√ Basic information on Chile (South America)
Chile
National flag of Chile
Welcome to Chile ! The super long, thin country with one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
From the driest place in the world, the Atacama Desert to the rugged 'Tierra del Fuego' on the southernmost point of South America.
Chile in numbers/basic information on Chile
- Inhabitants: ~ 16.598.000
- Area of Chile: 756.950 km² (292.260 square miles)
- Spoken languages: Spanish
- Borders with: Argentina, Bolivia, Peru
- Capital: Santiago de Chile
- Seat of the congress/parliament: Valparaíso
- Seat of the government: Santiago de Chile
- Head of State and Government Chief: Sebastián Piñera
- Typical products: World renown seafood and red meats.
- Voltage: 220 V / 50Hz
- Telephone prefix number, Chile phone country code: +56
- Time Zone: GMT/UTC -4 hours
- When you opened this page in Chile it was 00:17 h +/- possible difference because of summertime/daylight saving (see below).
- Summertime/daylight saving: 1 h
- Summertime/daylight saving from middle of October until middle of March.
- Currency: $ - Peso Chileno (CLP)
A Voyage from North to South
The relief of Chile exhibits much more drama than the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Between the two there are mountains, valleys, lakes, volcanoes, and a large array of other geographical wonders.
Within these boundaries exists practically all climates of the world.
The North
The 'Altiplano' meaning high and flat is what this northern region is, averaging over 11,000 ft (3300 m) in elevation with volcanoes as high as 20,000 ft (6000 m). Noted for its undaunted beauty, llama and alpaca herds, geysers and extensive salt flat the Altiplano will offer everything for your high elevation trek. In the shadows of the high volcanoes is the mysterious Atacama Desert that with a mix of the Andes and the Pacific currents is covered by eternal high pressure. Parts of the desert have never measured any rainfall at least since the first Spanish settlers five hundred years ago making it the driest place on Earth. The most visited areas usually include the Parque Nacional Lauca and seeing the full moon rise over the seemingly painted mountains at La Valle de La Luna. Throughout this region grapes are grown for the making of Pisco, the traditional liquor of Chile.
The Central Region
In the central valley region we find Valparaíso, home to the main port of Chile and the National Congress. Also Viña del Mar the famous South American tourist destination and Santiago, the capital, are located in this most populous part of the country. Here in Santiago you can find the major international airport that receives almost all incoming flights from the outside countries. A little to the south the Mediterranean climate allows the immense amount of agriculture that Chile produces each year and of course the world class wines.
The South
Thousands of islands, canals, fjords, glacially carved mountains, huge glaciers, torrential rivers, and virgin forests that reach down and touch the sea. A place with unimaginable beauty is the Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego of Chile. Also, Chile is one of seven countries to hold territorial claim to Antarctica for an exciting backcountry trip.
More information and interesting Web-Sites regarding Chile:
Ministry of the Environment of Chile
