10 fun and interesting Chile facts

1. A Country of Incredible Geographic Diversity

Chile is a country of incredible geographical diversity, with a coastline of 4,435 km despite its narrow width of only 175 km. It is home to an astonishing 1500 volcanoes, with 500 of them potentially active. This makes Chile a unique destination for those looking to explore the wonders of nature, with its stunning beaches, towering volcanoes, and diverse wildlife.

Also → Chile's Capital, Santiago, is Home to the Universidad de Chile

2. A Country of Unique Climate and Geography

Chile is a country with a rich history, having gained its independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1913. It is also a country of diverse climates, with four distinct seasons - summer, autumn, winter and spring - and at least seven major climatic subtypes. From the Atacama Desert in the north to the temperate rainforests of the south, Chile's varied geography and climate make it a unique and fascinating place to explore.

Also → Peru: A Country of Natural Beauty and Cultural Diversity

3. Santiago de Chile - The Vibrant Capital of Chile

The vibrant city of Santiago de Chile is the capital of Chile, a country located in South America. With a population of over 6 million people, Santiago de Chile is a bustling metropolis that is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and parks. The local currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso, which is divided into 100 centavos. The Chilean Peso is widely accepted throughout the country, and is also used in some neighboring countries.

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4. Chilean Spanish has a unique flavor

In Chile, the official language is Spanish, though the dialect spoken there is distinct from that of its neighboring countries. This is due to the fact that the Chilean Spanish dialect has been heavily influenced by the indigenous Mapuche language, as well as by the influx of immigrants from other parts of the world, such as Germany, Italy, and Croatia. As a result, Chilean Spanish has a unique flavor, with its own set of idioms, slang, and pronunciation.

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5. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chile

In Chile, Christianity is the predominant religion, with 63% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic, 15-18% as Protestant, and 18% as agnostic or atheist. This means that the majority of Chileans are Christian, with the Catholic faith being the most widely practiced. However, there is still a significant minority of Chileans who practice other religions or have no religious affiliation.

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6. Lake Chungara: World's Highest Lake in Chile's Andes

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Chile lies Lake Chungara, one of the highest lakes in the world above sea level. At an elevation of 4,517 meters (14,832 feet), it is the second highest commercially navigable lake in the world, surpassed only by Lake Titicaca in Peru. The lake is located in the Lauca National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its crystal-clear waters are home to a variety of fish, including the endemic Orestias, and its surrounding mountains are home to a variety of wildlife, including llamas, vicuñas, and flamingos.

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7. Chile's Atacama Desert holds the world's longest dry spell

The Atacama Desert, located in Chile, is the world's 18th largest desert and holds the record for the longest dry spell ever recorded - an astonishing 40 years without a single drop of rain. This arid region is home to some of the world's most extreme conditions, making it a unique and fascinating place to explore.

Also → Lima: 8M in Arid Desert City, 5th Largest in Americas

8. Chinchorro Mummies: 5050 BC

Chile is home to the oldest mummies in the world, the Chinchorro mummies. These mummies, which date back to around 5050 BC, are some of the oldest human remains ever discovered. The Chinchorro mummies are located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, and are believed to have been created by the Chinchorro people, a pre-Incan civilization. The mummies are incredibly well-preserved, and have provided archaeologists with a wealth of information about the Chinchorro people and their culture.

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9. Chile's Valparaiso: Home to the Andean Condor and Huemul

Valparaiso, known as "The Garden City", is one of the most prosperous cities in Chile. It is home to the majestic Andean Condor, the national bird of Chile, and the Huemul, the national animal. The Andean Condor is the largest flying bird in the world, with a wingspan of up to 3.2 meters, while the Huemul is a small deer native to the Andes Mountains. Both species are symbols of the country's natural beauty and biodiversity.

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10. A Major Exporter of Goods

Chile is a major exporter of a variety of goods, including fish, copper, fruits, wine, chemicals, paper, and pulp. It is also a major producer of hydro power, and is the sixth largest exporter of wines in the world. Chile's exports of fish, copper, fruits, wine, chemicals, paper, and pulp have helped to make it one of the most prosperous countries in South America.