Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz
Río Gallegos | |
|---|---|
The Harbour of Rio Gallegos, Our Lady of Luján Cathedral Parish, Gallegos river, Rio Gallegos airport and San Martín Avenue | |
| Coordinates: 51°37′24″S 69°12′58″W / 51.62333°S 69.21611°W | |
| Country | Argentina |
| Province | Santa Cruz |
| Department | Güer Aike |
| Founded | 19 December 1885 |
| Founded by | Ramón Lista |
| Government | |
| • Intendant | Roberto Giubetich |
| Elevation | 20 m (66 ft) |
| Population (2010 census) | |
• Total | 97,742 |
| Time zone | UTC−3 (ART) |
| CPA base | Z9400 |
| Dialing code | +54 2966 |
| Climate | BSk |
| Website | Official website |
Río Gallegos ([ˈri.o ɣaˈʝeɣos]) is the capital and largest settlement of the Patagonian province of Santa Cruz in Argentina. Located in the department of Güer Aike, it has a population of about 98,000, according to the 2010 census [INDEC], a 24% increase from the 79,000 in the 2001 census [INDEC]. The city bears the name of the Gallegos River, and sits on its estuary 2,636 km (1,638 mi) south from the Argentine federal capital Buenos Aires.
Established on 19 December 1885 to increase Argentine power over southern Patagonia, Río Gallegos became the capital of the then Territory of Santa Cruz in 1888, retaining its status when the territory became a province in 1957. Néstor Kirchner, later President of Argentina, served as the city's mayor from 1987 to 1991 and is interred in a mausoleum in the city's cemetery.