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Location
West coast of South America.
Time
Mainland and Juan Fernández Islands: GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March).
Easter Island: GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March).
Easter Island: GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March).
Area
756,096 sq km (291,930 sq miles).
Population
16 million (2006 estimate).
Population Density
21 per sq km.
Capital
Santiago (de Chile). Population: 5.5 million (UN estimate 2003).
Geography
Chile is situated in South America, bordered to the north by Peru, to the east by Bolivia and Argentina, to the west by the Pacific and to the south by the Antarctic. The country exercises sovereignty over a number of islands off the coast, including the Juan Fernández Islands and Easter Island. Chile is one of the most remarkably shaped countries in the world; a ribbon of land, 4,200km (2,610 miles) long and nowhere more than 180km (115 miles) wide.
The Andes and a coastal highland range take up one-third or half of the width in parts, and run parallel with each other from north to south. The coastal range forms high, sloped cliffs into the sea from the northern to the central area. Between the ranges runs a fertile valley, except in the north where transverse ranges join the two major ones, and in the far south where the sea has broken through the coastal range to form an assortment of archipelagos and channels.
The country contains wide variations of soil and vast differences of climate. This is reflected in the distribution of the population, and in the wide range of occupations from area to area. The northern part of the country consists mainly of the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world. It is also the main mining area. The central zone is predominantly agricultural. The south is forested and contains some agriculture; further south, the forests on the Atlantic side give way to rolling grassland on which sheep and cattle are raised.
The Andes and a coastal highland range take up one-third or half of the width in parts, and run parallel with each other from north to south. The coastal range forms high, sloped cliffs into the sea from the northern to the central area. Between the ranges runs a fertile valley, except in the north where transverse ranges join the two major ones, and in the far south where the sea has broken through the coastal range to form an assortment of archipelagos and channels.
The country contains wide variations of soil and vast differences of climate. This is reflected in the distribution of the population, and in the wide range of occupations from area to area. The northern part of the country consists mainly of the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world. It is also the main mining area. The central zone is predominantly agricultural. The south is forested and contains some agriculture; further south, the forests on the Atlantic side give way to rolling grassland on which sheep and cattle are raised.
Government
Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1810.
Head of State
President Michelle Bachelet since January 2006.
Recent History
President Ricardo Lagos Escobar stepped down in 2005 and his successor is the first woman president – socialist Michelle Bachelet. She beat conservative billionaire and former Senator Sebastian Piñera in the January 2006 election.
No fewer than 58 constitutional reforms came into effect in March 2006. The key features of these include: the end of designated senators and ‘senators for life’ – the remaining 38 senators will be elected by popular vote; responsibility removed from the armed forces; and the restoration of power to the president to remove the commanders-in-chief of the armed forces.
The reforms are a milestone for Chile’s continuing transition to democracy. Michelle Bachelet has already committed to reforming the electoral system during her presidential term.
No fewer than 58 constitutional reforms came into effect in March 2006. The key features of these include: the end of designated senators and ‘senators for life’ – the remaining 38 senators will be elected by popular vote; responsibility removed from the armed forces; and the restoration of power to the president to remove the commanders-in-chief of the armed forces.
The reforms are a milestone for Chile’s continuing transition to democracy. Michelle Bachelet has already committed to reforming the electoral system during her presidential term.
Language
Spanish (official), Rapanui (Easter Island) and Aymara.
Religion
Christian, of which the majority are Roman Catholic.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two circular metal pins are used.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Most Chileans use a double surname and only the first part should be used in addressing them. Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting local people. It is very common to entertain at home and it is acceptable for invitees to give small presents as a token of thanks.