Chile

Chile is located in the south-westernmost point of South America. Its official name is Republic of Chile and its capital is Santiago de Chile city. The Chilean territory comprises a long, narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains that stretches from latitudes 17°29’57’’ S to 56°32’ S and is bordered by Perú to the north, Bolivia and Argentina to the east and the Drake Passage to the south. Including its islands in the Pacific Ocean, the total area of the territory is 291,929 square miles (756,096.3 km²).
 
Chile has a wide range of climate types due to the vast north to south length of its territory. The Andes mountain range regulates the passage of air masses on its territory, blocking the winds blowing from Argentina towards the Chilean territory as well as the maritime influence that slides over the eastern slope of the mountain range.

In the north, Chile has a desert climate with scarce rainfall. Temperatures show only mild variations throughout the year, remaining on average at 20°C. The coastal areas receive the stabilizing and cooling influence of the Humboldt Current, which leads to the formation of abundant cloud cover. In the hinterland, there are wide temperature ranges with no humidity and clear skies. In the Andean plateau, temperatures drop as the high altitudes create a cold steppe climate with summer rains. The Norte Chico area has a warm or semi-arid steppe climate that serves as a transition to the cooler temperatures of the south. Rainfall is irregular, being more abundant during the winter season.


Data of Interest

• Official Name: Republic of Chile (República de Chile).
• Capital: Santiago de Chile.
• Type of Government: Presidential democratic republic.
• Head of the State and Head of the Government: President.
• Administrative Divisions: Chile is divided into 15 regions: Arica y Parinacota (XV ), Región de Tarapacá (I), Antofagasta (II), Atacama (III), Coquimbo (IV), Valparaíso (V), Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins (VI), Maule (VII), BíoBío (VIII), Araucanía (IX), Los Ríos (XIV), Los Lagos (X), Aysén (XI), Magallanes y Antártica (XII) and the Santiago Metropolitan Region. Easter Island (or Rapa Nui) is also part of the Chilean territory.
• Total area: 291,929 square miles (756,096.3 Km²).  
• Population: 17,248,450.
• Climate: arid, temperate and cold.
• Language: Spanish (official) and aboriginal languages.
• Currency: Chilean peso ($).