Chile: World Encyclopedia & Facts, Map, Photos, Anthem

4to40.com March 12, 2025 World Atlas 113 Views

Country Name: Chile / República de Chile
System of government: Republic
Capital: Santiago de Chile (pop. 3.692,000)
Location: Chile is a narrow strip of land stretching along the Pacific and bordered by Argentina. Peru and Bolivia. The national territory includes thousands of small islands off the southern coast, the western half of Tierra del Fuego and some islands in the Pacific (Easter, Sala-y-GOmez, San Felix, San Ambrosio and Juan Fernandez)
Area: 756,945 sq km
Population: 18,307,925
National composition: Mestizos, creoles, Amerindians, Europeans
Religion: Roman Catholic
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Chilean peso = 100 centavos
Administrative divisions: 25 provinces
Other major cities: Valparaiso (pop. 270,000), Villa del Mar (pop. 245,000)
Highest elevation: Ojos del Salado (6,870)
Climate: Characterized by great differences: hot and dry in the north, cold and wet in the south with frequent fogs

Motto: Por la razón o la fuerza
“By right or might” (Spanish)
Anthem: Himno Nacional de Chile (Spanish)

Location Map:

Chile Encyclopedia & Facts:

The backbone of this extremely narrow and long country is the Andes range which forms the border with neighbouring Argentina. The country’s highest active volcano at 6,060 m is Mt Guallatiri. The north coast is occupied by the arid Atacama Desert. South of it stretch the coastal lowlands fringed by thousands of small offshore islands. Chile is frequently plagued by earthquakes.

The north is arid, with sparse vegetation and dry pampas in the interior. The central parts are covered with shrubs, and this is where the soil is most suitable for agriculture. The chief crops are wheat, maize, grapes and fruit. To the south, forest country predominates. The mountains are the home of the llama, vicuña, guana-co and alpaca. Many bird species nest along the coast. Central Chile is cattle country, while the predominant stock in the southern parts is sheep. Generally speaking, crop farming holds sway over stock-raising. Ocean fishing and whaling are extremely important economic activities.

Mining is the leading industry, producing much copper, molybdenum, nitre (saltpetre), iodide, iron ore, oil, coal, gold, silver and zinc. The manufacturing industries include textiles, foodstuffs and cement. Engineering and shipbuilding are rapidly being developed.

In spite of natural obstacles, the standard of transportation is generally high. The country has electrified railways and good roads, navigable rivers and a dense system of inland air traffic. The country is also crossed by the Panamerican Highway. Maritime shipping is very important.