Danza O Baile

IX Araucanía Region

(Spanish: IX Región de La Araucanía, literally in Spanish: Region of Araucany) is one of Chile's 15 first order administrative divisions and comprises two provinces: Malleco inthe north and Cautín in the south.
Its capital is Temuco, other important cities include Angol and Padre las Casas.

Geography

Virgin forests, featuring coigüe, raulí, and tepa, as well as bayand cypress trees, criss-cross the region in all directions. The majestic araucaria, or monkey puzzle tree, also known locally as pehuén, towers above the other trees; its fruit—the piñón, a type ofpine nut—is still a staple food for the indigenous Pehuenches.
A large part of this natural wealth is protected in various National Parks (Nahuelbuta, Tolhuaca. Conguillío, Villarrica, andHuerquehue), or National Reserves (Malalcahuello, Las Nalcas, and Alto Biobío).

History

The Araucanía is the heartland of the indigenous Mapuche people who resisted both Inca and Spanish conquest attempts.Since 1885 the territory has been part of Chile after the occupation of the Araucanía.The Spaniards shed so much blood in their attempt to conquer the Mapuche people who inhabited this area, thatthey were forced to establish their southern "frontier" on the banks of the Biobío River.
Following independence, the Chilean Government opted for peaceful relations and did not begin effectiveterritorial occupation until 1862, when new towns were founded and the railroad, telegraph, and highroads advanced. Araucanía was fully incorporated into Chile in 1882.

Economy

Until recently, Araucaníawas dependent on cereal farming and was known as "Chile’s granary."
However, agriculture is now highly diversified, wheat is still the main crop, but production of oats, rape, and lupine hasincreased significantly and fruit and flower growing are also emerging.
The significant urban and commercial development, together with vast possibilities for tourism, contribute other openings for...