Chile flag

Country in South America

Chile

Chile is a uniquely elongated country stretching 4,300 km along the Pacific coast, encompassing the driest desert, glaciers, volcanoes, and some of South America's finest wine.

CapitalSantiago
LanguageSpanish
CurrencyChilean peso
Population20.2M

Key Facts

CapitalSantiago
RegionSouthern South America / Andes
GovernmentUnitary presidential republic
Independence1818
Area756,102 km2
Population density26/km2
Time zoneCLT (UTC-3/UTC-4)
Calling code+56
Drives onRight

Quick View

HDI
0.860
Safety index
62.0
Internet access
90%
Life expectancy
81.2

Sources: World Bank, Numbeo, UN.

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Ojos del Salado6,893 m
Monte Pissis6,795 m
Nevado Tres Cruces6,749 m

Religion (est.)

  • Christianity67%
  • No religion25%
  • Other5%
  • Indigenous faiths3%

Why Visit

Atacama DesertThe driest non-polar desert on earth, famous for stargazing and moonlike landscapes.
Patagonia & Torres del PaineDramatic granite towers, glaciers, and wild wind in the world's end wilderness.
Easter IslandRemote Pacific island with its iconic moai statues and Polynesian culture.
Wine ValleysCasablanca and Maipo valleys produce superb Carménère and Sauvignon Blanc.
Lake DistrictGlacial lakes, volcanoes, and German-influenced towns in southern Chile.

Top 3 Cities by Population

Santiago
6.3M
Valparaíso
930k
Concepción
835k

Climate Overview

9CJan avg.
19CJul avg.
312 mmYearly rainfall
Mediterranean (centre), arid (north), cold (south)Climate

Other Quick Info

CurrencyChilean peso
Official languageSpanish
National day18 September
Electricity220V, Type C/L