Geography Overview of Chile - History, Climate More

Geography Overview of Chile - History, Climate More Population: 16.5 million (2007 estimate)Capital: SantiagoArea: 302,778 square miles (756,945 sq km)Bordering Countries: Peru and Bolivia to the north and Argentina to the eastCoastline: 3,998 miles (6,435 km)Highest Point: Nevado Ojos del Salado at 22,572 feet (6,880 m)Official Language: Spanish Chile, officially called the Republic of Chile, is South Americas most prosperous country. It has a market-oriented economy and a reputation for strong financial institutions. Poverty rates in the country are low and its government is committed to promoting democracy. History of Chile According to the U.S. Department of State, Chile was first inhabited about 10,000 years ago by migrating peoples. Chile was first officially controlled briefly by the Incas in the north and the Araucanians in the south. The first Europeans to reach Chile were the Spanish conquistadores in 1535. They came to the area in search of gold and silver. The formal conquest of Chile began in 1540 under Pedro de Valdivia and the city of Santiago was founded on February 12, 1541. The Spanish then began practicing agriculture in Chiles central valley and made the area a Viceroyalty of Peru. Chile began pushing for its independence from Spain in 1808. In 1810, Chile was proclaimed an autonomous republic of the Spanish monarchy. Shortly thereafter, a movement for total independence from Spain began and several wars broke out until 1817. In that year, Bernardo OHiggins and Josà © de San Martà ­n entered Chile and defeated supporters of Spain. On February 12, 1818, Chile officially became an independent republic under the leadership of OHiggins. In the decades following its independence, a strong presidency was developed in Chile. Chile also grew physically during these years, and in 1881, took control of the Strait of Magellan. In addition, the War of the Pacific (1879-1883) allowed the country to expand north by one-third. Throughout the rest of the 19th and into the early 20th centuries, political and economic instability was common in Chile and from 1924-1932, the country was under the semi-dictatorial rule of General Carlos Ibanez. In 1932, constitutional rule was restored and the Radical Party emerged and dominated Chile until 1952. In 1964, Eduardo Frei-Montalva was elected as president under the slogan, Revolution in Liberty. By 1967 though, opposition to his administration and its reforms increased and in 1970, Senator Salvador Allende was elected President, beginning another period of political, social and economic unrest. On September 11, 1973, Allendes administration was overthrown. Another military ruled government, led by General Pinochet then took power and in 1980, a new constitution was approved. Government of Chile Today, Chile is a republic with executive, legislative and judicial branches. The executive branch consists of the president, and the legislative branch features a bicameral legislature composed of the High Assembly and the Chamber of Deputies. The judicial branch consists of the Constitutional Tribunal, the Supreme Court, the court of appeals and military courts. Chile is divided into 15 numbered regions for administration. These regions are divided into provinces that are administered by appointed governors. The provinces are further divided into municipalities that are governed by elected mayors. Political parties in Chile are grouped into two groups. These are the center-left Concertacion and the center-right Alliance for Chile. Geography and Climate of Chile Because of its long, narrow profile and position adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains, Chile has a unique topography and climate. Northern Chile is home to the Atacama Desert, which has one of the lowest rainfall totals in the world. By contrast, Santiago, is located midway along Chiles length and lies in a Mediterranean temperate valley between the coastal mountains and the Andes. Santiago itself has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The southern inland portion of the country is covered with forests while the coast is a maze of fjords, inlets, canals, peninsulas, and islands. The climate in this area is cold and wet. Chiles Industry and Land Use Due to its extremes in topography and climate, the most developed area of Chile is the valley near Santiago and it is where the majority of the countrys manufacturing industry is located. In addition, Chiles central valley is incredibly fertile and is famous for producing fruits and vegetables for shipment worldwide. Some of these products include grapes, apples, pears, onions, peaches, garlic, asparagus, and beans. Vineyards are also prevalent in this area and Chilean wine is currently growing in global popularity. Land in the southern part of Chile is extensively used for ranching and grazing, while its forests are a source of timber. Northern Chile contains a wealth of minerals, most notable of which are copper and nitrates. More Facts about Chile Chile is never more than 160 miles (258 km) wideChile claims sovereignty to parts of AntarcticaThe prehistoric Monkey Puzzle Tree is Chiles national tree For more information on Chile visit the Geography and Maps of Chile page on this site. References Central Intelligence Agency. (2010, March 4). CIA - the World Factbook Chile. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ci.html Infoplease. (n.d.). Chile: History, Geography, Government, Culture - Infoplease.com. Retrieved from infoplease.com/ipa/A0107407.html United States Department of State. (2009, September). Chile (09/09). Retrieved from state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1981.htm