Chile
From the otherworldly Valley of the Moon in the Atacama Desert to the vibrant forests and lagoons of Conguillío National Park, to the breathtaking glacier-carved peaks called Cordillera del Paine in the Torres del Paine National Park of Patagonia, Chile is a land of diverse natural beauty.
It is not entirely surprising, given that the narrow land called Chile spans 37 degrees of latitude, from 19 to 56 south.
Chile has enjoyed decades of steady economic growth under stable governments. Chile is known for its copper exports and its trade-based economy, and the country has a network of free trade agreements with more than 50 lands including the EU. Strong growth has enriched the modern capital of Santiago, making it a financial and transportation hub. Well over a third of the country’s population lives within the limits of Greater Santiago.
With the world’s driest desert in the north to glaciers and fjords in the south, Chile allows travelers who love outdoor activities to explore both extremes and everything in-between.
Climate
The climate in Chile varies distinctly with latitude. In the north is the extremely dry Atacama Desert. In the central region, a Mediterranean climate prevails with many beautiful lakes in South-Central Chile. In the south, the land seems to break up into thousands of islands and fjords. Temperatures are low and precipitation is high. There is plenty of gradable grassland and forests. Thus, the only constants in this land of volcanoes and lakes, wasteland and forest, are the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly to the west and the snowy Andes mountains framing the east.
Health and Safety
Religion and Festivals
Most Chileans consider themselves Roman Catholic, and most others identify with Protestant religions. Less than a tenth of the population are declared atheists or agnostics. Unlike in neighboring Argentina, the numbers of Muslims and Jews are both very small.
Transportation
Most international flights arrive by the capital of Santiago. Chile has well-maintained roads with a modern bus network. Domestic flights are also popular for traversing the long distances in Chile. In the south, thousands of islands make ferries a viable means of passenger transport.
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