Chile Guide and Resources

Check for available hotels in Chile

Location
Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean and South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru

Size Comparison To U.S-located Area
slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

Geographic Coordinates
30 00 S, 71 00 W

Capital
Santiago

Nationality
Chilean(s)

Currency
Chilean peso (CLP)

Languages Spoken
Spanish

Population
15,498,930 (July 2002 est.)

Total Population Ratio Based On Gender
0.98 male(s)/female (2002 est.)

Migrant Ratio
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)

Ethnic Groups
white and white-Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2%

Religion Demographics
Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish NEGL%

Geographic Areas
Total :: 756,950 sq km
Land :: 748,800 sq km
Water :: 8,150 sq km
Coastline :: 6,435 km

Bordered By
Argentina, Bolivia, Peru

Argentina Climate
temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south

Terrain
low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east

Natural Resources
copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower

Natural Hazards
severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis

Brief Geography Notes
strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions

Government
republic

Administrative Districts
13 regions