Chile
Geography
The Republic of Chile is a sovereign state occupying a long, narrow strip of land in South America. It stretches over 4,300 kilometers (2,670 miles) from north to south, making it one of the world's longest north-south oriented countries. Despite its considerable length, Chile has an average width of just 177 kilometers (110 miles). This unique geography places the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east.
Chile's total land area is approximately 756,096 square kilometers (291,930 square miles), which is slightly smaller than twice the size of Germany. The country's diverse geography encompasses the world's driest desert, the Atacama Desert, in the north, a Mediterranean climate in the central region, and a snow-prone Alpine climate in the south, characterized by glaciers, fjords, and lakes.
Climate
The climate of Chile is as diverse as its geography, ranging from the arid desert conditions in the north, through a Mediterranean climate in the central region, to a cool and damp climate in the south. The northern desert is rich in mineral resources, particularly copper and nitrates. The Central Valley, which includes the capital city, Santiago, is the country's most populous area and its agricultural heartland. This region is also the historical center from which Chile expanded in the late 19th century, integrating the northern and southern regions. Southern Chile is characterized by its lush forests, fertile grazing lands, and a chain of volcanoes and lakes. The southern coast is a complex network of fjords, inlets, canals, peninsulas, and islands.
History
The history of Chile traces back to at least 3000 B.C. with the arrival of its first human inhabitants. The Inca Empire extended its reach into the area in the 15th century, but its presence was short-lived due to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Chile declared its independence from Spain on February 12, 1818. During the War of the Pacific (1879–83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia, gaining its present northern regions. It was not until the 1880s that the indigenous Mapuche people were brought under central government control. After a series of elected governments, the Marxist government of Salvador Allende was overthrown in 1973 by a dictatorial military junta led by Gen. Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet's regime ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990.
Economy
Chile operates a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade. It has a reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy, making it the strongest sovereign bond issuer in South America. Exports of goods and services account for approximately one-third of GDP, with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports. Copper alone provides one-third of government revenue. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio Aylwin - who took over from the military in 1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the military government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell to half that level in 1998 due to tight monetary policies implemented to keep the current account deficit in check and lower export earnings resulting from the global financial crisis.
Culture
Chilean culture is a rich tapestry that has been shaped by the country's history of racial and ethnic diversity. The population is predominantly of mixed Spanish and Indigenous descent. The largest indigenous group in Chile is the Mapuche, who make up about 85% of the indigenous population. Other groups include the Aymara, the Quechua, and the Rapa Nui from Easter Island. Since the mid-1970s, political and economic hardships have led to a significant Chilean diaspora, with approximately 800,000 Chileans living abroad. This has been offset by a new wave of immigrants from other Latin American countries.
See Also
Geography of Chile Climate of Chile History of Chile Economy of Chile Culture of Chile War of the Pacific Santiago, Chile