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Chile

South America
Republic of Chile / Chilean / Chilean culture
English [ˈtʃɪli] | Spanish [ˈtʃile]
Country Culture
Expert Tip: Chile is a long, narrow country stretching along South America's western edge, with diverse landscapes from deserts to glaciers.

Geography

1Location and Size
Chile borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Chile is 4,300 km (2,670 mi) long and just 350 km (217 mi) wide at its widest point.
2Landscapes
Chile contains the Atacama Desert (driest place on Earth), Andes Mountains, and Patagonian glaciers.
The country spans 38 degrees of latitude with remarkably diverse climates.
3Natural Features
Chile has over 2,000 volcanoes (500 potentially active) and is prone to earthquakes.
The 1960 Valdivia earthquake was the most powerful ever recorded at 9.5 magnitude.
Expert Tip: Chile's unusual shape gives it an incredible variety of microclimates and ecosystems despite its relatively small width.

Culture

1Language
Spanish is the official language, with distinctive Chilean slang and pronunciation.
Several indigenous languages are recognized but spoken by small minorities.
2Cuisine
Chilean food features seafood, beef, corn, beans and tropical fruits.
Popular dishes include empanadas, pastel de choclo, and curanto.
3Traditions
Chile celebrates Fiestas Patrias in September with rodeos, dancing and traditional food.
The cueca is the national dance, imitating a rooster courting a hen.

Economy

1Main Industries
Chile is the world's largest copper producer and a major exporter of fruits, wine and seafood.
Mining accounts for about 10% of GDP and 50% of exports.
2Development
Chile has South America's highest GDP per capita and is considered the most stable economy in the region.
It was the first South American country to join the OECD in 2010.
3Tourism
Popular destinations include Easter Island, Torres del Paine, and the wine valleys.
Adventure tourism is growing, with hiking, skiing and astronomical tourism.
Expert Tip: Chile's economic success comes from its mineral wealth, market-oriented policies, and trade agreements with over 60 countries.