Chos Malal

Chos Malal
Chos Malal Location in Argentina
Coordinates: 37°22′S 70°16′W / 37.367°S 70.267°W / -37.367; -70.267Coordinates: 37°22′S 70°16′W / 37.367°S 70.267°W / -37.367; -70.267
Country	Argentina
Province	Neuquén Province
Department	Chos Malal Department
Founded	August 4, 1887
Government
• Mayor	Carlos Anibal Lator
Elevation	974 m (3,196 ft)
Population (2001 census [INDEC])
• Total	11,361
CPA Base	Q 8353
Area code(s)	+54 02948
Website	Chos Malal Municipality

Chos Malal from Mapudungun (English:Yellow Pen) is the capital city of the Chos Malal Department located in Neuquén Province, Argentina.

History

Chos Malal was established on August 4, 1887 by the coronel José Olascoaga, the city was the capital of Territorio del Neuquén until 1904 when the capital and administrative buildings were moved to Neuquén capital city of the Confluencia Department. Chos Malal was established as a control point for the route of Animal husbandry and avoid Cattle raiding. When the Rail transport arrived to Neuquén Province the economy of the province helped the city of Neuquén to grow very fast and soon it was the provincial capital.

Geography

Chos Malal is located between the Neuquén River and Curi Leuvú river in the Cordillera del Viento. The Chos Malal is surrounded by conifer forests mostly Araucaria trees.

Climate

Chos Malal has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers; during the winter there are regular snow storms.

Culture

The Jose Olascoaga historical museum located in the city has exhibits of many historical pieces of the Conquest of the Desert such as documents, soldier's equipment and Mapuche objects.

References

• Chos Malal, Spanish Wikipedia