Country Report 3: Chile

Chile is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far south. Chilean territory includes the Pacific islands of Juan Fernandez, Salas y Gomez, Desventuradas and Easter Islands. Chile also claims about 1,250,000 square kilometers of Antarctica, although all claims are suspended under the Antarctica Treaty. Chile's distinctive shape makes it the longest country in the world in terms of length-to-width ratio, with the fifth lengthiest coastline at over 78,000 kilometers. The northern desert contains great mineral wealth, mainly copper. The relatively small central area dominates in terms of population and agricultural resources and is the cultural and political center from which Chile expanded in the late 19th century when it incorporated its northern and southern regions. Southern Chile is rich in forests and grazing lands, and has a string of volcanoes and lakes. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern and central Chile was under Inca rule while independent Mapuche inhabited central Chile. Chile declared its independence from Spain on February 12th 1818. In the War of the Pacific, Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its current northern territory. It was not until the 1880's that the Mapuche were completely conquered. Chile endured an over 16 year long military dictatorship that left more than 3,000 people dead or missing. Today, Chile is one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations, a recognized middle power and an emerging economy. It leads Latin American nations in human development, competitiveness, income per capita, globalization, economic freedom, and low perception of corruption. On a bit of a side note, Chile is emerging as one of the world’s soccer powers as well and as such they are beginning to gain a lot more international attention because of it. Chile also ranks high regionally in sustainability of state, democratic development, and state of peace. However, it has a high rate of economic inequality. Overall Chile is doing very well in their development and as you can tell by reading my interviewee's responses to my questions he is very fond of his country and didn't really have anything negative to say.