Nueva Imperial lies about 35 km (22 mi) to the west of Temuco, the regional capital.

Nueva Imperial is located in a region with abundant natural resources: volcanoes, mountains, rivers, hot springs, valleys, and native forests, which include stands of araucaria trees.

According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Nueva Imperial spans an area of 1,160.4 km2 (448 sq mi) and has 40,059 inhabitants (20,423 men and 19,636 women).

Nueva Imperial is also known for its colorful houses, for which it once earned the nickname “The Watercolor City.” It is gradually becoming more and more urbanized and bringing more people to the city as it offers more commercial and employment opportunities.

The poet Juvencio Valle, who won the national Chilean prize for literature, was born in Villa Almagro, and his house is still there.

For this reason, visiting the city provides a good opportunity to learn about the Mapuche language, customs, arts and crafts, and food.

Another important date is September 18, which is the day of the first Government Junta of Chile (called “Fiestas Patrias”).