property for sale Santiago de Chile
about chile
Geography
Chile is situated in the Southeast of South America and spreads out about 4.300 kilometres along the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Due to its narrow latitude of only 180 kilometres, Chile´s territory is very long, but narrow at the same time. In the North, Chile borders with Peru, in the Northeast with Bolivia and in the East with Argentina. The Islands Rapu Nui, Salas y Gómez, Juan-Fernández, Desventuras, Ildefonso and the Island Diego-Ramírez also belong to Chile. It is interesting to know that the Southern part of Chile is already part of the Antarctic. All in all, Chile´s territory is occupying a surface of 756.950 km².
Since Chile spreads out 39 degrees of longitude and covers several latitudes, this Hispanic country offers a wide range of vegetation and different types of climate. In Northern Chile we find the desert Atama, which is one of the driest deserts of the world, while we find plenty of old vineyards on the riverbanks of the river Elquí, also in the Nord.
Travelling downwards, a steppe is covering the landscape with dry grassland and, surprisingly enough, we find big, exuberant forests in the Southern part of the country.
Population
The official language in Chile is Spanish. 5.5 million Chileans, approximately one third of Chile´s population, live in Santiago, Chile´s capital. The habitants are very homogenous; 95% have a European or mestizo family background, the rest descends from native habitants.
Economy - Chile is the richest Hispanic country and South America´s export leader During Pinochet´s legislative period (1973-1990), the economic system was transformed towards a more open economy, allowing free trade. Due to these legal changes, Chile has become the "Hispanic poster child". According to the annual corruption index, Transparency International, Chile is one of the countries with the lowest corruption index worldwide. Corruption in Chile is even lower than in some European countries such as France and Spain.
The Chilean gross domestic product has been increasing about 5% annually over the last 5 years, reaching an averaged per capita income of 7500 US-Dollars. Chile is certainly the most affluent country of South America with the highest Hispanic balance of trade, being a positive exception from other Hispanic countries.
