Chile

Categories: Countries | Geography | South America

  • The Republic of Chile is a nation in South America bordering the Pacific Ocean. Chile shares borders with three other South American nations: Peru and Bolivia to the north, and Argentina to the east.

  • Fast Fact

    1. Capital: Santiago
    2. Population: 15,980,912
    3. Currency: Chilean Peso
    4. Official Language: Spanish
    5. Achieved independence from Spain: 1818
    6. Battled Peru and Bolivia in late 19th century War of the Pacific
    7. Ruled by General Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990

  • Brief History

    Chile's most distinguishing characteristic is its long narrow shape. The Pacific coastline of Chile stretches for 3,942 miles north to south, yet the nation only averages 100 miles in width. Before the conquest of Chile by the Spanish in the 16th century, the Inca Empire ruled most of northern Chile. In 1818, Chile achieved its independence from Spain and has since grown to be one of the most stable and prosperous democracies in South America. Chile controls Easter Island, and portions of the Patagonia region are located in the country. Chilean culture shares attributes with other neighboring South American nations also colonized by the Spanish. Poet Pablo Neruda is perhaps Chile's best known and most loved cultural icon. In 1973 a military coup supported by the United States overthrew democratically elected leader Salvador Allende, allowing General Augusto Pinochet to rise to power.

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