Colchane

Colchane is a Chilean village and commune in Tamarugal Province, Tarapacá Region.
The commune is located in the Andean altiplano, bordering Bolivia. It also includes the localities of Isluga, Enquelga, Cariquima and Chijo.

Demographics

According to the 2017 census of the National Statistics Institute, Colchane had 1,728 inhabitants, and it is entirely rural. The total population grew by 4,79% between the 2002 and 2017 censuses. However, broken down by sex, only the male population increased, while the female population decreased. It has the country's highest rate of people living under the poverty line at 34.56%.

Administration

As a commune, Colchane is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council, headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years.
Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Colchane is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Marta Isasi and Hugo Gutiérrez as part of the 2nd electoral district, which includes the entire Tarapacá Region. The commune is represented in the Senate by José Miguel Insulza and José Durana as part of the 1st senatorial constituency.