About Chile (Please refer to the Internet for a more in-depth overview)
Capital City.
Chile's capital city, Santiago, is located at the country's latitudinal mid-point, midway
between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
Currency
The Chilean currency is the Peso. In the cities, finding ATMs that provide local currency
is relatively easy. At the same time, most established stores allow paying with
international bank cards.
Language
Spanish is the official language, and although spoken by all Chileans, other languages or
dialects are still used by the different indigenous communities of the country.
Religion
Catholicism is the predominant faith, although various beliefs and practices co-exist.
Location and size
Chile is a coastal country located in the southwest region of South America and has an
area of 756,950 square kilometres, making it the 38th largest country by area. The
country has a total coastline of 6,435 kilometres. Chile shares its northern border with
Peru and its eastern border with Bolivia and Argentina. Chile covers a diverse
geographic array, from its northern border to its southernmost tip. In the north is the
Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, while the southern tip points towards
the polar ice of Antarctica.
Population
The population of Chile is approximately 18 million, the 62nd most populous country in
the world and the 6th most populous country in South America. Most of the Chilean
population is mestizo (of mixed European and American Indian descent). In 1848, the
Law of Colonization was passed by Spanish colonists interested in attracting foreign
immigrants. Consequently, a large German population relocated to Southern Chile and
mixed with the Mapuche Indians who inhabited the region.
Internet coverage
Internet services are also widely available, particularly in town areas.