Chile is a country nestled between the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges. Andes on the southwestern coast of South America. There are different options for where the name of this unique country came from. Even the Chileans themselves cannot choose a single generally accepted version. According to the first theory, the name comes from the language of the Aymaru tribe and means "the place where the earth ends." According to the second, in translation from the Quechua language, it means "cold". The material culture of the Chilean people is a combination of elements of Spanish culture and the culture of the indigenous population.
Chile is not only the narrowest and longest country on the planet, but also the southernmost, because it is located 900 km from Antarctica. It borders Argentina to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Magellan.
Chile has three climatic and geographic areas. Northern desert, rather cold south of the country and humid area Middle Chile, which is the most developed economically. Santiago- industrial and financial center, the capital of the country. Also major cities include Valparaiso, Antofagasta And Punta Arenas. Official language Spanish is spoken by most Chileans.
More than 80% of the population are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, but in Chile there are large groups of Protestants and followers of Judaism.
An important industry is mining. More than 80% of all minerals fall on copper mining, and the iron ore industry is in 2nd place.
Capital |
Santiago |
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Population |
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Population density |
22.81 people/km² |
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Spanish |
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Religion |
Catholics, Protestants |
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Form of government |
presidential republic |
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Chilean peso |
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Timezone |
UTC-4 (UTC-3 in summer) |
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International dialing code |
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Domain zone |
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Electricity |
Climate and weather
The climatic conditions of Chile are extremely diverse, and this is due to the great length of the country from north to south and the direct influence of the ocean. Average monthly temperatures can fluctuate considerably: from +12…+16 °С to +18…+22 °С. In the south of the country, the climate is subtropical, with big amount precipitation falling in the form of rain. The temperature here ranges from +3 °С to +14 °С. In the north, the climate is mostly dry and desert. The average temperature here is +12…+22 °С. The Mediterranean type of climate prevails in the center. There are four seasons characteristic of Chile: summer (December - February), autumn (March - May), spring (September - November), winter (June - August). The average Chilean winter temperature is about +3…+15 °С. During the summer in Chile, the weather is quite hot. The air temperature can reach +22 °С, but there is practically no sweltering heat here due to the cold current Humboldt.
Sea holidays in Chile are most favorable in the southern and middle parts of the country. The best place beach holiday is considered a resort Viña del Mar next to the national botanical garden. In the highlands of the country, the climate is cool and characterized by temperatures that often do not rise above +3 °С. This makes ski holidays in Chile available all year round.
Nature
The territory of the country is a narrow strip of coastal plain, bounded from the east by mountain ranges. Andes, among which lies the Longitudinal (Central) Valley. Often mountain ranges break the cones of dormant and active volcanoes ( Llullaillaco, Ojos del Salado, Tupungato etc.), and in the area of the island of Tierra del Fuego go under water and form a system of fjords. The highest point in the country is Mt. Ojos del Salado(height - 6,880 meters).
The flora of Chile depends on the climate zone. In the north of the country, thorns and cacti grow - the flora of the desert. In the central valley of Chile, some types of cacti are common, you can find the Chilean pine. south of Valdivia jungle is located. There grow: magnolia, laurel, several types of coniferous trees and beech. The extreme south of the country is covered with steppes.
Representatives of the animal world that you can meet: alpaca, llama, vicuña, puma, guanaco.
Birds are quite widely represented, but only ostriches are found among large species.
Attractions
Attractions, both natural and man-made, in Chile can be found at almost every step. The most popular are: lakes Miscanti And Chungara, geysers El Tatio, volcano Parinacota, granite "towers" Torres del Paine, desert Atacama, Easter Island and Patagonia, archaeological sites Sapawira And Copaquilla.
Chile's most frequently visited attraction is the National Park. Lauka, located at an altitude of more than 4,500 kilometers above sea level, almost on the border with Bolivia.
This wonderful reserve has a huge collection of the rarest representatives of flora and fauna.
Another interesting attraction is the volcano. Maipo, still active today, one of the southernmost peaks of the Andes. It is located on the border with Argentina, 100 kilometers from the capital and 90 kilometers from Tupungato. Maipo gained popularity due to its unusual, almost perfectly symmetrical conical shape.
It cannot be said about Municipal Opera and Ballet Theater V Santiago, built in 1857, considered one of the best on the entire continent. In addition to attracting attention Museum of History and Weapons V Arica, the National Museum of Fine Arts, which is the oldest museum in Latin America.
Nutrition
Chile is a country famous for its amazing seafood, which you can enjoy not only in good hotels, but also in most restaurants throughout the country. Especially delicious crabs and abalone shellfish. In addition to seafood, Chilean cuisine is famous for beef dishes, fresh vegetables and fruits. The country is associated with the name of hot pepper, and many mistakenly believe that the national cuisine is very spicy. This is wrong. The local food is quite familiar to a European. Chileans eat a lot of meat, they love lamb very much. Prepared from beef asado- a common dish of fried meat.
Chicken is on most menus, although Chileans consider chicken to be second-rate meat. Popular Chilean dishes include:
- empanada de pino(patties with beef, raisins, onions, olives and eggs);
- Empanada de Queso(cheese in dough);
- Lomo a lo pobre(steak, fried eggs, fried potatoes);
- Cazuela de vacuno(soup with beef, potatoes, a piece of bread, pumpkin and rice), etc.
Chile is known for its wonderful wines, the most famous of which are red varieties. carmenere And Cabernet Sauvignon as well as white wine Casablanca. Among strong alcoholic drinks, pisco can be distinguished - grape brandy, on the basis of which various cocktails are prepared, such as Pisco Sour(Pisco with lemon juice and sugar).
The best and most popular restaurants are located in Santiago, in the districts Bellavista, Suesia, Las Condes where dinner for one guest costs about $30-55.
Accommodation
In Chile, you will have a wide variety of accommodation options - from cheap hostels, guest houses and small family hotels to upscale hotels from global chains such as Hyatt, Kempinski, Ritz, Sheraton etc. Cheap hotels are called Residential and is available in almost every city. Most of them work according to the well-known system All Inclusive("all inclusive").
Hotel prices are moderate for a European, but by Latin American standards they are high. In Santiago, a single room in the cheapest hotels costs from 7,000-8,000 Chilean pesos ($14-16) per day.
Average cost of a double room in a three-star hotel Santiago is $ 80-90 per day, in Valparaiso - $ 60-70, on Easter Island - $ 100-120. The price of a double room in a five-star hotel in Santiago is approximately $200.
If we talk about rental housing, then a 1-room apartment in the center Santiago will cost $300-500 per month, and a 3-room apartment will cost $600-900.
Entertainment and recreation
The country is known for its excellent ski resorts. One of the most popular is the resort Valle Nevado, located 60 kilometers from the capital. There are more than 30 well-equipped trails different levels difficulties. The resort attracts attention Portillo, located 145 kilometers from Santiago, where there are many slopes that are suitable for skiers of any skill level.
Beach holidays are very common. Most of the beaches in Chile are free, except for those in the parks. The most popular beaches in the resorts Vilna del Mar, beach La Virgen in the bay English coast, beach playa blanca- in the park Llanos de Challe, beach Las Piscinas- near the cape El Morro, Anakena- on Easter Island, as well as the beach Los Piqueros located within the park sugar loaf.
Chile is famous for its bars, clubs and numerous restaurants that are scattered throughout the country. Most of them are concentrated in Santiago. The most famous of them are "Trampoline" and bar "Cathedral"(for rock fans), wine restaurant "Camino Real", "Casino Cumbre" and many others.
Like many other Latin American countries, Chile celebrates a huge number of different festivals and holidays. January in the city angol you can visit the Folklore Festival, in Valdivia— the most interesting Classical Music Festival, in ovalier- festival del huaso, V San Bernardo– International Folklore Festival, festival Joronadas de Villarica- in Villarica, and this is not the whole list.
Purchases
When visiting another country, everyone wants to bring home gifts that reflect the local flavor and traditional culture. Chile is certainly not a country popular in the world of shopping, but the trip will not be considered complete if you do not bring souvenirs that symbolize this country.
Chile has the richest deposits of lapis lazuli, which is considered the national stone and has a special place in Chilean culture. Since lapis lazuli is mined in Chile, it can be bought much cheaper in the markets and in Chilean shops. It is worth paying attention to earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and many other jewelry with a special blue color.
Statues are another popular souvenir. moai. They can be purchased in any form: mini-statues for the table, key chains, earrings, beads, etc. Moai are expensive or cheap depending on the size, type of wood or type of stone. High-quality moai are quite expensive - they cost from $50 and up. Also cannot be overlooked mapuche poncho, indio picaro- wooden figurines with a broad smile of the Mapuche Indians, as well as a huge number of copper souvenirs.
Transport
If we talk about intercity buses, then this type of service is provided by several companies. Their branches are in all cities of Chile. These firms provide a high level of service and work according to a convenient schedule. The city bus is easily recognizable by its bright yellow and white color scheme. But during peak hours it's not the most The best way movement. Taxis are popular in the country, which are distinguished by yellow and black colors. Each car has a meter and a registration number. Politeness and courtesy are the hallmarks of Chilean taxi drivers. smoke in public transport(including taxis) is strictly prohibited.
The state rail transport system (EFE) stretches from Santiago to the south of the country. It passes through most cities such as Rancagua, Chillan, Conception, Talca and to the final station Temuco.
Also in Santiago there is a subway, which is the standard of excellent service and cleanliness. It is a fast, cheap and safe mode of transport. The local metro has three lines: the Red Line runs from West to East through the city center, the Yellow Line runs from the city center to the South-West, and the Green Line runs from the center to the South-East.
Connection
Mobile communication (standard GSM 1900) is quite well developed in Chile. Operators Entel, Claro, Movistar and others almost completely cover the plains of Chile and the capital. In mountainous areas, patchy coverage, even along most of the main highways, the connection is not very stable. One minute of local cellular communication costs $0.2-0.4. The local telephone connection is well developed: there are telephone booths everywhere. It is advantageous to buy a phone card, because the rates for calls from hotels are very high.
International calls are very cheap. You can make a call from any phone. Use a public phone in hotel lobbies or call from phone booths outside. There are outlets in commercial and shopping centers
for international calls.
The Internet is widespread in Chile. Large hotels provide this service in their business centers. You can also use the Internet in an Internet cafe.
Safety
In Chile you can feel safe. Although, as elsewhere, you should beware of pickpockets on buses and the subway. In cafes and restaurants, especially those located on the street, you cannot leave your belongings unattended.
Keep your jewelry and passport in a safe (it is available in all hotels). Also take care of your migration cards and identity documents. If documents are lost, you must immediately report this to the police by calling 133 and to the consulate of your country.
As far as health is concerned, routine vaccinations against mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (DTP), and polio should be available. In addition, it is reasonable to check the vaccination requirements at the consular office of the host country itself.
In general, Chileans are very friendly and affable people, so a warm welcome awaits you everywhere, especially in small towns.
Business climate
Taxation in Chile is characterized by a small number of direct and indirect taxes and a minimum of tax incentives that are extended to exporters.
The Chilean income tax system includes: a tax on business income - 17%, a tax on the total income of individuals - from 0% to 40%, a tax on salaries and rewards, a tax on income of non-residents - 35%.
It is also interesting that Chile is a member of the American Free Trade Area ( FTAA - Free Trade Agreement of the Americas), which stretches from the fringes of South America to Alaska and is designed to stimulate the development of more lagging regions. In this regard, in two extreme regions (in the north, in the port Iquique, and in the south, in the city Punta Arenas) introduced a preferential taxation system. There is no sales tax, no percentage duty on the import of goods.
At present, it has attracted a lot of attention Government program Chile under the name Start Up Chile, created to attract entrepreneurs from all over the world to create start-ups in the country and use it as a platform to enter the global market. For program participants, the government of Chile allocates $40,000 to come to the country and start a business. The main goal of this program is to turn Chile into an innovative and entrepreneurial center. Latin America.
Real estate
Apartments in the capital and districts providencia And Las Condes(considered prestigious areas) of 50 "squares" of living space can be purchased at a price of $85,000. Housing with an area of 80-100 m 2 costs an average of $190,000-200,000. IN Viñe del Mar real estate is a bit cheaper.
Cottages with a fairly large plot (living space from 180 m 2 and a plot from 500 m 2) in the private sector cost from $ 160,000-80,000 and more. There are cheaper options, even for $70,000-80,000, but safety and comfort will be lower. In the north and south of Chile, housing is cheaper.
Rent an apartment in Santiago available for $500 (unfurnished, in a normal area). Furnished apartments are slightly more expensive. When renting, you need to add about another $ 400-600: this amount will cost the maintenance of the apartment (gas, water, electricity, Internet and television).
If we talk about business real estate, today it has become more difficult to find and rent commercial premises in an area good for business (coffee houses, restaurants, hairdressers, etc.). In good areas, there is a glut of the real estate market - there are practically no premises, and the remaining ones are quite expensive to rent.
In Chile guides and service staff hotels are waiting for tips. Their size will depend on the service and financial well-being of the guests of the country. The porter's tip is $1. The restaurant adds about 10% to the amount in the bill, but the tip may already be included in the price of the order.
Paying in Chile is better than pesos. In medium-sized large stores, you can use credit cards of all known banking systems.
On weekends, Chilean cities quiet down: many shops are closed, even stalls with newspapers and cigarettes.
Swimming in the ocean is allowed only in strictly designated areas.
As for customs rules, Chile does not limit the amount of foreign and national currency transported across the border. Amounts above $10,000 must be declared. Uncanned food, seedlings and plants, weapons, insects, parrots and wild animals are not allowed. It is forbidden to export cultural or architectural values of the country, rare representatives of animals and plants.
Visa Information
A visa to Chile is not required if you intend to visit the country as a tourist or guest (visiting relatives, friends) or if you are transiting the country. At the same time, the period of your stay in the country should not exceed 90 days within six months. If you are planning to carry out labor activity or stay in Chile for more than the specified period, you must apply in advance for a visa at the Chilean consulates in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Vladivostok.
When crossing the border, you will need the following documents: passport, valid at the time of entry; confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds for the entire stay in Chile; return ticket or bank card on which there are funds for its acquisition; migration card, which is filled out in Spanish or English (valid for 90 days).
Address of the Consulate of Chile in Moscow: 121002, Moscow, Denezhny lane, house 7, building 1. Tel. 51, 241-43-11. The consulate is open every day from 10:00 to 13:00.
It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Argentina to the east, Peru to the north, and Bolivia to the northeast.
Story
Santiago, 1779
The history of Chile begins with the settlement of the region about 13,000 years ago.
Period of Spanish colonization
Before the invasion of the Spaniards, the Quechua and Aymara Indian peoples lived in the northern part of Chile, the Mapuche in the central part, and the Alakalufs, Yagans and she in the south.
At the end of the XIII - beginning of the XIV centuries, the northern part of Chile (up to the Maule River) was conquered by the Incas. South of the Maule River, the Mapuche tribes did not submit to the Incas, putting up fierce resistance to them.
By the beginning of colonization, about 1 million people lived in Chile, by 1590 the number of Indians had decreased to 549 thousand due to wars, diseases and slave labor.
The Spaniards did not find rich deposits of precious metals in Chile, and colonization took on an agricultural character, with an influx in the 17th-18th centuries of immigrants from the poorest Spanish province of Extremadura, as well as the Basques.
In central Chile natural conditions were similar to the Mediterranean. Wheat, barley, hemp, grapes began to be cultivated there. The breeding of cattle and sheep also began.
From the 18th century great importance acquired copper mining. Thus, in the colonial era, the foundations were laid modern economy Chile.
During this period, the process of miscegenation took place. By the beginning of the 19th century, mestizos made up about 80% of the population.
period of independence
Bernardo O'Higgins
IN early XIX century (1810-1823), under the leadership of Bernardo O'Higgins and Manuel Rodriguez, the Chilean people won independence from the colonial power of Spain.
After the People's Unity bloc came to power (an association of left and center-left parties and organizations), headed by the elected (but not received an absolute majority) President Salvador Allende, in 1970-1972, a complex of socio-economic transformations of the left bloc was carried out in the country: nationalization enterprises and banks, agrarian reform, implementation of social programs, changes in labor legislation in the interests of employees. At this time, experiments were being carried out with computer control of the state economy (Project Cybersyn), which received mixed results due to slow feedback. Allende's policy faced growing resistance from conservative financial, industrial and latifundist circles within the country and pressure from foreign corporations. This led to economic difficulties, which then turned into an economic crisis. High inflation and commodity shortages caused social tensions to rise, accompanied by right-wing opposition-funded strikes, street riots, and a surge in right-wing terrorism. The number of victims of the regime and those killed in the riots is unknown.
The economic situation was further aggravated by the credit boycott of Chile by large American and international banks. President Allende was systematically subjected to pressure from the one side of the radical left, who demanded to speed up the reforms and move from the nationalization of industries resorting to sabotage to the complete expropriation of capitalist property; and on the other hand - the right, demanding to curtail the reforms and abandon the proclaimed social guarantees.
Percentage annual change in Chile's gross domestic product
CIA funded opposition funds mass media, politicians and organizations, contributing to the campaign to destabilize the country. The legislative initiatives of the Allende government were blocked by a parliamentary majority that did not belong to the "People's Unity". Parliamentary elections in March 1973 confirmed the trend towards polarization of society. On May 26, 1973, the Supreme Court accused the Allende regime of destroying the rule of law in the country. On August 22, 1973, the National Congress passed a resolution outlawing the government and accusing Allende of violating the constitution. In fact, the "Agreement" called on the armed forces to disobey the authorities until they "stand on the path of the rule of law." The opposition did not have the 2/3 votes needed to remove Allende from power. By September 1973, state power was paralyzed.
The country's top generals decided to organize a military coup. During the coup during the storming of the presidential palace, Salvador Allende was killed (according to outdated data) or committed suicide (confirmation of this version was obtained as a result of the exhumation of Allende's remains in 2011). The dictatorship of the Governmental Junta was established in the country, headed by General Augusto Pinochet.
In 2004, as a result of the work of the Commission for Political Prisoners and Torture, created by the decree of the President of Lagos, more than 28,000 persons who, in one way or another, suffered from illegal arrests and torture during the years of the military junta, received a life pension.
The destruction of opponents of the authorities was also carried out abroad. The operation "Condor" to eliminate political emigrants, carried out by the National Intelligence Agency (DINA), together with the intelligence services of other Latin American dictatorships, gained fame. For example, Operation Colombo led to the fact that 119 people "expelled from Chile" were actually killed. At the same time, the Pinochet regime interacted with the European far right for the same purposes.
Santiago, 2007
The implications of Pinochet's policies for the socio-economic well-being of the population are a matter of debate. According to the left, there was a significant rollback due to the neo-liberal counter-reforms initiated by the government (at the beginning of the reforms, prices rose in some cases by 18-20 times, and for such basic foodstuffs as bread, milk, meat - by 4-10 times), in as a result of which today about 20% (according to official data) of the population of Chile are below the poverty line, and the dictator himself, members of his family and other regime officials became the beneficiary of privatization.
According to analysts, at present Chile has taken the 1st position in terms of the integral indicator of competitiveness among Latin American countries (27th place in the world ranking), is in the third ten countries in the solvency rating; Standard & Poor's rating agency in the classification of risk countries assigned it the highest category A [ ] .
Policy
Constitution
Chile has a Constitution adopted on March 11, 1981 after a referendum. The constitution provided for the continuation of Pinochet's rule for another 8 years, and most of the constitutional norms were suspended until 1990.
In 1988, a referendum called for the continuation of Pinochet's rule. As a result, Pinochet was defeated and called new presidential elections in 1989.
executive power
Chilean ministers
The head of state is the president, he is also the head of government. Elected by the population for a 4-year term, without the right to re-election.
The President has the right to appoint ambassadors and members of the government, to determine the composition of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, to appoint commanders of all branches. armed forces and the Chief of the National Police. The president also has the right to initiate legislation and introduce bills to parliament.
Legislature
supreme legislative body- Bicameral National Congress:
- Senate - 38 members elected by the population for an 8-year term (with half of the senators replaced every 4 years);
- Chamber of Deputies - 120 members (2 deputies from 60 electoral districts), elected by the population for a 4-year term.
The National Congress was moved in 1990 to decentralize power from Santiago to Valparaiso.
Judicial system
The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court of Chile, to which the lower courts, including the Court of Appeal, are subordinate.
Political parties
Economy
The main industry of the country is mining (copper and other metals), Chile is the world's largest exporter of copper, which is mined and smelted by the national enterprise CODELCO. Among other industries - metallurgical, woodworking, food, textile. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, provides 7% of GNP (13% of employees), livestock breeding is developed, wheat, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, and fruits are grown. Chile is one of the largest exporters of fruits, as well as fish and wood products. GNP amounted to $97.7 billion in 1994 (GNP per capita - $7010), in 2008 GNP reached $169.6 billion (per capita - $14.9 thousand according to PPP).
Main trading partners: China, USA, Japan, Brazil. The monetary unit is the Chilean peso (1 Chilean peso (Ch$) is equal to 100 centavos). The total length of railways is 7,766 km, roads - 79,025 km, inland waterways - 725 km. The most important ports of the country: Iquique, Valparaiso.
In 2008 (estimate) budget revenues were $44.79 billion, expenditures were $35.09 billion.
Export 66.46 billion dollars (in 2008) - copper, fruits, fish, paper, chemical products, wine.
Santiago, 2013
Major buyers (2008): China - 14.2%, USA - 11.3%, Japan - 10.4%, Brazil - 5.9%, South Korea - 5.7%, Netherlands - 5.2%.
CHILE
Republic of Chile, a state located on the southwestern coast of South America between the Andes mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean. The length of Chile from the city of Arica in the north to Cape Horn in the south is 4025 km, the area is 756.6 thousand square meters. km, while the width of its territory nowhere exceeds 360 km. The mainland of Chile is bordered in the north by Peru, in the west and south by the Pacific Ocean, in the east beyond the Andes ridges are Bolivia and Argentina. Through the Strait of Magellan, Chile has access to the Atlantic Ocean. Chile also owns several small islands in pacific ocean: Easter Island, Sala y Gomez, San Felix, San Ambrosio, the Juan Fernandez Islands, and the Diego Ramirez Islands, 100 km southwest of Cape Horn.
Chile. The capital is Santiago. Population - 14.8 million people (1998). Urban population - 86%, rural - 14%. The population density is 20 people per 1 sq. km. km. Area - 756.6 thousand square meters. km. The most high point- Mount Ojos del Salado (6893 m). The official language is Spanish. Dominant religion- Catholicism. Administrative-territorial division - 13 regions (including the Capital Region). Monetary unit: peso = 1000 escudos. National holiday: Independence Day - September 18-19. National anthem: "Dear Motherland, take our oath."
Chile is divided into three geographic and climatic regions. The northern desert and the cold south of the country are still not fully developed, while the humid (sub-humid) region of Central Chile is the most economically developed territory, in which approximately 75% of the country's population is concentrated. The population of Chile, mostly of mixed origin (mestizo), in 1998 was estimated at 14.8 million people. The capital of the country - Santiago - is the center of the political, economic, social and cultural life of the country; in 1992 the population of the capital and suburbs was approx. 5.2 million people.
NATURE
In the relief of Chile, three meridional zones are distinguished: the Andes mountain ranges, stretching along the border with Argentina and Bolivia; structural depression of the Central, or Longitudinal, valley, divided by the spurs of the Andes into separate depressions; and a number of geologically older plateaus, ending in steep ledges to the Pacific coast. By latitude, Chile is divided into three regions that differ sharply from each other in climate: Central Chile, Northern Desert and Southern Chile.
Middle Chile. Andes. In the central part of the country, for 800 km between the cities of Coquimbo and Concepción, about a third of the area is occupied by the highlands of the Andes. The Andes form a single chain, albeit of a complex structure; above it rise the volcanoes Tupungato (6570 m) and Maipo (5290 m), and further to the north - the volcano Lullaillaco (6739 m) and the second highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Ojos del Salado (6893 m). Mountains above 4500 m in the north (at 20° S) and above 3500 m at the latitude of the city of Concepción (36° S) are permanently covered with snow. South of the city of Talca, west of the main ridge of the Andes, cones of active volcanoes stand out.
Coastal plateaus. Another third of the area is the coastal zone. It includes flat remnants of the ancient denudation surface, or peneplain, having heights from 2150 m in the north to 600 m in the south and dissected by steeply dipping valleys of small rivers originating in east slope Andes. Larger rivers, also flowing from the Andes, such as the Bio-Bio and Maule, form wide alluvial-lined valleys and reach the Pacific Ocean. The coast is for the most part steep, and only in a few places, under the protection of rocky capes, are there convenient harbors.
Central, or Longitudinal, valley. The structurally determined depression separating the Andes from the coastal zone is divided by remnant uplands and mountain spurs into separate depressions, each of which is drained by one or more rivers flowing from the Andes. These rivers carry a large number of clastic material and, leaving the Central Valley, unload it in the form of alluvial cones; the west-sloping surface of these cones is excellent arable land. In the area between the cities of Santiago and Concepción, the mountain spurs protruding into the territory of the depression are low, separate depressions between them merge into a common lower surface, but further to the north a mountain range up to 790 m high separates the valley of the Aconcagua River (part of the Central Valley) from Santiago. Further north, the spurs of the Andes reach the zone of coastal plateaus, and the Central Valley narrows and disappears. The bottom of the valley has a general slope to the south, dropping from 600 m near Santiago to 120 m near Concepción. Cereals are grown in vast fields bordered by poplars and weeping willows, for irrigation of which the water of the rivers flowing down from the Andes is diverted.
Northern Chile. Along the western coast of the continent from 4°S. up to 27°S desert area extends. Within Chile, it is called Atacama and stretches for almost 1300 km. The whole space between the cities of Copiapó in the south and Arica in the north is a dismal succession of dry depressions, pebbly alluvial fans and salt marshes, the monotony of which is broken by rare oases and rivers, the largest of which is Loa. The coast of the ocean is just as severe, bordered by hills, the rounded peaks of which rise to 750 m. The cities of Caldera, Antofagasta and Iquique are located on narrow elevated sea terraces at the base of the mountain slopes. Each of these port cities is approached railways- they climb steep slopes and link cities with mining in the interior of the country. The main natural wealth of the region is the deposits of copper ores in the Andes, as well as common salt, sodium nitrate and iodine salts mined in the foothill depressions. South of the city of Copiapo, the chain of oases in the foothills continues further south, to the territory of Central Chile; they are located on the rivers Huasco, Elqui, Limari and Copiapo.
Southern Chile. Central Valley. To the south of the Bio-Bio river, the open landscapes of Central Chile give way to dense forests, among which farms occasionally come across; this poorly developed agriculture the territory continues south to 41°S. (City of Puerto Montt). In Southern Chile, the Central Valley has a dissected relief, complicated in the eastern part by hills and ridges of glacial moraines; ponded lakes are often located behind the ridges. Near Puerto Montt, the bottom of the Central Valley drops below the ocean level, and further, for more than 1000 km, mountain peaks rise above the surface of the water, separated by an intricate labyrinth of narrow straits; the system of mountainous islands and narrow winding straits continues further south, along the shores of Tierra del Fuego.
Andes. The height of the South Andes between the cities of Concepción and Puerto Montt averages approx. 3000 m; here are mountain peaks, glacial valleys, lakes and waterfalls, which are among the most beautiful in the world. At the latitude of the city of Valdivia (approx. 40 ° S), the boundary of eternal snows is at an altitude of 1500 m, and further to the south, eternal snows and ice caps fall already up to 700 m above sea level, and some glaciers reach the tops of narrow bays - fjords and form icebergs.
Coastal plateaus. Within Southern Chile, the height of the coastal plateaus is 1500 m in the area of the city of Valdivia and gradually decreases towards the south; on o.Chiloe the surface of the plateau drops almost to sea level.
Climate and natural vegetation. The climatic conditions of Chile are very diverse, which is explained by the great length of the country from north to south, the direct influence of the ocean and the cold Peruvian Current (Humboldt Current) passing near the coast, as well as the existence of a Pacific zone of high atmospheric pressure in the region of 25 ° S. latitude.
Central Chile. This area is characterized by mild winters and dry warm summer. In Concepción, 760 mm of precipitation falls annually, mainly in the form of winter showers, accompanying the intrusions of moist masses of Antarctic air. Northern annual rainfall drops to 360 mm in Santiago and 100 mm in Coquimbo, with rain only in winter. In summer, their occurrence is prevented by an anticyclone that forms in the Pacific center of the barometric maximum. The average winter temperatures are 11 ° C in Valparaiso, 8 ° C in Santiago and 12 ° C in Coquimbo, the average summer temperatures are 18, 21 and 18 ° C, respectively. Along the coast, the cold waters of the Peru Current narrow the range of their seasonal differences, but in the interior of the country in winter the temperature can drop to -1 ° C, and in summer the heat reaches 31 ° C. On the coast, the dominant type of vegetation is fragmentary evergreen broad-leaved woodlands of xerophytic trees, shrubs and turf grasses. To the south, a large amount of precipitation favors the development of a sparse deciduous forest of southern beech (nothofagus), once common from coastal plateaus (900 m a.s.l.) to an elevation of 2150 m a.s.l. on the slopes of the Andes. At present, this forest is mostly cut down.
Atacama Desert. An almost complete absence of precipitation is observed from the ocean itself to the line of eternal snows, starting at an altitude of approx. 4600 m above sea level In Iquique, over 20 years of observations, the total amount of atmospheric moisture that fell was only 28 mm. However, constant dense fogs rising over cold coastal waters maintain an average relative humidity of 81% in port cities and relatively low temperatures in winter and summer (16 and 21 ° C). The interior of the Atacama is drier, with temperatures often approaching freezing in winter, accompanied by the formation of dense fog caps on the ground in the wee hours. A significant part of the Atacama is completely devoid of vegetation. The ephemeral grasses and resinous perennials of the coastal plateaus feed on moisture obtained only from fog and dew. In the interval 2400-3000 m a.s.l. the slopes of the Andes are covered with a belt of sparse "tola" vegetation, consisting of feather grass, lepidophyllum shrub and cushion-shaped umbrella Azorella, which provide the local population with a small amount of fodder for livestock and fuel
South of Chile. Western winds prevail here, showers are frequent, and there is a large (sometimes excessive) amount of precipitation. Winters for these latitudes are unusually mild - the average temperature is 8 ° C in Valdivia and Puerto Monte, dropping to 2 ° C in Punta Arenas. The average summer temperatures of these cities are 17, 16 and 11 ° C. Snow often falls south of Puerto Montt, and the Chilean archipelago is one of the rainiest and most humid places on the planet. On open slopes, approx. 5100 mm of rainfall, and only 51 days a year the sun faintly peeps through the lead clouds. In Valdivia, the annual rainfall is 2600 mm, in Puerto Montt 2200 mm, and in wind-sheltered Punta Arenas - only 480 mm. The vegetation cover is a dense temperate forest of southern beech (notophagus), conifers and laurels with a well-developed shrub undergrowth. The swampy areas are occupied by the coniferous species Fitzroya patagonica, and above the slopes mainly Araucaria imbricata grows. The further south, the lower the trees. In the zone of the Strait of Magellan and on the island of Tierra del Fuego, strong winds and low rainfall allow only grass-heather wastelands with turf grasses, forbs: ferns, mosses and dwarf trees to develop.
POPULATION AND SOCIETY
Demography. The population of Chile, which, according to the results of the 1970 census, was 8,884,768 people, increased by the time of the 1992 census to 13,348,401 people, and in 1998 its number was estimated at 14.8 million people. Population growth, from the late 1970s to 1993 inclusive, was 1.7% per year, and was one of the lowest in Latin America. In 1996, there were 18 births and 6 deaths per 1,000 inhabitants. The infant mortality rate dropped from 100 deaths per 1,000 births in 1967 to 14 per 1,000 births in 1996.
Ethnic composition of the population and language. It is estimated that two-thirds of the inhabitants are descended from intermarriages between Indians and European settlers. Significant contribution to ethnic composition modern Chileans were introduced at one time by the Basques - colonists who arrived from Spain. The Araucanians, a freedom-loving and strong Indian people who successfully defended their independence from both the Incas and the Spaniards, live mainly in the south of the country, between modern cities Concepción and Puerto Montt. A small group of Aymara Indians live in the far north of Chile; special group also makes up the population of Easter Island (Rapanui). According to the 1992 census, almost 10% of the adult population consider themselves indigenous to the country. In the later stages of colonization, there was a significant influx of English, Scots and Irish into the country. The most famous Chilean of Irish descent was Bernardo O'Higgins, who led the struggle for the independence of Chile. British Admiral Thomas Cochran was at the forefront of the creation navy Chile. After the defeat in Germany of the bourgeois-democratic revolution of 1848, German immigrants appeared in the country, settling in rainy and previously undeveloped provinces south of the Bio-Bio River. There they built farms and small factories, and created resort centers in the lake district. In the middle of the 19th century small groups of immigrants from Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Yugoslavia arrived in the country. The official language of Chile is Spanish, which is spoken by most of the inhabitants. While many natives continue to speak Araucano and German, almost all of them speak Spanish fluently. Many Chileans also speak English and other international languages.
Placement of the population. Nearly 9/10 of Chileans live in the area between Puerto Montt and Coquimbo, in an area that is less than 1/3 of the total area of the country. In Central Chile, which is part of this territory north of the Bio-Bio river, approx. 2/3 of the country's population. In most of the Central Valley, located between the cities of Santiago and Concepción, the rural population density exceeds 50 people per 1 sq. km. km. In the metropolitan area of Santiago, the population density reaches almost 355 people per 1 sq. km. km. Central Chile is home to major cities such as Santiago, Valparaiso and Concepción, which house government offices, universities and financial centers. The main part of the country's most fertile arable land is also concentrated here. The majority is located in or around the capital industrial enterprises countries. The overpopulation of the central regions led, in particular, to the fact that new immigrants began to settle in the forest areas south of the Bio-Bio River, which remained for a long time under the control of the Araucan Indian tribes. The first German immigrants arrived here in the middle of the 19th century. The growth of settlements accelerated significantly after the government of the country began to pursue a policy of supporting colonists who were engaged in agriculture. Part of the Chileans emigrated to Argentina, settling the lands along the eastern foot of the Andes. The southern third of Chile is very sparsely populated. The existing population is concentrated mainly along the eastern part of the Strait of Magellan in the region of Punta Arenas, the southernmost of major cities peace. In the three regions of Northern Chile - Tarapaca, Antofagasta and Atacama, whose territory makes up more than a third of the total area of the country, approx. 7% of the population. In the area occupied by the Atacama Desert, approx. 1 million people live in mining and port towns. The main part of the population here is made up of workers recruited under contract on large farms in Central Chile, where their ancestors were peons until the 20th century. In addition to them, hundreds of specialists with higher education from various countries employed in the copper mines.
Cities. Chile is one of the most urbanized countries in Latin America. In 1995 ok. 86% of the country's inhabitants lived in cities, and over half of the total population lived in two central regions - Santiago and Valparaiso. The capital of the country, Santiago, had 5.07 million inhabitants, and together with the suburbs (in particular Puente Alto and San Bernardo with a population of 318,000 and 206,800, respectively) - 5.6 million. Valparaiso, the main port of Chile and the seat of the National congress, in 1995 totaled 282.2 thousand people, and even more lived in the neighboring cities of Viña del Mar (322.2 thousand people) and Quilpué (110.3 thousand people). The large cities of Central Chile also include Rancagua (193.8 thousand people), Talca (169.5 thousand people) and Chillan (157.1 thousand people). Concepción, the second largest city in the country, had 350.3 thousand inhabitants in 1995, and its "twin" the port city of Talcahuano - 260.9 thousand. Further north, within the agricultural region, is main city provinces of Coquimbo - La Serena (118 thousand inhabitants). South of the river Bio-Bio main cities are Temuco (239.3 thousand people), Osorno (123.1 thousand people), Puerto Montt 122.4 thousand people) and Valdivia (119.4 thousand people). In the extreme south there is only one city - Punta Arenas (117.2 thousand people), located on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. The largest cities in northern Chile are the ports of Antofagasta (236.7 thousand people), Arica (173.3 thousand people) and Iquique (152.6 thousand people).
Religion and church organizations. Although the church in Chile was separated from the state under the 1925 constitution, over 80% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. Usually the church rarely interfered in the political life of the country, but since the late 1960s, following the instructions of papal encyclicals dedicated to social issues, and also under the influence of the social currents of European Catholicism, the Chilean Church began to play an important role in carrying out in the country social reforms, and the number of socially active clergy has increased markedly. Some clergy contributed to the growth of the influence of the Christian Democratic Party. In 1970, the Catholic Church of Chile officially declared its rejection of capitalism and renounced all its securities, as well as its profitable land and property. After 1973, the church condemned torture, murder, and kidnapping. In addition to Catholics, in Chile there are influential groups of Protestants (according to the 1992 census, they make up 13% of the population) and adherents of Judaism. The significant influence of the Protestant Church is due to the strong support from the UK and the presence in the country of a number of educational institutions and social institutions founded by North American religious organizations.
Family. Family structure is largely determined by the level of income. The wages of eight out of ten workers do not allow them to support their families, which leads to the disintegration of families, the appearance of a large number of abandoned children and orphans. Women often support their families by doing odd jobs until their children grow up and start earning their own. The middle and upper classes are characterized by the presence of large families - a tradition that has been preserved since ancient times.
Industrial and agricultural associations. One of the most influential economic associations in the country is the National Agricultural Society, founded in 1838 by large landowners. The analogue of this association in the mining industry was the National Mining Society. The largest merchants of the country are united in the National Chamber of Commerce, industrialists - in the Society for the Promotion of Industry. Relatively few large exporting companies are closely associated with right-wing political parties. See below
As soon as I left my five-star hotel in the center of Santiago, I realized that I would not stay here longer than necessary. It was the center, the sun was shining and I was even met by a car that took me to a meeting with local human rights activists.
I was well received, I told about my history with Azerbaijan, then there was lunch, a lot of communication with interesting guys and girls. But the first impression of the city, or call it the sixth sense, turned out to be correct. After dinner, when I returned to the city and went for a walk, every minute I became more and more convinced that it was not comfortable and dangerous here.
This feeling is extremely rare for me and the last time I experienced it in Johannesburg, South Africa many years ago. Most of all, my impression of Santiago is characterized by a photograph of a sleeping dog in the central square.
After half an hour of walking around the center, a policeman turned to me and recommended holding the camera tighter so that I would not be torn out. Thanking him, I looked around, but it was quite deserted around and at first glance the danger was not obvious. I have previously been to major cities Latin America, be it Quito, Bogota, Buenos Aires, La Paz or Lima, and therefore had a good idea that crime on the entire continent is one of the most serious in the world. Few people - this is just more dangerous, in which case no one will help you. A lot of people are pickpockets.
The very center of the city is very busy, but tourists are not visible, the vast majority of those walking are local Chileans -
If Argentina is a European country in terms of ethnicity, then Chile is already largely mestizos and Indians. Interestingly, it seems that neighboring states with common history Spanish colonization.
So I say, a slight tension did not leave me. The very center, here are all the ministries and the main square with the Cathedral. But somehow everything is littered, miserable, cracked. There are a lot of declassed people, or simply poor -
There is no black population in Chile, or rather, it has never been before. Now there are several hundred thousand Africans in the country, and these are not even quite Africans from Africa, these are Cubans for the most part, who came in search of a better life.
Police at every turn -
And everything is fine with the Arabs in Santiago, in the sense that there are quite a lot of them, and the general statistics say that there are more than a million of them here out of the 17 million population of the republic. A significant part of them are Lebanese and Syrians, who massively migrated to Chile in 70-80 years due to wars in the Middle East.
I decided to walk around the city, not limit myself to a couple of central squares. Looking ahead, I’ll say that during the day I walked about 15 kilometers on foot, bypassing the entire more or less central part of Santiago. As in many other cities in South America, as soon as you move a little away from the place where the parliament, the central Cathedral and the main walking street, you find yourself somewhere in the semblance of a post-apocalypse. Now let me explain clearly. So, go!
Police cars here are like from a movie about the "Terminator" -
There are also many mounted police -
View of the mighty peaks of the Andes, somewhat reminiscent of Almaty -
I've only gone 15 minutes from the center and I find myself in some kind of desolation. Here, once again, a random passer-by makes a sign to me, they say, be careful with the camera. For the second time in a day.
Why in a city with a population of 5 million inhabitants is absolutely empty in the center - I do not understand. There is a feeling that in such megacities people are trying to leave the centers and move to the outskirts, where the middle class lives and where it is quiet and calm. The centers are populated by poor people who have come in large numbers from the provinces and outright crime. The same situation, by the way, in many US cities.
A good place to shoot a horror movie about how people died out from a terrible virus. There are zombies hiding around here somewhere.
I wonder if that guy in the car has already been bitten?
To complete the picture, there is not enough pack of vicious dogs that eat the homeless. Joke!
Damn, what is this all about? Is it the center of the Chilean capital, a country for which the US canceled visas last year, or is it a slum in Uganda and Ethiopia? Well, really trash. I remind you that in a straight line to the Parliament of Chile there is not even a kilometer -
When I took a picture of a sleeping homeless person, from a passing car, my aunt pointed her finger at those Africans in the distance, they say, carefully. This is the third warning. It seems that the locals are seriously concerned about crime in the city.
Here is the number! Donkey in the center of Santiago -
The city is very littered -
There is some serious decline and pessimism in everything -
The church of the Lebanese Maronites, ugly painted with graffiti and, for added color, with a sleeping bum at the entrance -
Yes, graffiti reflects well what I see on the streets -
Oh, well, at least a little semblance of light. At least not gray slums -
It seems that there is more greenery, people have appeared, cars -
Ufff, it seems somehow got out into civilization -
I went to the zoo, but it was closed. The zoo is located on the slope of a hefty mountain, towering in the northeastern part of the center of Santiago. From there, there are beautiful views of the city itself and the Andes -
From afar, everything looks very solid, the main thing is not to look closer -
Santiago train station, from where you can leave ... yes, in fact, you can’t really go anywhere. Electric trains in the suburbs of the capital and many years of ongoing repairs on the line to Concepción and Puerto Montt. Now the station has turned into a bum. near which the Lonely Planet guide does not recommend walking. And there is nothing to do there, solid shops of African merchants.
As beautiful as the country of Chile, I also disliked the capital, Santiago. I'm flying wherever my eyes look.
Chile- a state in the southwest of South America, occupying a long strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Argentina to the east, Peru to the north, and Bolivia to the northeast. The capital is Santiago.
The territory of Chile (excluding Easter Island and Chilean Antarctica) - 756,102 km². The area of Easter Island is 163.6 km², Chilean Antarctica is about 1.25 million km². The length of the coastline is 6435 km, the land border is 6171 km (Argentina - 5150 km, Bolivia - 861 km, Peru - 171 km).
Chile is located in the southern part of the Andes, this is the region of the largest elevation changes in the world. The highest point in Chile is Mount Ojos del Salado (6880 m), near the coast of Chile is the Atacama depression of the Peru Trench, where the depth reaches 6601 m. This is almost 13.5 kilometers.
In addition, the region of Chile is seismically unstable with many active volcanoes, both underwater and terrestrial. Earthquakes happen quite often. It was in Chile that the most strong earthquake in the history of mankind from officially recorded - the Great Chilean earthquake. On May 22, 1960, the strength of the shocks was, according to various sources, 9.3 to 9.5.
Climate in Chile
Chile is located in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons here are counted backwards: Chilean winter lasts from May to September, and summer - from November to March (the hottest and driest period of the year).
Due to the large extent of the territory, the climate varies from tropical in the north to temperate oceanic in the south.
A tropical desert climate prevails in the north of the country, and average monthly temperatures range from +12°C (May-August) to +26°C (December-March). Here is the Atacama Desert, one of the driest areas in the world, where rain falls once every few decades.
To the south, the climate changes to subtropical, with summer temperatures in the range of +22..+24°C, and winter temperatures in the region of +12..+18°C. The weather is the same on Easter Island and Juan Fernandez.
The middle part of the country is dominated by a temperate oceanic climate. The temperature there ranges from +3..+12°С in winter to +22°С in summer.
In the highlands of the country it is much colder: in some places it does not exceed +3°C even in summer, in winter it can drop to -27°C.
In the area of the Strait of Magellan and on the island of Tierra del Fuego, the climate is polar, the temperature in winter ranges from -16 to -4°C, while in summer it does not exceed +18°C.
On the coast of Chile, the climate is generally colder than at the same latitude in other coastal areas. This is due to the powerful cold current of the Humboldt, an offshoot of the current of the West Winds, which influences the climate as far as the Galapagos Islands, which lie almost on the equator.
Population of Chile
The population of Chile in 2009 is 16,601,707. Urban population: 88% of the total population.
Basically - Chileans (mestizos) - about 65%. A small number of Indian tribes also live - about 5% (many of them are almost assimilated) and people from other countries. In the southern part of Chile and on the islands, one can meet the living descendants of immigrants from Europe - Germans, French, Basques, Irish, Croats, Russians, etc. (only about 30%).
The vast majority of Chileans (about 70%) profess Catholicism, about 15% belong to various Protestant denominations, primarily Pentecostals. Protestantism has become especially popular in Chile in recent years. Among the Indians remain adherents of traditional Indian religions.
Official - Spanish ("castellano"). The Indian peoples have largely retained their languages, but they also know Spanish, since teaching at school is only in Spanish. Communication between Indians of various nationalities is also carried out in Spanish.
Last changes: 26.04.2013Currency
Chilean peso (CLP).
In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 500 Chilean pesos, 1000 Chilean pesos, 2000 Chilean pesos, 5000 Chilean pesos, 10000 Chilean pesos, coins in denominations of 1 Chilean peso, 5 Chilean pesos, 10 Chilean pesos, 50 Chilean pesos, 100 Chilean pesos.
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 14.00. Exchange offices are open from 9.00 to 19.00 daily.
You can exchange money at banks or exchange offices. It is quite possible to exchange with private money changers - their rate is usually 10 percent more profitable, but this form of exchange cannot be recommended as a permanent one - cases of fraud are not uncommon here.
Large shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards of the world's leading systems for payment. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at banks (traveler's check departments are usually only open until noon) or at exchange offices (usually a better exchange rate). To avoid additional exchange costs, it is recommended to take travelers checks in US dollars with you. In the province, the use of non-cash means of payment is problematic.
Last changes: 05/11/2010Communication and communications
Phone code: 56
Internet domain: .cl
Ambulance - 131, fire department - 132, police - 133.
City codes
Santiago - 2, Antofagasta, Calama - 55, Arica - 58, La Serena - 51, Valparaiso and Viña del Mar - 32, Castro - 65, Los Angeles - 43, Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales - 61, Puerto Montt - 65, Temuco - 45.
How to call
In order to call from Chile to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.
To call from Russia to Chile, you need to dial: 8 - beep - 10 - 56 - area code - subscriber number.
mobile connection
Mobile communication (GSM 1900 standard) is well developed in Chile. Almost complete coverage of the flat regions of the country and the capital. In mountainous areas, the coverage is patchy, even along many major highways the connection is unstable.
Fixed line
Chile's telecommunications system is at a fairly high level. Telephones with direct automatic access to an international line can be found in bank offices, large restaurants and hotels, shops and other public places. International calls can also be made from the post office or from the hotel (much more expensive, the price of a minute depends on the level of the hotel itself). Most public payphones operate using phone cards, which can be purchased at company offices, tobacconists and supermarkets.
Internet
Network technologies and means of their service in Chile are developing very intensively. In the capital and other large cities (even on Easter Island) you can find many Internet cafes. Many hotels provide internet access.
Last changes: 05/24/2010shopping
It is quite possible to bargain in the markets and in private shops in Chile. However, the prices there are already low.
It is worth bringing wood crafts with carvings and paintings, musical instruments, ceramics, bronze and silver jewelry, and glassware from the country. At one of the largest souvenir markets in Santiago, Pueblito los Dominicos, you can buy quality copper products, silver and crystal jewelry, Indian handicrafts, alpaca and llama wool products.
Last changes: 05/11/2010Where to stay
All hotels in Chile, as a rule, meet international standards and correspond to the assigned "star rating". Hotels are diverse in class, quality of service and services provided.
Sea and beaches
The beaches are very popular; in terms of infrastructure and quality, they cannot be compared with world-famous resorts. Chile is not a country of beach tourism, a few days on the coast, as a rule, only complement a rich excursion program. It is also worth remembering that the water in the ocean rarely warms up above 15 degrees, and most beaches are not suitable for swimming due to dangerous waves and currents.
Beach months are from December to the end of March. In May-July, rain is possible and the evenings are quite cold.
Last changes: 01.09.2010History of Chile
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the territory of today's Chile was inhabited by numerous Indian tribes. In the middle of the 15th century The Indians of the north and parts of the center of Chile were conquered by the Incas. But most of the Mapuche retained their independence. At the beginning of the 16th century the Indian population of Chile was about 1 million people.
In 1535 Spanish conquistadors headed by Diego de Almagro landed in Chile. By 1544, the entire northern part of the center of Chile was conquered by the Spaniards and was included in the viceroyalty of Peru as a governor. A number of cities were founded on the occupied lands.
As a result of the anti-Spanish popular uprising on September 18, 1810, independence was proclaimed in Santiago. At the beginning of 1813, the Spanish army resumed hostilities against the rebels, and in 1814 the colonial regime was restored. But in 1817, from the territory of Argentina, Chile invaded Liberation Army Jose de San Martina, the main backbone of which was the Chilean units under the command of Bernardo O "Higgins, and finally defeated the colonial troops. In 1823, the slavery of blacks was abolished. In 1826, he was liberated from the Spanish troops.
In the Pacific War against Spain in 1864-1866, Chile defended its independence. The clash of economic and political interests between Chile (supported by Great Britain) and its neighbors Peru and Bolivia (supported by the USA) caused the Pacific War of 1879-1884. Chile won and the regions of Peru (Tarapaca) and Bolivia (Antofagasta), with the richest saltpeter deposits in the world, went to it.
In World War I, Chile declared neutrality, but the ships of Great Britain and Germany called at Chilean ports and conducted military operations in the territorial waters of Chile. By the end of the war, Chile's main trading partner was the United States. In 1925, a new constitution was adopted, proclaiming basic civil liberties and separating church from state.
With the outbreak of World War II, Chile declares its neutrality, but in 1943 breaks relations with Germany, Italy and Japan and in 1945 declares war on Germany and Japan. But Chile did not participate in the hostilities. December 11, 1944 Chile establishes diplomatic relations with the USSR. With the beginning of the Cold War, under pressure from the United States in 1947, the government of Gabriel Gonzalez Videla tore them apart.
1970-1988, a period associated with the activities of the government of President Salvador Allende and the reforms of the military junta of General Augusto Pinochet.
After the Popular Unity bloc (an association of left-wing and center-left parties and organizations) came to power, headed by the elected (but did not receive an absolute majority of votes) President Salvador Allende, in 1970-1972. a complex of left-wing social and economic transformations was carried out in the country: the nationalization of enterprises and banks, agrarian reform, the development of social programs, and changes in labor legislation in the interests of employees. Allende's policy faced growing resistance from conservative financial, industrial and latifundist circles within the country, and pressure from foreign corporations. This led to economic difficulties, which then turned into economic crisis. High inflation and commodity shortages caused social tensions to rise, accompanied by right-wing opposition-funded strikes, street riots, and a surge in right-wing terrorism.
The economic situation was further exacerbated by the credit boycott of Chile by major US and international banks. President Allende was systematically subjected to pressure from the one side of the radical left, who demanded to speed up the reforms and move from the nationalization of industries resorting to sabotage to the complete expropriation of capitalist property; and on the other hand, the rightists, who demanded to curtail the implementation of reforms and abandon the proclaimed social guarantees.
Parliament and the court, the majority of which were right-wingers and conservatives, resigned their powers in defiance of the socialist government. By September 1973, state power was paralyzed.
The CIA financed the opposition media, politicians and organizations, stimulating the organization of campaigns to destabilize the country. The country's top generals decided to carry out a military coup. During the coup during the storming of the presidential palace, Salvador Allende was killed, according to reports circulated by the military junta, he committed suicide. The dictatorship of the Governmental Junta was established in the country, headed by General Augusto Pinochet.
The constitution was abolished, the National Congress was dissolved, all left and center-left parties and organizations, both part of the People's Unity and not, were outlawed, the United Trade Union Center of Workers (CUT) was banned and the Cybersyn project was destroyed, the activities of right-wing parties were declared "suspended" , and in 1977 also completely banned. Later, new yellow trade unions, under the control of the military regime, were established, in the manner of Mussolini or Francoist.
Officially, the state of "state of siege" imposed to carry out the coup continued for a month after 9/11. During this period, over 30,000 people were killed in Chile. The destruction of opposition representatives was also carried out outside the country. The operation "Condor" for the elimination of political emigrants, carried out by the National Intelligence Directorate of DINA, together with the intelligence services of other Latin American dictatorships, gained fame. So, for example, Operation Colombo was carried out, as a result of which 119 people "expelled from Chile" were actually killed. At the same time, the Pinochet regime was engaging with European neo-fascists for the same purpose.
The period of General Pinochet's rule in political terms was based on the restriction of civil and political rights and freedoms and the harsh suppression of the opposition. Repression, illegal imprisonment and torture continued until the end of the dictatorship. The socio-economic sector of the country experienced a significant setback thanks to the neo-liberal counter-reforms launched by the regime (prices rose in some cases by 18-20 times, and for such basic foodstuffs as bread, milk, meat - by 4-10 times), as a result of which today from 20 (according to official data) to 40% (according to independent organizations) of the population of Chile are below the poverty line, and the dictator himself, members of his family and other high-ranking officials of the regime became the beneficiary of privatization.
In 1978, censorship in the media was somewhat relaxed and, in limited cases, "live broadcast" on radio and television was allowed. In 1980, the country adopted a new constitution, but its implementation was delayed until 1988. In 1988, as a result of powerful protests within the country and under pressure from the United States, Pinochet agreed to a plebiscite on the question of maintaining the dictatorship. On October 5, 1988, Pinochet lost the plebiscite, and the Council he assembled national security rejected the dictator's proposal to refuse to recognize the results of the plebiscite and to make a new coup.
In 1989, Chile passed to democratic rule, elections were held, which were won by the opposition to the dictatorship, the Consent of Parties for Democracy bloc. In 1990, the bloc's candidate, Christian Democrat Patricio Aylvin, took over as president.
However, experts assess the state-legal structure of Chile based on the 1980 constitution as a compromise, a “draw” between democracy and dictatorship, since it contains mechanisms that limit the possibilities civil authority to control the army and give preferences to the figures of the former military regime.
Chile is the most southern country in the world, because located just 900 km from Antarctica.
Puerto Williams is the southernmost city in the world.
The Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth.
The largest difference in the level of relief the globe(almost 13.5 kilometers difference) - between the top of Mount Ojos del Salada (Valcán Ojos del Salada) and the bottom of the Pacific Ocean is located in Region III, near the city of Copiapo.
Chungará Lake, located in the north of the country, 189 km from the city of Arica, at an altitude of 4,517 m above sea level, is the highest mountain lake on the planet.
Lunar Valley, which is located between the city of Calama (Calama) and San Pedro de Atacama (San Pedro de Atacama) - the only place on the planet, very reminiscent of a lunar landscape.
The only natural laboratory in the world that changes its chemical composition depending on the season - Lake Copaue, located near the city of Los Angeles (Loas Angeles). Hot underground waters of volcanic origin change its chemical composition from winter to summer.
Chilean Patagonia is the cleanest place on the planet.
The Elqui Valley (Valle de Elqui) has the clearest sky on earth, with an average of 240 cloudless nights a year, which is why the largest astronomical observatory in the Southern Hemisphere has been built there.
The world's highest permanently active volcano - 6,064 m - Ual'yatiri volcano, located near the village of Chapikinya in the I region.
Easter Island is the most remote on the planet, because. the nearest habitable place is 2,500 km away.
Chile is the only country in the world from where there are tours to Antarctica and Easter Island.
This the only country where there are no poisonous snakes.
In the markets and in private shops you can bargain. The price level in the country is low, but somewhat higher than in neighboring countries.
The system of measures and weights is metric.
Be careful when photographing warships in harbors. This can lead to close acquaintance with the local police, who are considered incorruptible.
You should not smoke and drink alcohol on the streets - in many places it is considered a sign of bad taste, and in some cities it is even prohibited. Since mid-2006, a new law has come into force, providing for a ban on smoking in public institutions, buses, stadiums, schools, hospitals and other public places, and large non-smoking areas should be provided in restaurants. Violators will be fined 15,000 pesos ($30).
All water should be considered potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled first. Milk is pasteurized and safe to drink, even unpasteurized, everywhere except in remote mountainous areas. Meat and fish must be subjected to mandatory heat treatment.
You can swim in the ocean only in strictly designated areas.
In Chile you will find excellent wines. You will be strongly advised to try the national so-called 40 degree liquor called pisco, which in the Russian sense is considered grape vodka. It will be difficult for a Russian person who is accustomed to pure vodka to appreciate the merits of pisco. Pisco is not drunk just like that, it is diluted with various fizzy drinks, such as Schweppes, Coca-Cola, etc. (recipes for making pisco cocktails are given in the Wine section)
You won't find good quality vodka in Chile. Two options are possible - this is Absolut of dubious quality and Stolichnaya in the export version, which is far behind in quality from any average price vodka in Russia. Therefore, if you want to make a good gift to your drinking Chilean friend, then bring him vodka, he will be extremely happy.
A woman drinking a glass of vodka with a casuela at dinner is nonsense. Don't be surprised if waiters line up behind you. at full strength to see how you would do it. The opinions of the waiters are divided, some will look at you with respect, while others, looking at your decent appearance, will be bewildered. But at the same time, no one will tell you anything. If anyone in Santiago has seen anything like this, then in the provinces - never.
The attitude towards the Pinochet regime is very contradictory and depends on the age category of your acquaintances. As a rule, people over fifty treat Pinochet with great sympathy, those who are younger are very contradictory - some hate, some love. Do not be surprised if on the street you see slogans painted on the walls with the following content: "Long live, Pinochet!" (Viva Pinochet). Nevertheless, when you see Chile - a beautiful prosperous country with smiling faces of its citizens, talk to them, and they will tell you about the hunger and poverty of socialism, which they had to experience for several years, unlike our seventy, then make up your mind. own opinion about Pinochet.
Valparaiso and Viña del Mar are theoretically two cities, but practically two large areas of one. If you want to stay either in Valparaiso or Vigne for a few days, be sure to choose a hotel on the coast. Almost the entire coast is dotted with small rocks, and small cozy hotels rise on these rocks. Therefore, from the window of your sea, you will look directly at the ocean and its white waves will break against your window.
You can swim in the ocean only in strictly designated areas. If you decide to become a hero and swim in the Pacific Ocean in another place, then the surf will not give you the opportunity to go to the rocky shore. However, in any case, the coast police and rescuers work perfectly, rescue operations are organized at a very high level. Onlookers from the shore will even have time to film the rescue process.
A stunning sight in Santiago - women - traffic controllers at intersections. It looks very nice in combination with the perfect order in the movement of vehicles. No driver will ever run a red light or even cross a stop line. The only problem is the buses that take advantage of the fact that they are big and behave very arrogantly on the roads, all the drivers do not like them.
Almost all families in Chile (according to our concepts) have many children. Having four or five children is normal and not from poverty, but from the fact that a respectable dad is able to feed such a crowd and give all his children what they need for further development. happy life education. Divorce is not accepted in Chile.
If you are a passionate fan of strawberries - then demand it in a restaurant, it is very tasty in Chile. Your only difficulty will be that the well-known word "fresa" (Spanish for "strawberry") will not help you, in Chile it is called "frutilla" - "frutilla".
How to get to Chile
The main airport of the country is located in the capital Santiago.
There is no direct air connection between Chile and Russia, you can get to the country using Air France flights with a connection in Paris or Iberia flights with a connection in Madrid, as well as by a Lufthansa flight with a connection in Frankfurt and a stopover in Sao Paulo (Brazil) . The average flight duration is 20 hours.
If you are already in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia), then you can get to Chile by bus (cheap, exotic and pretty reliable).
Last changes: 04/26/2013
