Overview of Chile

Profile

The territory experiences dramatic climatic variations from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south, with rich natural landscapes. The economy centers on mining, particularly copper and lithium, while agricultural and fishery exports such as wine and salmon are also expanding. Chile enjoys relatively high political and economic stability in South America and is an OECD member. Education and infrastructure development are advanced, and the "Start-Up Chile" initiative has received international recognition.

Official name: Republic of Chile
Common name: Chile
Numeric code: 152
Alpha-3 code: CHL
Alpha-2 code: CL
Population: Approximately 19.6 million (2024)
Population density: 26
Primary languages: Spanish
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)
National anthem: Himno Nacional de Chile (Chilean National Anthem)
Calling code: +56
Internet TLD: .cl

History

Gained independence from Spain in 1818. Following the 1973 military coup and Pinochet regime, democracy was restored in 1990.

Following indigenous Mapuche resistance and Spanish colonial rule, independence heroes including Bernardo O'Higgins established the republic in 1818. In the late 19th century, the War of the Pacific expanded Chilean territory northward, bringing economic development through copper and nitrate. In 1970, the world's first democratically elected socialist government came to power, but was overthrown by the 1973 coup leading to Pinochet's military rule. While implementing neoliberal reforms, human rights abuses continued. The 1988 referendum rejected military rule continuation, leading to civilian transition in 1990. Since then, center-left and center-right governments have alternated while strengthening democratic institutions.

Geography & climate

Triple structure running north-south: Pacific coastal plain to the west, central valley, and Andean peaks to the east. North features extreme arid desert, center has fertile valleys, south has forests and fjords, and far south is glacier-dominated.

Desert, Mediterranean, oceanic, and tundra climates distributed in bands

Area: South America / 756626 km²
Capital: Santiago
Largest city: Santiago
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Llanquihue, General Carrera Lake, Lake Villarrica
Bordering countries: Peru, Bolivia, Argentina

Natural resources

Copper, Lithium, Molybdenum, Silver, Gold, Iodine, Timber, Marine resources, Hydropower, Solar power, Wind power, Coal, Natural gas (limited), Petroleum (limited), Wine grapes, Tourism resources, Pastures, Glacier freshwater, Saltpeter

Politics

Government: Presidential Republic

Economy

Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)

GDP (nominal): 317.0 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 555.0 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Spanish

Time zone: Chilean Standard Time, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Time, Easter Island Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

White, Mestizo, Mapuche, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui, German descent, Croatian descent, Palestinian descent

Life expectancy

Approximately 80 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 96%

National sports

Soccer, Chilean Rodeo, Tennis, Skiing, Mountain Climbing, Equestrian, Basketball