Chile

Fast Facts about Chile

• Chile borders three different countries; Argentina to the east, Bolivia to the northeast and Peru to the north

• Chile has an unusual ribbon shape. It is 4300 km long and just 175 km wide (on average)

• Forests, grazing land, volcanoes and lakes are all features of southern Chile.

• Chile had to endure a 17 year military dictatorship between 1973-1990 that left more than 3000 people either dead or missing

• It is believed that Native Americans settled in Chile about 10,000 years ago. They settled along the coast as the most fertile land was found there

• Chile is the world’s 38th largest country. It is about twice the size of Japan

• The population of Chile is expected to be about 20.2 million by 2050

• About 10% of the Chilean population consider themselves indigenous to the region. However, according to the 2002 census, only about half of these people still speak a native language or practice a native culture

• The most popular sport in Chile is football (soccer to Australians and Americans). The Chilean football team won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Tennis is the second most popular sport in Chile.

• Tourism is growing very quickly in Chile. In 2005, tourism generated more than $US4.5 billion.

• The main language spoken in Chile is Spanish, but there are also many indigenous languages that are spoken by a minority of Chileans.

• Catholicism is the main religion is Chile.

History -Early Settlement

• Before being discovered by the Europeans, Chile was inhabited by several tribes of Native Americans; including the Inca in the north and the Araucanian tribes in the south.

• In 1520 Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to see Chile. In 1540 Pedro de Valdivia a Spanish conquistador came to Chile were he founded several cities, despite resistance from the Araucanians.

• One of these cities he founded was Santiago, which is now Chile's capitol and largest city.

• In 1553 the Native Americans led several successful revolts against the Spanish conquerers, killing Valdivia and devastating most of the cities he founded.

• This lead to nearly 100 years of warfare. Eventually the Spanish dominated, but even then strife and conflicts continued for many more years.

Independence from Spain

• In 1808 when Spain was seized by Napoleon the Chileans saw an opportunity to gain independence. September 18th, 1810, Chile declared independence beginning a long war.

• Eventually Chile was able to defeat Spain and Bernardo O'Higgins became Chile's first leader. Despite finally winning its Independence, Chile suffered several changes of government. Many of these changes were caused by coups by the military and civil wars, though none as severe as other Latin American countries. Despite these problems the government enacted many changes that have lead Chile to become the most economically developed country in South America.

• Salvador Allende Gossens, a Marxist, was elect president in 1970 making Chile the first country to vote in communism. This move lead to political and economic disaster. The unrest caused by his rule (which was further aggravated by the US government) eventually lead to a military takeover of the government.

Augusto Pinochet

• September 11th 1973 Augusto Pinochet Ugarte became the dictator of Chile. Pinochet immediately suspended the constitution, enforced strict censorship, banned all political parties, and dissolved Congress. During his time as leader, the country was kept in a state of emergency and the military tightly controlled the people. Thousands were arrested, executed, exiled, or kept in prisons, while many people simply disappeared.

• But, the Pinochet government helped the struggling Chilean economy and improved education giving Chile one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America. Due to this, the people of Chile are very divided in their opinions about his rule. In 1989 Pinochet allowed the people to vote in a new president and returned the government back to the people.

Michelle Bachelet

• Chile is now a republic with a stable government and economy. The current president is Michelle Bachelet, who is also Chile's first female president. The legislative branch is made up of a Chamber of Deputies (similar to our House of Representatives) and a Senate. The highest court of the country is the Supreme Court. The country is divided into 15 political divisions called regions (which are like states here - only with much less political power).

Tourism

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkz2Y1iBMyw

Atacama Desert

• The most popular tourist attraction in Chile second to only Eastern Island. The Atacama Desert is the highest and Driest Desert in the world. Unique rock formations will leave you speechless the entire time you are there; valle de la luna (moon valley), death valley, and dinosaur valley, to name a few.

Easter Island

• One of the most isolated places on Earth, it’s still an enigma to most people.  The lineage of the people in Easter Island is actually traced back to Polynesia and Micronesia, not the migration originally thought.  Its very easy to get around on the island and some tourists like to bike around the island.  Only Lan Airlines flies to Easter Island from Peru or Santiago.  Oh, and they have funny statues with hats on them, don’t forget to see those.

Patagonia

• Patagonia in Chile is one of the reasons why they call Chile the Switzerland of the South.  There are gorgeous snow capped mountains where the Andes tower over the border of Chile and Argentina.  The lake country in Chile is also very impressive, make sure to check cities off the beaten path like Chiloe.  The Torres del Paine national park is the most popular attraction in this region.  

Santiago

• The  tourist attractions in Chile are going to start in Santiago as all major flights come into the city.  Santiago is the engine that makes Chile run and the entire country is in the middle of an economic boom (in comparison to its neighbors).  

• There is great nightlife in an area called Bellavista, extremely interesting museums to visit, and even wine country nearby.  

• Honorable Mention:  Chile is the host of the largest pool in the world.  You can find the pool at the Alfonso Del Mar Resort in Algarrobo, Chile, about a 2 hour drive from the capital.

Valparaiso and Vine Del Mar

• These two cities sit 1 hour from each other on the coast of Chile, roughly 2-3 hours from Santiago (longer if you go by bus).  

• Valparaíso can be described as an artsy town and one of the great things to see is the graffiti that defines the city.  Streets are lined with very creative portraits and unique art work.  

• Make sure to explore the Pablo Neruda museum in the city.  Just a short bus or taxi ride away is Vine Del Mar where you can find the famous flower clock.  The city doesn’t have that many attractions but you can find the beach if you are in the mood for some sun.

BBC: Documentary of Easter Island

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeyWMwO7x7I