Lirquén

Lirquén
Town
Lirquén from Cerro Rahue
Lirquén
Coordinates: 36°42′46″S 72°58′36″W / 36.71278°S 72.97667°W / -36.71278; -72.97667
Country Chile
RegionBiobío Region
ProvinceConcepción
CommunePenco
Established1850
Area
 • Total
107.6 km2 (41.5 sq mi)
Elevation
11 m (36 ft)
Population
 • Total
20,000
 • Density190/km2 (480/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−4 (CLT)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−3 (CLST)
Area code56 + 41
ClimateDfc

Lirquén is a town located in the Biobío Region of central Chile. It is located along the Pacific Ocean and its economy is partly based on fishing. The town has a population of around 20,000 people.

Due to its location on the coast, Lirquén serves as a major cargo port for shipping traffic to Chile, with its main cargo terminal capable of handling 3 million tons of material per year.