Chile Facts:
What is the time difference to Chile?
Mainland: GMT – 4 (GMT – 3 October to March).
Easter Island: GMT – 6 (GMT – 5 from October to March).
Area – how big is Chile?
756,626 sq km (292,058 sq miles).
Population – how many people live in Chile?
17 million (2008 estimate).
What is the population density of Chile?
22 per sq km.
Capital – What is the capital of Chile?
Santiago (de Chile). Population: 6.1 million (last official census).
Geography
Chile is situated in South America, bordered by Peru and to the east by Bolivia and Argentina, to the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the south by the chilly Antarctic. Chile is 4,329km (2,690 miles) from north to south and is only 180km (112 miles) across at its widest point.

The Andes and a more westerly coastal highland range run the length of Chile. Between the Andean ranges run fertile valleys, except in the far south of Patagonia where the sea has broken through the coastal range to form archipelagos and fjord like channels.

Wide soil variations and varying climatic differences are reflected in an uneven population distribution. The Atacama desert, the world’s driest, is in the north of the Chile, also an important mining area. The central zone is Chile mainly agricultural, leading to its name as Chile’s breadbasket. Over 66% of Chile’s population resides here.
Government
Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1810.
Head of State
President Michelle Bachelet (Jan 2006).
History
In its fourth successive term, the Concertación coalition has governed the country since Chile’s return to democracy in 1990.

Chile’s energy needs are also a source of much debate, with pending dam projects in the south causing much concern among environmentalists.
Language
Spanish (official), Mapudungu (the language of the Mapuche), Rapanui (Easter Island) and Aymara.
Religion
Christian (mostly Roman Catholic).
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two circular metal pins are used.
Social Conventions
Chileans are more formal than their South American neighbours. Handshaking is the main custom or greeting between men. On informal, social occasions, women will greet friends with a kiss on the cheek. It’s quite common to entertain at home and it is acceptable for invitees to give small presents as a token of thanks.