Chile
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- South America
- Capital
- Santiago
- Population
- 19.8 million (2024)
- Area
- 756,102 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Chilean peso (CLP)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +56
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
Chile is a long, narrow country along the Pacific coast, more than 4,000 kilometres from north to south. It runs from the Atacama Desert to the glaciers of Patagonia.
History
The Mapuche resisted both the Incas and the Spanish. Chile became independent in 1818, and Augusto Pinochet ruled as a military dictator from 1973 to 1990.
Food & culture
Empanadas de pino, pastel de choclo, cazuela and seafood such as ceviche are favourites, along with Chilean wine.
Wildlife
Torres del Paine has guanacos and pumas, and the Humboldt penguin lives along the coast.
Festivals & events
Fiestas Patrias on 18 and 19 September celebrate independence with fondas, food and dancing.
Things to see
Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert, Easter Island, Valparaíso and the lakes and volcanoes around Pucón.
Interesting facts
The Atacama is one of the driest places on Earth. Easter Island, with its moai statues, is part of Chile.
