Longest river in Chile; length 370 km/230 mi. It rises in the southern Andes, on the border with Argentina, and flows northwest to the Pacific Ocean near Concepción. The name is an Araucanian term meaning much water. Orchards, cereal crops and Chile's main vineyards are located in the Bío-Bío river valley.
The star, which was added to the flag in 1793, initially had more than five points. The star may represent the Morning Star mentioned in the Koran. Effective date: 5 June 1936.