La Cruz, Chile
La Cruz () is a city and commune in Quillota Province, Valparaíso Region, Chile. Geography The Mediterranean climate of Chile's Zona Central allows for a rich quality and variety of flora and fauna. Because of this climate, La Cruz produces many fruits and vegetables, and is known as the "National Capital of the Avocado", The town is also one of the main producers of chirimoya, a fruit with a green shell and white meat. The commune of La Cruz spans an area of . Demographics and culture According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, La Cruz spans has 12,851 inhabitants (6,348 men and 6,503 women). Of these, 10,611 (82.6%) lived in urban areas and 2,240 (17.4%) in rural areas. The population grew by 19.3% (2,080 persons) between the 1992 and 2002 censuses. The Camilo Henríquez Municipal Library, created in 1954, has over 9,000 books and multimedia. Economy The economy is sustained principally through agriculture, highlighted by avocados and chirimoyas, and flower cultivation. Beginning in the year 2001, various changes were made in road infrastructure, urban and territorial improvements and significant advances in the areas of health and education. Administration As a commune, La Cruz is a third-level