Between 1818 and 1821 the Spanish cavalry captain Antonio Cipriano, explored the coastline and drew up maps, preparing the population for military resistance to the expected Chilean landings.

According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Queilén spans an area of 223.9 km2 (86 sq mi) and has 5,138 inhabitants (2,663 men and 2,475 women).

As a commune, Queilén is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council, headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years.

[1][2] Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Queilén is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Gabriel Ascencio (PDC) and Alejandro Santana (RN) as part of the 58th electoral district, (together with Castro, Ancud, Quemchi, Dalcahue, Curaco de Vélez, Quinchao, Puqueldón, Chonchi, Quellón, Chaitén, Hualaihué, Futaleufú and Palena).

The commune is represented in the Senate by Camilo Escalona Medina (PS) and Carlos Kuschel Silva (RN) as part of the 17th senatorial constituency (Los Lagos Region).