
, segregated from the municipality of Coronel.
The Concepción commune population declined sharply because in 1996 it was divided, creating Chiguayante
and San Pedro de la Paz
. In these communes the population has grown quickly since they have become bedroom communities of Concepción, i.e. residential cities that do not have a center with many shops, such as Concepcion.
It is projected that by 2009 an estimated population of 227,768 inhabitants live in the commune.
There is a significant percentage of foreign residents in the city, the most numerous are the Spanish
, Italian
and U.S.
expatriate communities. Also are smaller segments of German, French
, British
, Dutch
, Greek, Portuguese
, Croatian
, Scandinavian
, Arab
and Australian descendants in a city settled by waves of immigration.
s of the inhabitants of Concepción and the nearby city of Penco. Due to the previous location of Concepción being where Penco currently stands, inhabitants of Concepción are called penquistas while inhabitants of Penco are known as pencones.
Concepción is one of the most active cities in Chilean rock music and many famous rock groups in Chile started up in Concepción.
Concepción has the second largest concentration of universities in Chile, and is home to three major universities. Concepción currently has four traditional universities:
Basketball
is also played at a high professional level. The most notable team is:
Historically characterized by a strong manufacturing industry, Concepión has also been a major center for distribution and services and the financial basis of the regional economy.
Trade in the city is concentrated in the Plaza Independencia (Independence Square), the pedestrian street Alonso de Ercilla y Zúñiga (built in 1981), and along the major avenues. One such avenue is the Diego Barros Arana street which has developed into the commercial center of the city and the region was until 1907 even known as "calle Comercio" ("Commerce Street"). New commercial centers are being developed around the old central station and the new civic district as a part of the Chilean bicentennial (September 18, 2010). A considerable percentage of local trade is taking place in settlements around the city.
, headed by an alcalde
who is directly elected every four years. The municipal building (alcaldía) is located at O'Higgins Nº 525 36°49′41.50"S 73°03′04.93"W. The 2008-2012 alcalde is Patricio Kuhn Artigues (UDI). The communal council has the following members:
Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Concepción is represented in the Chamber of Deputies
by José Miguel Ortiz (PDC
) and Enrique Van Rysselberghe (UDI) as part of the 44th electoral district, (together with San Pedro de la Paz
and Chiguayante
). The commune is represented in the Senate
by Alejandro Navarro Brain (MAS) and Hosain Sabag Castillo (PDC
) as part of the 12th senatorial constituency (Biobío-Cordillera).
, Brazil
- Bethlehem
, Palestinian National Authority
- Guayaquil
, Ecuador
- Rosario, Argentina
- La Plata
, Argentina
- Auckland
, New Zealand
- Sucre
, Bolivia
- Caracas
, Venezuela
- Palm Desert, California
.
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
, capital of Concepción Province
Concepción Province, Chile
Concepción Province is one of four provinces of the Chilean region of Biobío . Its capital, Concepción, is part of the Greater Concepción conurbation, the nation's second largest metropolitan area after Santiago.-Administration:...
and of the Biobío Region or Region VIII. Greater Concepción
Greater Concepción
Gran Concepción is the second largest conurbation in Chile, after Greater Santiago with 1,013,856 inhabitants. According to the National Statistics Institute , the population projection for 2012 is 1,019,775 inhabitants....
(Gran Concepción, including Talcahuano
Talcahuano
Talcahuano is a port city and commune in the Biobío Region of Chile. It is part of the Greater Concepción conurbation. Talcahuano is located in the south of the Central Zone of Chile.-Geography:...
, San Pedro de la Paz
San Pedro de la Paz
San Pedro de la Paz is a Chilean city and commune located in the Concepción Province, Biobío Region. It has some 80,447 inhabitants according to the 2002 national census. In 2005, the Pedro Aguirre Cerda avenue, the main avenue in the city, was completed. Most of the inhabitants of this comuna...
, Hualpén
Hualpén
Hualpén is a Chilean city and commune belonging to Concepción Province and the Biobío Region. It forms part of the conurbation of Greater Concepción. The commune spans an area of .-Demographics:...
, Chiguayante
Chiguayante
Chiguayante is a Chilean city and commune in Concepción Province, Biobío Region. It is part of Greater Concepción.-Demographics:According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Chiguayante spans an area of and has 81,302 inhabitants . Of these, 81,238 lived in urban areas and 64...
, Penco
Penco
Penco is a Chilean city and commune in Concepción Province, Biobío Region on the Bay of Concepción. Founded as the city of Concepción del Nuevo Extremo on February 12, 1550 by Pedro de Valdivia, it is the third oldest city in the country after Santiago founded first in 1541 and La Serena second...
, Tomé
Tomé
Tomé is a port city and commune in the Biobío Region of Chile. It is bordered by Coelemu to the north, Ránquil and Florida to the east, Penco to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west...
, Lota
Lota, Chile
Lota is a city and commune located in the center of the Chile on the Gulf of Arauco. It lies within the Concepción Province of the Biobío Region.-History:...
, Coronel
Coronel
Coronel is a Chilean city and commune, located in the Concepción Province of the eighth region of Biobío.-Geography:The city of Coronel is located in a sandy platform that goes from the mouth of the Biobío River to the Arauco Gulf bay, a muddy landscape, full of forests, typical of the region.This...
, Hualqui
Hualqui
Hualqui is a Chilean city and commune in the Concepción Province, Biobio Region. It is also part of the Greater Concepcion conurbation, although it maintains a rural profile. It had a population of 18,768 inhabitants according to the 2002 census....
and Concepción) is the second-largest conurbation
Conurbation
A conurbation is a region comprising a number of cities, large towns, and other urban areas that, through population growth and physical expansion, have merged to form one continuous urban and industrially developed area...
in the country, with 889,725 inhabitants (2002 census). Individually, it is the 11th largest commune in the country, with a population of 212,003.
History
Pedro de Valdivia
Pedro Gutiérrez de Valdivia or Valdiva was a Spanish conquistador and the first royal governor of Chile. After serving with the Spanish army in Italy and Flanders, he was sent to South America in 1534, where he served as lieutenant under Francisco Pizarro in Peru, acting as his second in command...
I.S.W. Vernon, 1969 in 1550 north of the Bío-Bío River
Bío-Bío River
The Biobío River is the second largest river in Chile. It originates from Icalma and Galletué lakes in the Andes and flows 380 km to the Gulf of Arauco on the Pacific Ocean....
, at the site which is today known as Penco
Penco
Penco is a Chilean city and commune in Concepción Province, Biobío Region on the Bay of Concepción. Founded as the city of Concepción del Nuevo Extremo on February 12, 1550 by Pedro de Valdivia, it is the third oldest city in the country after Santiago founded first in 1541 and La Serena second...
. At that time it was given the name Concepción del Nuevo Extremo. The new settlement of Concepción was just a few kilometers north of La Frontera
La Frontera (geographical region)
La Frontera is name given to a geographical region in Chile, between the Bío-Bío and Toltén Rivers, now part of the administrative regions of Bío-Bío and Araucanía...
(The Frontier), the boundary between Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
territory and the land of the Mapuche
Mapuche
The Mapuche are a group of indigenous inhabitants of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina. They constitute a wide-ranging ethnicity composed of various groups who shared a common social, religious and economic structure, as well as a common linguistic heritage. Their influence extended...
, an American Indian ethnic group that remained independent until the 1870s. The settlement was formally recognized by the Spanish authorities as a town two years later by a royal decree. It was given a coat-of-arms that is still in use today.
Although Concepción was a significant military settlement for the Captaincy-General of Chile
Kingdom of Chile
The General Captaincy of Chile or Gobernacion de Chile, was an administrative territory of the Viceroyalty of Peru in the Spanish Empire from 1541 to 1818, the year in which it declared itself independent, becoming the Republic of Chile...
, it was overrun and destroyed by Mapuche armies
Arauco War
The Arauco War was a conflict between colonial Spaniards and the Mapuche people in what is now the Araucanía and Biobío regions of modern Chile...
in 1554, and once again after being refounded in 1555. Concepción was restored during the governorship of García Hurtado de Mendoza when he landed there and built a fort on the Alto de Pinto in 1557. The town was refounded once more on January 6, 1558, by captain Jerónimo de Villegas. It became the headquarters of the military forces engaged against the Mapuche
Mapuche
The Mapuche are a group of indigenous inhabitants of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina. They constitute a wide-ranging ethnicity composed of various groups who shared a common social, religious and economic structure, as well as a common linguistic heritage. Their influence extended...
in Araucanía over the next two centuries, growing to a population of 10,000 despite a siege
Siege
A siege is a military blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by attrition or assault. The term derives from sedere, Latin for "to sit". Generally speaking, siege warfare is a form of constant, low intensity conflict characterized by one party holding a strong, static...
in 1564 and other attacks by the Mapuche. Concepción was the home of the Real Audiencia from 1565 to 1575.
Earthquakes and tsunamis, which razed the town in 1570
1570 Concepción earthquake
The 1570 Concepción earthquake occurred at 9:00, on February 8, 1570. The strong earthquake destroyed Concepción, Chile. It was accompanied by a tsunami, and aftershocks were felt for months. No lives were lost, but every house was destroyed...
, 1657, 1687, 1730 and 1751
1751 Concepción earthquake
The 1751 Concepción earthquake was one of the strongest and most destructive recorded quakes in Chilean history. It struck the Central Valley of the country, destroying the cities of Concepción, Chillán, Cauquenes, Curicó and Talca, probably on May 24, 1751, although there is currently a debate...
, led the authorities to move the town to its current site in the Valle de la Mocha
Valle de la Mocha
Valle de la Mocha is a plain in Chile on the north shore of the Bio-Bio River that contained the reducción of Mapuche who were transported in 1685, from Mocha Island by Governor José de Garro; from which the valley and plain took its name...
, alongside the Bío-Bío River
Bío-Bío River
The Biobío River is the second largest river in Chile. It originates from Icalma and Galletué lakes in the Andes and flows 380 km to the Gulf of Arauco on the Pacific Ocean....
; the old site lay empty until March 29, 1842, when the present town of Penco
Penco
Penco is a Chilean city and commune in Concepción Province, Biobío Region on the Bay of Concepción. Founded as the city of Concepción del Nuevo Extremo on February 12, 1550 by Pedro de Valdivia, it is the third oldest city in the country after Santiago founded first in 1541 and La Serena second...
was founded.
The new site for the town of Concepción became the main town of the Intendancy of Concepción, whose jurisdiction extended from the Maule River
Maule river
The Maule river is one of the most important rivers of Chile and is inextricably linked to this country's pre-Hispanic times, the country's conquest, colonial period, wars of Independence, modern history, agriculture , culture , religion, economy and politics...
to La Frontera. The first Intendant of Concepción was the Irishman Ambrose O'Higgins, Marquis of Osorno, who later became Royal Governor of Chile
Royal Governor of Chile
The Royal Governor of Chile ruled over the Spanish colonial administrative district known as the Kingdom of Chile. This district was also called the Captaincy General of Chile, and as a result the Royal Governor also held the title of a Captain General...
and Viceroy of Peru.
When the First National Government Board met in Santiago
Santiago, Chile
Santiago , also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation . It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of above mean sea level...
on September 18, 1810, citizens of Concepción joined up. Concepción was used as the point of entry by the Spanish Army in the attempt by the Viceroyalty of Peru
Viceroyalty of Peru
Created in 1542, the Viceroyalty of Peru was a Spanish colonial administrative district that originally contained most of Spanish-ruled South America, governed from the capital of Lima...
to re-conquer Chile. Concepción politicians and soldiers became a significant political force in the newly-independent country.
On January 1, 1818, Ambrose O'Higgins's son, Bernardo O'Higgins
Bernardo O'Higgins
Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme was a Chilean independence leader who, together with José de San Martín, freed Chile from Spanish rule in the Chilean War of Independence. Although he was the second Supreme Director of Chile , he is considered one of Chile's founding fathers, as he was the first holder...
, proclaimed and took the oath of the Chilean War of Independence in the main square of Concepción, which since then has been known as "Plaza de la Independencia". On February 20, 1835, the town again was largely destroyed by an earthquake and had to be rebuilt.
As of 2010, Concepción is the second largest city of Chile. The Universidad de Concepción
Universidad de Concepción
The University of Concepción , also known for its acronym UdeC, is one of the most prestigious universities in Chile. It is the third oldest university in the country, and it is part of the Council of Rectors. It was the first University founded in the South of Chile, and the first to become a...
, founded in 1919, became the first private university in Chile. The neighboring harbor of Talcahuano is the site of the largest naval base in Chile.
27 February 2010 earthquake
On February 27, 2010, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake2010 Chile earthquake
The 2010 Chile earthquake occurred off the coast of central Chile on Saturday, 27 February 2010, at 03:34 local time , having a magnitude of 8.8 on the moment magnitude scale, with intense shaking lasting for about three minutes. It ranks as the sixth largest earthquake ever to be recorded by a...
struck the city of Concepción, killing more than 521 people and injuring thousands nationwide. Following the earthquake, geologists relying on global positioning satellite (GPS) data concluded that the city had been displaced roughly 3 meters (10 feet) to the west as a result of the event. Fortunately, the city avoided the tsunami that followed the earthquake.
After the 2010 Chile earthquake
2010 Chile earthquake
The 2010 Chile earthquake occurred off the coast of central Chile on Saturday, 27 February 2010, at 03:34 local time , having a magnitude of 8.8 on the moment magnitude scale, with intense shaking lasting for about three minutes. It ranks as the sixth largest earthquake ever to be recorded by a...
, a prison riot
Prison riot
A prison riot is an act of concerted defiance or disorder by a group of prisoners against the prison administrators, prison officers, or other groups of prisoners in attempt to force change or express a grievance....
began in Concepción's El Manzano
El Manzano (prison)
El Manzano is a prison in the city of Concepción, Chile. After the 2010 Chile earthquake a prison riot began following a failed escape attempt by the inmates...
prison following a failed escape attempt by the internees. Different parts of the prison were set on fire and the riot was controlled only after the guards shot into the air and received help from military units. As of 5 March 2010, a Peruvian field hospital has been deployed to the city.
Seismology
The vicinity is seismically active, with much of Concepción destroyed by a violent earthquake1939 Chillán earthquake
The 1939 Chillán earthquake was a major earthquake in south-central Chile. It is currently the single earthquake that has caused the most deaths in Chile. The earthquake occurred on 24 January 1939 and had an intensity of 8.3 MS...
in 1939. Another major earthquake
Earthquake
An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time...
in 1960 had a nearby epicenter.J.M. Nickles, 1965
On February 27, 2010, an earthquake
2010 Chile earthquake
The 2010 Chile earthquake occurred off the coast of central Chile on Saturday, 27 February 2010, at 03:34 local time , having a magnitude of 8.8 on the moment magnitude scale, with intense shaking lasting for about three minutes. It ranks as the sixth largest earthquake ever to be recorded by a...
of 8.8 magnitude struck at 35.846°S, 72.719°W, 115 km (71.5 mi) NNE of the city. The United States Geological Survey said the earthquake struck at 0334 GMT on Saturday at a depth of 35 km (21.7 mi). The effects were felt as far away as São Paulo, Brazil—2870 miles (4,618.8 km).
Climate
The climate of Concepción is classified as Köppen climate classificationKöppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
csb, with a dry summer nadir in February. Despite the csb classification, the climate is generally considered oceanic
Oceanic climate
An oceanic climate, also called marine west coast climate, maritime climate, Cascadian climate and British climate for Köppen climate classification Cfb and subtropical highland for Köppen Cfb or Cwb, is a type of climate typically found along the west coasts at the middle latitudes of some of the...
, because for most of the year it resembles an oceanic climate. The climate's oceanic influence keeps temperatures mild throughout the year. Temperatures rarely exceed 30°C or decrease below -3°C. In the five-month period between May and October, the city receives approximately 83% of it's total annual precipitation, which totals 1110 mm (43.7 in).
The chart at right provides a climate summary for Concepción; additionally the weather box belows covers the information in higher detail.
Demographics
| Year | Population | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 229,684 | |
| 2006 | 225,158 | |
| 2002 | 216,061 | |
| 1992 | 326,784 | |
| 1982 | 267,891 | |
| 1970 | 161,006 |
According to data collected on 2002 in the Census of the National Institute of Statistics, the township has an area of 221.6 sqkm and a population of 216,061 inhabitants, of whom 103,860 are men and 112,201 are women.
Conception is home to 11.61% of the total population of the region. 1.88% (4,058 persons) is for rural population and 98.12% (212,003) to urban population.
Between 1970 and 1982 there is a large increase in the population. One reason is the inclusion of San Pedro
San Pedro de la Paz
San Pedro de la Paz is a Chilean city and commune located in the Concepción Province, Biobío Region. It has some 80,447 inhabitants according to the 2002 national census. In 2005, the Pedro Aguirre Cerda avenue, the main avenue in the city, was completed. Most of the inhabitants of this comuna...
, segregated from the municipality of Coronel.
The Concepción commune population declined sharply because in 1996 it was divided, creating Chiguayante
Chiguayante
Chiguayante is a Chilean city and commune in Concepción Province, Biobío Region. It is part of Greater Concepción.-Demographics:According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Chiguayante spans an area of and has 81,302 inhabitants . Of these, 81,238 lived in urban areas and 64...
and San Pedro de la Paz
San Pedro de la Paz
San Pedro de la Paz is a Chilean city and commune located in the Concepción Province, Biobío Region. It has some 80,447 inhabitants according to the 2002 national census. In 2005, the Pedro Aguirre Cerda avenue, the main avenue in the city, was completed. Most of the inhabitants of this comuna...
. In these communes the population has grown quickly since they have become bedroom communities of Concepción, i.e. residential cities that do not have a center with many shops, such as Concepcion.
It is projected that by 2009 an estimated population of 227,768 inhabitants live in the commune.
There is a significant percentage of foreign residents in the city, the most numerous are the Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
and U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
expatriate communities. Also are smaller segments of German, French
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
, British
British people
The British are citizens of the United Kingdom, of the Isle of Man, any of the Channel Islands, or of any of the British overseas territories, and their descendants...
, Dutch
Dutch people
The Dutch people are an ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United...
, Greek, Portuguese
Portuguese people
The Portuguese are a nation and ethnic group native to the country of Portugal, in the west of the Iberian peninsula of south-west Europe. Their language is Portuguese, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion....
, Croatian
Croats
Croats are a South Slavic ethnic group mostly living in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and nearby countries. There are around 4 million Croats living inside Croatia and up to 4.5 million throughout the rest of the world. Responding to political, social and economic pressure, many Croats have...
, Scandinavian
Scandinavians
Scandinavians are a group of Germanic peoples, inhabiting Scandinavia and to a lesser extent countries associated with Scandinavia, and speaking Scandinavian languages. The group includes Danes, Norwegians and Swedes, and additionally the descendants of Scandinavian settlers such as the Icelandic...
, Arab
Arab
Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...
and Australian descendants in a city settled by waves of immigration.
Cultural life
To an outsider, there may be confusion between the demonymDemonym
A demonym , also referred to as a gentilic, is a name for a resident of a locality. A demonym is usually – though not always – derived from the name of the locality; thus, the demonym for the people of England is English, and the demonym for the people of Italy is Italian, yet, in english, the one...
s of the inhabitants of Concepción and the nearby city of Penco. Due to the previous location of Concepción being where Penco currently stands, inhabitants of Concepción are called penquistas while inhabitants of Penco are known as pencones.
Concepción is one of the most active cities in Chilean rock music and many famous rock groups in Chile started up in Concepción.
Concepción has the second largest concentration of universities in Chile, and is home to three major universities. Concepción currently has four traditional universities:
- Universidad de ConcepciónUniversidad de ConcepciónThe University of Concepción , also known for its acronym UdeC, is one of the most prestigious universities in Chile. It is the third oldest university in the country, and it is part of the Council of Rectors. It was the first University founded in the South of Chile, and the first to become a...
- Universidad Católica de la Santísima ConcepciónUniversidad Católica de la Santísima ConcepciónCatholic University of the Holy Conception is a university in Chile. It is part of the Chilean Traditional Universities.The University...
- Universidad Técnica Federico Santa MaríaUniversidad Técnica Federico Santa Maríathumbnail|right|276px|University frontisThe Federico Santa María Technical University , is a Chilean university situated in Valparaíso, Chile...
- Universidad del Bío-BíoUniversidad del Bío-BíoUniversity of Bío-Bío is a university in Chile. It is part of the Chilean Traditional Universities.- University of Bío-Bío :The University of Bío-Bío is heir of the tradition of state and public higher education in the Bío Bío Region...
.
Sports
Concepción is home of three professional football teams:- Club Deportivo Universidad de ConcepciónClub Deportivo Universidad de ConcepciónClub Deportivo Universidad de Concepción Futbol, is a Chilean football club based in the city of Concepción. The club was founded August 8, 1994 and plays in the top level of the Chilean football league...
, currently in the Chilean top division, Liga Chilena de Fútbol: Primera DivisiónLiga Chilena de Fútbol: Primera DivisiónThe Primera División del Fútbol Profesional Chileno is the top level of Chilean football, and main component of the Chilean football league system. It is organized by the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional and is currently ranked 9th in the IFFHS' Best Leagues of the World ranking... - Club Deportivo Ferroviario Almirante Arturo Fernández VialClub Deportivo Ferroviario Almirante Arturo Fernández VialClub Deportivo Ferroviario Almirante Arturo Fernández Vial is a football club in Chile, from the Concepción area, in the Bio-Bio Region. The team was founded on June 3, 1903, and it currently plays in the third tier of the Chilean professional leagues....
, currently in the Chilean third division, Tercera A - Club de Deportes ConcepciónClub de Deportes ConcepciónClub Deportes Concepción, is a Chilean football club based in the city of Concepción.The club was founded on February 29, 1966 by the orgia of several amateur clubs such as Galvarino, Liverpool, Juvenil Unido, Santa Fe and Club Lord Cochrane. The club is one of the most popular in the VIII region...
, currently in the second division, Liga Chilena de Fútbol: Primera B
Basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
is also played at a high professional level. The most notable team is:
- Club Deportivo Universidad de Concepción, currently in DIMAYOR, División Mayor del Básquetbol de ChileDivisión Mayor del Básquetbol de ChileThe División Mayor del Básquetbol de Chile or DIMAYOR is the national professional basketball league in Chile. The league was created in 1979.-Teams participating in 2009:-List of Champions:...
Economy
Trade in the city is concentrated in the Plaza Independencia (Independence Square), the pedestrian street Alonso de Ercilla y Zúñiga (built in 1981), and along the major avenues. One such avenue is the Diego Barros Arana street which has developed into the commercial center of the city and the region was until 1907 even known as "calle Comercio" ("Commerce Street"). New commercial centers are being developed around the old central station and the new civic district as a part of the Chilean bicentennial (September 18, 2010). A considerable percentage of local trade is taking place in settlements around the city.
Administration
As a commune, Concepción is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal councilMunicipal council
A municipal council is the local government of a municipality. Specifically the term can refer to the institutions of various countries that can be translated by this term...
, headed by an alcalde
Alcalde
Alcalde , or Alcalde ordinario, is the traditional Spanish municipal magistrate, who had both judicial and administrative functions. An alcalde was, in the absence of a corregidor, the presiding officer of the Castilian cabildo and judge of first instance of a town...
who is directly elected every four years. The municipal building (alcaldía) is located at O'Higgins Nº 525 36°49′41.50"S 73°03′04.93"W. The 2008-2012 alcalde is Patricio Kuhn Artigues (UDI). The communal council has the following members:
- Alvaro Ortiz Vera (PDCChristian Democratic PartyChristian democratic parties are those political parties that seek to apply Christian principles to public policy. The underlying Christian democracy movement emerged in 19th-century Europe, largely under the influence of Catholic social teaching, and it continues to be influential in Europe and...
) - Rodrigo Díaz Wörner (PDC)
- Christian Paulsen Espejo-Pando (RNNational Renewal (Chile)National Renewal , is a liberal conservative political party belonging to the Chilean right-wing political coalition Coalition for Change in conjunction with the Independent Democratic Union and the Chile First movement...
) - Escequiel Riquelme Figueroa (Ind.Independent (politician)In politics, an independent or non-party politician is an individual not affiliated to any political party. Independents may hold a centrist viewpoint between those of major political parties, a viewpoint more extreme than any major party, or they may have a viewpoint based on issues that they do...
) - Fernando Gonzalez Sánchez (UDIIndependent Democrat UnionThe Independent Democrat Union is a Chilean right-wing, conservative political party, founded in 1983. Its main inspirer was the lawyer, politician and law professor Jaime Guzmán, a former senator of the Republic of Chile from 1990 until his assassination on April 1, 1991.Its ideological origins...
) - Alejandra Smith Becerra (PDC)
- Patricio Lynch Gaete (UDI)
- Jorge Condeza Neuber
Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Concepción is represented in the Chamber of Deputies
Chamber of Deputies of Chile
The Chamber of Deputies of the Republic of Chile is the lower house of Chile's bicameral Congress. Its organisation and its powers and duties are defined in articles 42 to 59 of Chile's current constitution....
by José Miguel Ortiz (PDC
Christian Democratic Party
Christian democratic parties are those political parties that seek to apply Christian principles to public policy. The underlying Christian democracy movement emerged in 19th-century Europe, largely under the influence of Catholic social teaching, and it continues to be influential in Europe and...
) and Enrique Van Rysselberghe (UDI) as part of the 44th electoral district, (together with San Pedro de la Paz
San Pedro de la Paz
San Pedro de la Paz is a Chilean city and commune located in the Concepción Province, Biobío Region. It has some 80,447 inhabitants according to the 2002 national census. In 2005, the Pedro Aguirre Cerda avenue, the main avenue in the city, was completed. Most of the inhabitants of this comuna...
and Chiguayante
Chiguayante
Chiguayante is a Chilean city and commune in Concepción Province, Biobío Region. It is part of Greater Concepción.-Demographics:According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Chiguayante spans an area of and has 81,302 inhabitants . Of these, 81,238 lived in urban areas and 64...
). The commune is represented in the Senate
Senate of Chile
The Senate of the Republic of Chile is the upper house of Chile's bicameral National Congress, as established in the current Constitution of Chile.-Composition:...
by Alejandro Navarro Brain (MAS) and Hosain Sabag Castillo (PDC
Christian Democratic Party
Christian democratic parties are those political parties that seek to apply Christian principles to public policy. The underlying Christian democracy movement emerged in 19th-century Europe, largely under the influence of Catholic social teaching, and it continues to be influential in Europe and...
) as part of the 12th senatorial constituency (Biobío-Cordillera).
Notable citizens
- Enrique Molina GarmendiaEnrique Molina GarmendiaEnrique Molina Garmendia was a philosopher and a Chilean teacher.He was the promoter and the main founder of the University of Concepción....
- Founder of university of Concepción, one of the top universities in Chile. - Luis AltamiranoLuis AltamiranoDivision General Luis Altamirano Talavera was a Chilean military officer, minister, Vice President of the Republic and finally President of the Government Junta of Chile between 1924 and 1925....
- President of the 1924 Government Junta of ChileGovernment Junta of Chile (1924)Government Junta of Chile , was the political structure established to rule Chile following the military coup that overthrew President Arturo Alessandri... - Graciela ArayaGraciela ArayaGraciela Araya is an Austrian mezzo-soprano of Chilean birth who has had a prolific international opera career since the early 1980s...
- opera singer - José María de la CruzJosé María de la CruzGeneral José María de la Cruz Prieto was a Chilean soldier.The son of Luis de la Cruz and of Josefa Prieto Sotomayor, and was a cousin of future presidents José Joaquín Prieto and Manuel Bulnes...
- Soldier - Adrián GarcíaAdrián GarcíaAdrián Alonso García Sobarzo is a Chilean tennis player.García was born in Concepción, Chile. On September 13, 2004, he achieved a career-high singles ranking of 103.-Source:* ATP Tour profile for...
- Tennis player - Lisando HenríquezLisando HenríquezLisando Henríquez is a Chilean football defender and his currently plays for Everton.Henríquez began his football career in 2003 in the lower division Fernández Vial....
- Footballer - Ignacio Urrutia ManzanoIgnacio Urrutia ManzanoIgnacio Urrutia Manzano was a Chilean politician. He served twice as President of the Senate of Chile and minister.He was born in Concepcion, the son of Luis Urrutia Rozas and of Aurora Manzano Benavente. He completed his studies in his native city, and then attended the Naval Academy, where he...
- Politician - Adelqui MigliarAdelqui MigliarAdelqui Migliar , also known als Adelqui Millar, was a Chilean film actor, director, writer and producer. He appeared in 31 silent films between 1916 and 1928. He also directed 24 films between 1922 and 1954....
- Film actor, director, writer and producer - Marco Enriquez Ominami - Politician
- Carlos Keller Rueff - Far rightFar rightFar-right, extreme right, hard right, radical right, and ultra-right are terms used to discuss the qualitative or quantitative position a group or person occupies within right-wing politics. Far-right politics may involve anti-immigration and anti-integration stances towards groups that are...
writer, historian, and political figure - José A. Santos - Retired American jockey
- Paulina VelosoPaulina VelosoPaulina Eliana Veloso Valenzuela is a Chilean lawyer and Socialist Party politician who served as the Minister Secretary-General of the Presidency of Chile from March 11, 2006 to March 27, 2007.-Family:Velaso is the daughter of the ex-intendant of the Biobío Region, lawyer Adolfo...
- Lawyer and Socialist PartySocialist Party of ChileThe Socialist Party of Chile is a political party, that is part of the center-left Coalition of Parties for Democracy coalition. Its historical leader was the late President of Chile Salvador Allende Gossens, who was deposed by General Pinochet in 1973...
politician - Aníbal ZañartuAníbal ZañartuAníbal Zañartu Zañartu was a Chilean political figure. He served several times as minister and as Vice President in 1901....
- Politician
Twin cities
About eight or nine cities have sister city associations, including one in the USA. - CascavelCascavel
Cascavel is a city and municipality in western Paraná state, Brazil. The population is 296.975 inhabitants.The city is on a plateau 781 meters above sea level...
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
- Bethlehem
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a Palestinian city in the central West Bank of the Jordan River, near Israel and approximately south of Jerusalem, with a population of about 30,000 people. It is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate of the Palestinian National Authority and a hub of Palestinian culture and tourism...
, Palestinian National Authority
Palestinian National Authority
The Palestinian Authority is the administrative organization established to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip...
- Guayaquil
Guayaquil
Guayaquil , officially Santiago de Guayaquil , is the largest and the most populous city in Ecuador,with about 2.3 million inhabitants in the city and nearly 3.1 million in the metropolitan area, as well as that nation's main port...
, Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
- Rosario, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
- La Plata
La Plata
La Plata is the capital city of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and of La Plata partido. According to the , the city proper has a population of 574,369 and its metropolitan area has 694,253 inhabitants....
, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
- Auckland
Auckland City
Auckland City was the city and local authority covering the Auckland isthmus and most of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, in the North Island of New Zealand. On 1 November 2010 it was amalgamated into the wider Auckland Region under the authority of the new Auckland Council...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
- Sucre
Sucre
Sucre, also known historically as Charcas, La Plata and Chuquisaca is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and the capital of the department of Chuquisaca. Located in the south-central part of the country, Sucre lies at an elevation of 2750m...
, Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
- Caracas
Caracas
Caracas , officially Santiago de León de Caracas, is the capital and largest city of Venezuela; natives or residents are known as Caraquenians in English . It is located in the northern part of the country, following the contours of the narrow Caracas Valley on the Venezuelan coastal mountain range...
, Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
- Palm Desert, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.