Cusco - Machu Picchu - San
Pedro de Atacama - Calama
Chile is Located Along the Western Coast of the Southern Cone of South America,
Between the Highest Segment of the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Its Shape is
Unique: it is One of the Longest Countries in the World, With 4,300 km in Length,
but Simultaneously One of the Narrowest, with an Average Width of Only 180 km.
It has All Kind of Climates on the Planet Excepting Only the Tropical Climate.
The Official Language of Chile is Spanish, and its Currency is the Chilean Peso.
The Population is Mestizo, of Mixed European and Indigenous People, Whose
Traditions are Still Perceived in Some Parts of the Country. The Literacy Rate
is 94%, Standing as One of the Highest in Latin America. On the Other Hand,
About 90% of Chileans are Roman Catholics, Freedom of Worship There.
Chile has an Area of 756,096 km2, Which Increases by 1,250,000 km2 by Including
the Chilean Antarctic Territory.
Population According to the 2002 Census Conducted, Chile has a Population of 16,000,000
Climate The Unusual North-South Extension of Chile, Equivalent to Cross Europe From
the Northern Tip of Norway to Beyond the Southern Tip of Spain, Gives Rise to a
Variety of Climates, Which are Absent Only Tropical Rain. In the North, Regions
I, II and III, There are Places WhereThey Have Never Recorded Rainfall, and in
the Atacama Desert, and Others Where the Sporadic Rain That Falls in the Winter
Give Rise to an Explosion of Flowers in Spring, a Phenomenon Known as "Desert
Florido". In all This Vast Portion of the Country, the Coast has Moderate
Climate With Cloudy Mornings and Sunny Afternoons. As Altitude Increases, the
Daytime Temperature Rises and the Night Decreases. In the Highlands, the
Temperature Falls Below 0 ° C at Night Even in Summer. At That Time also Occurs
a Phenomenon Called "Bolivian Winter", with Occasional Rain and Hail Storms.
Further South, Between Regions IV and VIII, We Find Mediterranean Landscapes
with Valleys and Coasts Favored by a Mild Climate, Distinct Seasons, Relatively
Dry Summers and Rainy Winters. Among the Regions VIII and X Dominates a Rainy
Temperate Climate That Sustains Vast Forests and a Thriving Agricultural
Industry. In regions XI and XII the Weather is Rainy and Moderately Cold, Windy
on Shore and in the Patagonian Pampas. Towards the End of the Continent Reduce
Temperature and Precipitation. Easter Island and the Juan Fernandez Islands have
a Subtropical Climate with Mild Temperatures, Moderate Humidity and Relatively
Little Variation During the Year.
Economy Chile has one of the world's most open economies, with low tariffs and
strong export orientation. For over 12 years the Chilean GDP growing by 7% a
year, while inflation falls steadily, now reaching just over 4% per year. Chile
is a member of APEC and MERCOSUR, and has signed trade agreements with the
European Union, Mexico and Canada. The main activities include mining, services,
raw material extraction, forestry, fishing and manufacturing and tourism.
Gastronomy The cuisine is essentially based marine products in Chile reached the
exceptional quality. Chile is also one of the leading producers of quality fruit
that can be enjoyed almost throughout the country. Their grapes, nectarines,
apples and other fruits take precedence in all continents. Another highlight is
the wine category, and medals gaining adherents worldwide. Strains that have
disappeared in the old world here continue to produce wines of extraordinary
quality at moderate prices.