Chile

Chile Are you ready to visit was is said to be one of the finest nature travel destinations of South America. This small, but very long country streching all the coastline by the Pacific Ocean, will give you volcanic peaks, forests,lakes, farms and vineyards. The capital Santiago is one of the most modern cities in South America and is said to be destined to grow. Here you will find the Museo de Bellas Artes, The Mercado Central - of British design, and a beautiful part of the city contains restaurants, and cafes, picnic areas. A country that can offer something for everyone.

Area: 756.826 Km²
Population: 15.328.000 (2001 est.)
Density: 20 pop/Km²

System of government: Presidential Republic
Capital: Santiago (4.890.000 pop.)
Major cities: Concepción 300.000 pop., Viña del Mar 300.000 pop., Valparaíso 290.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Mestizo 67%, White 28%, Amerindian 5%
Border countries: Peru NORTH, Bolivia NORTH-EAST, Argentina EAST

Principal mountains: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6863 m
Principal rivers: -
Principal lakes: Lake General Carrera (or Lake Buenos Aires) 1359 Km² (chilean part, total 2240 Km²), Lake Llanquihue 780 Km², Lake O'Higgins (or Lake San Martin) 492 Km² (chilean part, total 1013 Km²)
Principal islands: Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego 47.000 Km² (total, with argentine part), Isla de Chiloé 8395 Km²
Climate: Tropical - temperate

Language: Spanish
Religion: Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 1/5, 21/5, 28/6, 15/8, 18/9, 19/9, 12/10, 1/11, 8/12, 25/12, 31/12
Dialling code: 0056

GMT: -4

World Heritage List:

• Rapa Nui National Park (1995)
• Churches of Chiloé (2000)
• Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso (2003)
• Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (2005)