Chiloé Islands

Group of islands off the west coast of South America, forming part of the region of Los Lagos, southern Chile. The main island, Chiloé, is 189 km/117 mi long and 56-64 km/35-40 mi wide and has a population (1996) of 116,252. Its two principal towns are the ports of Castro, its former capital, and Ancud, the present capital and site of the island's airport. Timber, cut from the dense forests that cover much of the interior of the island, is a major export commodity. The other main economic activities are seaweed-farming, stock-raising, potato cultivation, and fishing.

The islands' climate is wet and the area is often shrouded in sea fogs. The islands suffered heavily in the major earthquake that hit the area in 1960. There is a national park comprising extensive woodlands and coastline on the main island of Chiloé.

History Huilliche Indians first raised potatoes and other crops in the fertile volcanic soil. The island of Chiloé was first settled by the Spanish in 1567. Jesuit missionaries were active throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries in founding schools and churches here. Many of these buildings are constructed entirely of wood, in a style peculiar to this region. Mainland refugees arrived after the Mapuche uprising of 1599. A Spanish Royalist stronghold, Chiloé resisted Creole attacks on Ancud until 1826.