Alto del Carmen

at the confluence of Del Tránsito River (left) and Del Carmen River (right). Geographically the commune lies in the natural region of Norte Chico and the Transverse Valleys of Chile. Much of the geology of the commune is made up of metamorphic and plutonic rock of Triassic or Paleozoic age. There are also parts where sedimentary rocks of Jurassic age are exposed. Large inverse geological faults and associated folds exists in the commune. ==Demographics==

According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Alto del Carmen had 4,840 inhabitants (2,629 men and 2,211 women), making the commune an entirely rural area. The population grew by 2% (95 persons) between the 1992 and 2002 censuses. As of 2024 a third of the homes in the commune lacks one of more of the following; electricity connection, sewage system or potable water. ==Administration==

As a commune, Alto del Carmen is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council, headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years. Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Alto del Carmen is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Mr. Alberto Robles (PRSD) and Mr. Giovanni Calderón (UDI) as part of the 6th electoral district, (together with Caldera, Tierra Amarilla, Vallenar, Freirina and Huasco). The commune is represented in the Senate by Isabel Allende Bussi (PS) and Baldo Prokurica Prokurica (RN) as part of the 3rd senatorial constituency (Atacama Region). ==References==