31 Amazing Chile Facts: All There Is To Know About This Incredible Country

Chile, also officially known as the Republic of Chile, is a country located on the western coast of South America.

Santiago is Chile's capital and the country's second-largest city. This capital city was founded on February 12, 1541, by Francisco Pizarro, who led the Spanish conquest.

Did you know that the tallest building in South America, Gran Torre Santiago, is located in the capital city? It is 62 stories high. Also, Chile is one of the few countries in the world that has a UFO research department, which the Air Force manages.

National Day is celebrated in Chile on September 18. Most of the population of this country lives in its cities located in the central region. These include the cities of Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción.

Did you know that Chile comes from the indigenous Mapuche word 'chili,' which means where the land ends?

Did you know that the world's largest swimming pool is located in Algarrobo city in Chile? With a length of 1,000 yds (914.4 m) and covering an area of 20 acres (8.1 ha), this 115 ft (35.1 m) deep pool can hold more than 66 million gals (300 million l) of clear seawater. It was declared the largest pool by the Guinness Book of Records.

Another Guinness Book of Records entry from Chile is the fireworks display put up by the cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar on New Year's Eve. This is the biggest fireworks show in South America.

If you've always wanted to see a penguin, then this is the country to visit. There are many places in the South of Chile where penguins nest on the beach. There are over 12000 breeding pairs of Penguins in the country. You can even visit the Seno Otway Penguin Colony. Also, if you wish to spot the Humboldt Penguins, then visit the north coast of Chile!

Did you know that there are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Chile? These are the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, Sewell Mining Town, the Churches of Chiloé, Rapa Nui National Park, and the Historic Quarter of the port city of Valparaíso.

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History Of Chile

Native Americans settled in the region that now makes up Chile about 10,000 years ago.

With the arrival of other indigenous groups and before the Spanish colonialists came to this area, the people of the north were the Incas, and the Mapuche people settled in southern and central Chile.

Did you know that the world's oldest mummies, the Chinchorro mummies, were found in the Atacama desert of Chile? These have been dated to be between 5050 and 3000 BC.

Chile was discovered by Ferdinand Magellan when he was attempting to sail around the world. He discovered this country when he sailed through the strait now named after him, the Strait of Magellan. He was the first European to arrive in Chile.

The Spanish seeking gold came here from Peru in 1535. Although no gold was found, after many struggles and skirmishes with the local population, Chile became a part of the Spanish empire as it had rich soil that was good for agriculture. The area that the Spanish colonized was south-central Chile.

Did you know that it is believed that 90% of the potatoes found worldwide originated in Chile? The Island of Chiloé is home to 286 varieties of potato.

Chile was a colony of Spain for nearly 300 years. When Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Spain, its control over Chile weakened. Chile first declared independence in 1810, but due to instability, Spanish rule was restored in 1814. In 1818 the armies of Argentina and Chile combined to drive out the Spanish. On February 12, 1818, Chile was declared an independent republic.

Although Spain tried to regain control many times, it recognized the impendence of Chile in 1840.

Did you know that the first President of the Republic of Chile in 1827, Manuel Blanco Encalada, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina?

In the 19th century, the wealthy became the leading voice of the government in Chile. Although by the end of the century, a democratic presidency was established. This was also the time when Chile expanded its borders.

From 1973 to 1990 was the 16-year reign of General Augusto Pinochet, the commander in chief of the army. Pinochet took over the presidency in a military coup. His time as president is considered by most to be a very troubling and challenging time in the history of Chile. There were many curbs and limitations on speech and other freedom.

In 1988 after Gen. Pinochet lost a referendum to remain in power, Particio Aylwin of the Christian Democrat Party succeeded him, and since then, the country has enjoyed relative peace.

Geographic Location Of Chile

Chile is located in South America, between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This Latin American country is located in the southern hemisphere and is the southernmost country in the world. It is also the closest country to Antarctica. Easter Island, located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, is also a part of Chile.

Did you know that the western portion of the largest island in South America, Tierra Del Fuego, is also a part of Chile?

It is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and the Andes Mountains still have some of the largest and active volcanoes in the world. Some active volcanoes here are Cerro Arul, Cerro Hudson, and Villarrica.

Did you know that Chile is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world? The largest earthquake was recorded in Valdivia in 1960 and measured 9.5 on the Richter scale.

The country of Chile stretches over an area of 2,670 mi (4,296.9 km) north to south and covers 292,260 sq. mi (756,949.9 sq. km )of land. It is one of the longest countries north to south in the world and has one of the longest coastlines globally.

It shares its borders with Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia.

The climate and landscape of Chile are varied and diverse. The climate of Chile can be divided into three zones, the desert zone of northern Chile, the humid areas of southern Chile, and central Chile.

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile has plenty of mineral wealth, including nitrates and copper.

Did you know that this desert also has the largest copper mine, Chuquicamata, in the world?

The Atacama desert is also the driest place on earth, with some parts having never received a single drop of rain. The Atacama Desert is also considered to be the oldest desert on earth.

Did you know that the Atacama Desert, with its clear skies and no pollution, is one of the best places for stargazing? Hence, Chile has many observatories and universities and is quite popular with astronomy students. Also, the observatory of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), located in the Elqui Valley in the north of Chile, is recognized as the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world.

Also, did you know the extreme condition in the Atacama desert made it the perfect place for scientists to test the Mars rovers? The terrain and condition of the desert are considered similar to those of the planet Mars.

The valley that includes the city of Santiago is rich in grazing lands and forests. It also has many lakes and volcanoes. The Andes Mountains are on the eastern border of Chile.

Did you know that the popular ski resort of El Colorado is located in the Andes Mountains?

Due to its landscape, Chile is a popular tourist destination. Hikers go to Chile's Torres Del Paine National Park, located in the south. It is rich in scenic beauty and encompasses mountains, lakes, rivers, and glaciers. Another popular trail is the one in the Patagonia region on the border of Argentina and Chile, known as the Patagonian Trail. Torres del Paine National Park is a favorite among travel enthusiasts.

With the Atacama Desert in the north and the Andes in the east, flora and fauna of continental Chile are very isolated. Many animals are unique to South America found in the forest region of Chile, including small deer known as pudu and different types of marsupials.

Did you know that the Larch tree found in the south of Chile can survive for up to 4000 years?

Easter Island, located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, is a special territory of Chile. The island was formed due to volcanic eruptions many years ago. The huge stone sculptures on Easter Island, also known as Moai, are part of the Rapa Nui culture and represent ancestors' faces. These stone pieces are well-known and recognized around the world. The island was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.

Did you know that Easter Island is the remotest inhabited island in the world? It takes five hours to get here by plane from Santiago.

Chile Culture And Tradition

The culture of Chile has been influenced by the Spanish and other Europeans that came here, such as the Germans, French, and English. Musical styles vary depending on the geographical area of this vast country.

There are many dance forms in Chile, including the trote, a traditional dance of the people from the Andes. The cueca, a dance performed by couples using a handkerchief, is the national dance of Chile.

Folk music is also very popular here with many local composers and groups such as Los De Ramón, a group of family musicians.

Among the well-known facts about Chile is that it is known as a country of poets or in the native language pais de los poetas. The first Latin American to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature is Gabriela Mistral. She received this honor in 1945. Another Chilean to receive this award in 1971 is the world-renowned poet Pablo Neruda.

Just like its geography, the cuisine of Chile is very different depending on the area you are in; it can have seafood, fruits, vegetables, and beef. Some well-known dishes are empanada, a type of bread filled with various items and then fried, and Pebre, a spicy sauce made with peppers, olive oil, and herbs.

Listed among the hottest peppers in the world are the Aji Cristal Peppers found in the Curico region of Chile. These orange-red peppers are small but spicy and widely used in the local cuisine.

A type of brandy produced in the Atacama and Coquimbo Regions of Chile is known as Pisco, and it is widely used in many Chilean cocktails.

Did you know that Chile is the ninth-largest producer of wine in the world and the fifth-largest exporter? Some of the best and finest wines have been produced here, a much-sought-after wine destination.

The Germans who came to Chile in the 1800s brought their knowledge of beer making. Hence, beer is also a popular drink in this country.

Language And Religion Of Chile

The National language of Chile is Spanish. However, the accent and other differences in speech vary from north to south depending on social class. Along with the many indigenous languages such as Aymara and Rapa Nui, German, English, and Greek are also spoken in Chile.

The people of Chile are free to practice any religion or faith they want as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Christianity is the primary religion of the people of Chile, with most citizens belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. Hence, religious holidays such as Good Friday, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and The Feast of the Assumption are national holidays. Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint James the Greater are Chile's patron Roman catholic saints. Also, native Roman catholic saints from here are Teresa de Los Andes and Alberto Hurtado.

Another religious community in Chile is the Baháʼí. The mother temple, also known as the Continental House of Worship for Latin America, is located here.

Did you know the national flower of Chile is the copihue, a type of bellflower that grows in the woods of southern Chile?

The Chilean flag comprises two bands of a top white band and a bottom red band. A blue square with a white five-pointed star is on the white band. The white band of the Chilean flag denotes the snow-covered peaks of the Andes, the red for the blood spilled to gain independence, and the star is a guide for honor and progress.

Did you know that although the flag of Chile is 21 years old, it is similar to the state flag of Texas in the United States?

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Chile. With so many world records and interesting places to see and visit, a trip here would be worth it.

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