Greater Concepción

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Gran Concepcion
nickname = Pencopolis
language = Spanish
motto =

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imagesize =
image_caption = Skyline from the Bio Bio River


image_

image_shield =


mapsize = 200px
map_caption = Gran Concepcion (Metropolis of Concepcion)
subdivision_type = Region
subdivision_name = Bío-Bío Region
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 = Concepcion Province
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name =
established_title = Foundation
established_date = October 5 1550
unit_pref = Metric
area_as_of = 2002
area_magnitude =
area_footnotes =¹
area_total_km2 =
area_total_sq_mi =
area_urban_km2 =
area_metro_km2 =
population_as_of = 2002
population_note =
population_total =
population_footnotes = ²
population_urban =
population_metro = 889.725
population_density_km2 =
population_density_sq_mi =
timezone = Chile Time (CLT) [cite web |url=http://www.world-time-zones.org/zones/chile-time.htm |accessdate=2007-05-05 |title=Chile Time |publisher=World Time Zones .org]
utc_offset = -4
timezone_DST = Chile Summer Time (CLST) [cite web |url=http://www.world-time-zones.org/zones/chile-summer-time.htm |accessdate=2007-05-05 |title=Chile Summer Time |publisher=World Time Zones .org]
utc_offset_DST = -3
latd=36 |latm=47 |lats=0 |latNS=S
longd=73 |longm=07 |longs=0 |longEW=W
elevation_m =4
elevation_ft =
website = [http://www.concepcion.cl/ concepcion.cl]

Gran Concepción is the second largest conurbation in Chile, after Greater Santiago with 889,725 habitants. According to the INE, the population projection for 2008 is 972,741 inhabitants.

It takes its name after the city of Concepción, the regional capital and main city.

The agglomeration is composed of:

* Concepción
* Talcahuano
* Chiguayante
* San Pedro de la Paz
* Hualpén
* Penco
* Tomé
* Coronel
* Lota
* Hualqui

Gran Concepción has also the second largest concentration of universities in Chile. Apart from the so called Traditional Universities, it has several private institutions. The Universidad de Concepción is the most important university in the conurbation.

There is also a modern train system which serves most of the "comunas" in the conurbation: Biotren.

Across from the train station, in the popular Barrio Estación, there is the biggest concentration of bars, pubs, and clubs. In most places you can chill out and enjoy live music, have local food and drink, and meet people.

References