Chile is a long, narrow country stretching down the western coast of South America, bordered by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is known for its extraordinary geographic diversity, ranging from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonian glaciers in the south. Chile is also celebrated for its wine production and as a hub for astronomical observatories due to its exceptionally clear skies.
- Capital
- Santiago
- Continent
- Americas
- Region
- South America
- Area
- 756,102 km²
- Coordinates
- 30° S, 71° W
Country facts
- Chile is the world's longest country from north to south, spanning roughly 4,300 kilometers.
- The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas receiving almost no rainfall for decades.
- Chile produces some of South America's most celebrated wines, particularly from the Central Valley region.
- Easter Island, a Chilean territory in the Pacific Ocean, is famous for its mysterious giant stone statues called moai.
- Chile was the first country in South America to elect a socialist president by popular vote, Salvador Allende, in 1970.
Capital facts
- Santiago was founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541.
- The city sits in a central valley with the snow-capped Andes Mountains visible on clear days to the east.
- Santiago is home to the Gran Torre Santiago, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America.
- The city hosts the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, which houses an outstanding collection of indigenous art from across the Americas.
- Santiago's metro system, opened in 1975, is one of the most extensive and modern in South America.