Chile
Country where Shirley served a church mission and learned about the Venezuelan diaspora.
First Mentioned
9/26/2026, 5:47:29 AM
Last Updated
9/26/2026, 5:49:15 AM
Research Retrieved
9/26/2026, 5:49:15 AM
Summary
Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a South American country situated in the Southern Cone, characterized by its elongated shape between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is the southernmost country in the world and closest to Antarctica, with a population of 18.5 million as of 2024 and a territory of 756,102 square kilometers. Chile shares borders with Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, and also encompasses Pacific islands like Easter Island, in addition to claiming Antarctic territory. The capital and largest city is Santiago, and Spanish is the official language. Colonized by Spain in the mid-16th century, Chile declared independence in 1818 and established a stable republic by the 1830s. The 19th century saw significant territorial and economic expansion, including the acquisition of its northern territories after the War of the Pacific and the end of Mapuche resistance. In the 20th century, Chile experienced democratization, rapid population growth, and urbanization, with copper mining becoming a key economic driver. This period was also marked by intense political polarization, culminating in a 1973 coup that overthrew Salvador Allende's government, leading to a military dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet until 1990. Since then, Chile has transitioned to a center-left coalition government and is recognized as a high-income economy, one of South America's most stable nations, and a founding member of international organizations like the UN and OECD. The country's history also includes documenting global crises, such as the mass exodus from Venezuela, which the investigative reporter Nick Shirley first learned about while in Chile.
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Wikipedia
View on WikipediaChile
Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in the Southern Cone of southwestern South America. It is the southernmost country in the world and the closest to Antarctica, extending along a narrow strip of land between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. According to the 2024 census, Chile had an enumerated population of 18.5 million. The country covers a territorial area of 756,102 square kilometers (291,933 sq mi), sharing borders with Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage to the south. It also administers several Pacific islands, including Juan Fernández, Isla Salas y Gómez, Desventuradas, and Easter Island, and claims about 1,250,000 square kilometers (480,000 sq mi) of Antarctica as the Chilean Antarctic Territory. The capital and largest city is Santiago, and the official and national language is Spanish. Spain conquered and colonized the region in the mid-16th century, replacing Inca rule; however, they failed to conquer the autonomous tribal Mapuche people who inhabited what is now south-central Chile. Chile emerged as a relatively stable authoritarian republic in the 1830s after its 1818 declaration of independence from Spain. During the 19th century, Chile experienced significant economic and territorial growth, putting an end to Mapuche resistance in the 1880s and gaining its current northern territory in the War of the Pacific (1879–83) by defeating Peru and Bolivia. In the 20th century, until the 1970s, Chile underwent a process of democratization and experienced rapid population growth and urbanization, while relying increasingly on exports from copper mining to support its economy. During the 1960s and 1970s, the country was marked by severe left-right political polarization and turmoil, which culminated in the 11 September 1973 coup d'état, with support from the United States, that overthrew Salvador Allende's democratically elected left-wing government. This was followed by a 16-and-a-half-year right-wing military dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet, during which the 1980 Constitution was enacted, along with numerous political and economic reforms, and which was marked by widespread human rights violations, including more than 3,000 deaths and disappearances. The regime ended in 1990, following a referendum in 1988, and was succeeded by a center-left coalition, which ruled until 2010. Chile is a high-income economy and is one of the most economically and socially stable nations in South America. Chile also performs well in the region in terms of sustainability of the state and democratic development. Chile is a founding member of the United Nations, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Pacific Alliance, and joined the OECD in 2010.
Web Search Results
- Chile - Wikipedia
Chile is among the longest north–south countries in the world. If one considers only mainland territory, Chile is unique within this group in its narrowness from east to west, with the other long north–south countries (including Brazil, Russia, Canada, and the United States, among others) all being wider from east to west by a factor of more than 10. Chile also claims 1,250,000 km2 (480,000 sq mi) of Antarctica as part of its territory (Chilean Antarctic Territory). However, this latter claim is suspended under the terms of the Antarctic Treaty, of which Chile is a signatory. It is the world's southernmost country that is geographically on the mainland. [...] Main article: Economy of Chile . Chile is one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations, leading Latin American nations in human development "Human development (humanity)"), competitiveness, globalization, economic freedom, and low perception of corruption. Since July 2013, Chile is considered by the World Bank as a "high-income economy". [...] Chile is a high-income economy and is one of the most economically and socially stable nations in South America. Chile also performs well in the region in terms of sustainability of the state and democratic development. Chile is a founding member of the United Nations, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Pacific Alliance, and joined the OECD in 2010. ## Etymology
- Chile: Introduction >> globalEDGE: Your source for Global Business Knowledge
# Chile: Introduction Chile is a country in South America that borders the South Pacific Sea. Neighboring countries include Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Chile has a strategic location relative to sea lanes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans including the Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, and the Drake Passage. Chile occupies a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Thus, the geography is varied. The government system is a republic; the chief of state and head of government is the president. Chile has a market-oriented economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system. Chile is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
- Chile | Map, History, Politics, Culture, Food, People, & Top...
Chile is a long, narrow country along South America's western seaboard, averaging only 110 miles in width. Its geography is marked by the Andes Mountains to the east, the intermediate depression (or longitudinal valley) in the center, and coastal ranges to the west. Chile's extreme length results in a wide variety of climates, from the northern coastal desert to the cold, subantarctic southern tip. Much of northern Chile is desert, while the central part of the country is temperate. South-central Chile has a lake and forest region, and the southernmost third is cold, wet, and inhospitable. [...] Chile extends approximately 2,700 miles (4,300 km) from its boundary with Peru, at latitude 17°30′ S, to the tip of South America at Cape Horn, latitude 56° S, a point only about 400 miles north of Antarctica. It has an average width of only about 110 miles, with a maximum of 217 miles at the latitude of Antofagasta and a minimum of 9.6 miles near Puerto Natales. It is bounded on the north by Peru and Bolivia, on its long eastern border by Argentina, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Chile exercises sovereignty over Easter Island, the Juan Fernández Archipelago, and the volcanic islets of Sala y Gómez, San Félix, and San Ambrosio, all of which are located in the South Pacific. Chile also claims a 200-mile offshore limit. [...] Chile Map of South America highlighting Chile in tan, showing its long, narrow shape along the continent's southwestern edge between the Pacific Ocean and Argentina, with neighboring countries Peru and Bolivia to the north. The capital city, Santiago, is marked. Chile’s relief is for the most part mountainous, with the Andes range dominating the landscape. Because of the country’s extreme length it has a wide variety of climates, from the coastal desert beginning in the tropical north to the cold subantarctic southern tip. Chile is also a land of extreme natural events: Volcanic eruptions, violent earthquakes, and tsunamis originating along major faults of the ocean floor periodically beset the country. Fierce winter storms and flash floods alternate with severe summer droughts.
- Chile – Alianza del Pacífico.
+ Español ### CHILE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Spanish INDEPENDENCE DATE: September 18, 1810 ### About Chile Chile is the longest and narrowest country in the world, stretching between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its geography offers landscapes as diverse as they are remarkable: from the driest desert on the planet, to dense forests with unique native species, to ancient glaciers — some still waiting to be explored. These dramatic climatic contrasts have shaped the culture, identity, and character of its people. Warm, energetic, and welcoming, Chileans share a deep love for their land that invites building bridges across distances, having unforgettable experiences, and discovering and learning more about this fascinating country. ### Political System [...] ### Political System Chile is a representative democratic republic with a presidential system of government. The State is divided into three independent branches: the Executive (headed by the President), the Legislative (Senate and Chamber of Deputies), and the Judiciary (Courts of Justice). ### Economy Chile has an open economy that is integrated into international markets and recognized for its macroeconomic stability, solid institutional framework, and commitment to rules-based trade. The country benefits from strong economic institutions, including an autonomous Central Bank, sound fiscal policy, and clear rules for investment. [...] Chile has one of the world’s most extensive networks of trade agreements , with 36 trade agreements covering 66 economies that together account for 89% of global GDP. This international integration has been a cornerstone of Chile’s development strategy, enabling the country to expand its export markets, diversify economic ties, and strengthen its role in regional and global value chains. At the regional and international levels, Chile is a member of the Pacific Alliance, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country is also an active participant in international economic forums such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, as well as other regional and global cooperation agreements and platforms.
- Chile travel - Lonely Planet | South America
# Chile Stretching 4,300km, Chile offers an astonishing diversity: blinding salt flats, fertile wine valleys, puffing volcanoes, ancient rainforests, massive glaciers, and winding fjords. From the rugged Patagonian wilds to flamingo-filled Atacama lagoons, every corner holds a sense of wonder and awe. If you’re beginning your Chile planning, you’ll find endless travel inspiration in its Pacific surf towns, Andean ski resorts, and world-class wineries scattered north and south. Whether you’re after outdoor adventure, cultural richness, or breathtaking landscapes, Chile promises a journey as vast and unforgettable as its terrain. Not sure where to start? Make the most of your adventure with our Chile travel guidance covering top attractions, when to visit and expert advice.
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Population
19,458,000Coordinates
Inception Date
9/18/1810
