Swiss Chileans

[5] Due to confusion with that of German, Italian, and French immigrants, the actual number of Swiss Chileans varies from one source to another.

In 1881, 28 years after colonization by Germans in southern Chile, special agencies were authorized to recruit Swiss emigrants.

These farmers proceeded to transform the region into agricultural lands suitable for pasture and crop farming.In 1880, Don Francisco De B. Echeverría was appointed to lead the Agency for Colonization and Immigration.

Following the end of resistance to occupation by indigenous Mapuche in the 1880s, large areas of land were advertised to European settlers, many of whom were experiencing economic hardship.

The Chilean government invited Swiss emigrants on the condition they settle in Araucanía, to cultivate it and create arable land for crops and livestock.