Deep rooted and sophisticated

Chile in the language of the indigenous people means “where the world ends”.  It stretches further south than any other county.  Chile is located along the southwest coast of South America.  The Andes mountains define the eastern border with Argentina and stretch the entire length of the country.  Peru and Bolivia lie to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. 

Chile is politically divided into 12 areas known as “regions”.  The north holds the world’s driest desert, the Atacama Desert.  The central area is similar to California, with a long central valley which produces fine wines.  The south or 10th region has beautiful lakes and majestic volcanoes.  Further south is Patagonia, with vast uninhabited wild lands. 

Chile is 2,400 miles long and 150 miles wide at its widest point.  Chile has over 16 million Spanish speaking inhabitants.  Santiago is the capital city and is the largest city with around 8 million people.  The majority of Chileans (95%), are of European decent, 3% are full blooded indigenous peoples, either Mapuches or Pehuenches.  The county is 90% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant and has a small Jewish population. 

Chile’s government has been a democracy since 1989.  In 2006 Chile elected Michelle Bachelet as their President.  Forbes rated her as 17th of the most powerful women in the world. In 2008 it was rated as number 8th in the world on the Index of Economic Freedom.