South America |
ChileCapital : Santiago A narrow strip of land between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile became a Spanish colony in the 16th century. Before that the country was under the Inca rule while central and southern Chile was inhabited by Araucanian Indians. The country got independence from the Spanish rule in 1810. The northern region was incorporated into its territory by defeating the neighbouring countries of Bolivia and Peru in the War of the Pacific (1879-83). The Marxist government of Salvador Allende came to an end 1973 when Augusto Pinochet led a military coup. His rule came to an end when a freely elected president came to power in 1990. Economic reforms have been initiated on a large scale. Today Chile commands respects as a stable, democratic nation among the comity of nations. Travel overview You can enjoy skiing at ski resorts in El Colorado and Faronelles.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui), known for its mysterious giant sculpted
stone heads, is worth a visit. The Indian rock art can be appreciated
at Monumento Arqueologico Valle del Encanto. Parque Nacional Lauca
is famous for the wildlife and lake. Capital: Santiago Participation in International Organizations: APEC, BIS, CAN (associate), CSN, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Major Agricultural Products: grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans; beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber Natural Resources & Minerals: copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower Industry & Transport: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish
processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment,
cement and textiles Exports: $58.21 billion
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