Chile. Geography, description and characteristics of the country. As soon as our plane began to descend and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes appeared, I could no longer tear myself away from the window! What ocean borders Chile?

Chile is a very diverse country, where you can find every conceivable landscape of nature, from the desert in the north to the glaciers in the south in Patagonia. In Chile, there was a mixture of Spanish culture with the customs and traditions of the local Mapuche Indians. Many tourists begin their acquaintance with this country from Montevideo, then go to Patagonia for a week, and then relax in some Chilean seaside resort.

Geography of Chile

Chile is located in the southwest of South America. Chile borders Peru to the north and Bolivia and Argentina to the east. In the west, the country is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Chile includes the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Easter Island, and the Juan Fernandez archipelago. The total area, including the islands, is 756,950 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 2,010 km.

Geographically, Chile occupies a narrow coastal strip between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain system. Most of the country's territory is mountainous. Only one fifth are plains and lowlands. To the north is the Atamaca Desert. Further south towards Bio-Bio, there are many tropical forests, lakes and lagoons.

The largest Chilean peaks are located in the north and in the center of the country. These are the extinct volcanoes Llullaillaco (6,739 meters), Tres Cruces (6,749 meters), Cerro Tupungato (6,635 meters) and Ojos del Salado (6,893 meters). By the way, Ojos del Salado is considered the highest volcano in the world.

In the extreme south, where the Patagonian Andes, the highest Chilean peaks are Torres del Paine and Mount Fitz Roy.

Capital of Chile

Santiago is the capital of Chile. More than 6 million people now live in this city. Santiago was founded by the Spaniards in 1541.

Official language of Chile

The official language is Spanish.

Religion

About 63% of the population are Catholics, about 15% are Protestants.

State structure

According to the 1981 Constitution, Chile is a presidential republic. The president is elected by popular vote for a term of 4 years. The president is both head of state and head of government.

The bicameral local parliament is called the National Congress, it consists of the Senate (38 senators) and the Chamber of Deputies (120 deputies elected by popular vote for a term of 4 years).

The main political parties are the coalition of “left” and center-left parties “Consent of Parties for Democracy”, the coalition of “right” and center-right parties “Coalition for Change”.

Administratively, the country is divided into 14 regions and 1 capital district. The regions are in turn divided into 53 provinces and 346 communities.

Climate and weather

The climate in Chile is very diverse, it is determined by the cold Humboldt Current, which originates in the subantarctic waters off the Pacific coast. Thanks to this current and southwest winds, the climate in the central and northern regions of Chile is temperate (even in those areas that lie in tropical latitudes).

Since Chile is located in the southern hemisphere, summer is in December, January and February, and winter is in June, July and August.

Santiago has an ideal climate, which is why 80% of Chileans live in this city. Summers in Santiago are hot (+28-32C), and winters are short and moderate (the air temperature sometimes drops to 0C).

The best time to visit Chile is from January to March.

Seas and oceans of Chile

To the west, Chile is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. The length of the sea coast is 6,171 km. The Humboldt Current makes the water off the coast of Chile cold, so outdoor enthusiasts who like to surf and windsurf should always wear wetsuits. Near the shore, the water temperature is warm and pleasant.

Rivers and lakes

There are many rivers in Chile, but they are not very long. The largest of them are Loa (440 km), Bio-Bio (380 km), Maipe (250 km) and Maule (240 km).

culture

In many ways, Chile's culture is more European than South American, even though the country is located in South America. The reason for this phenomenon is immigrants. However, about 1 million local Indians live in Chile (mainly in the north of the country).

As in other Latin American countries, Chile celebrates a huge number of religious, cultural and folk holidays every year. In April, for example, the religious festival Fiesta de Quasimodo is celebrated, and in July, another religious festival, the Fiesta de la Tirana.

But, of course, holidays in this country are not limited to religious festivals. Every year, Chile celebrates many folklore festivals (Angola, San Bernardo, Humbelln) and music festivals (Valdivia Classical Music Festival, Tongo Jazz Festival, Semagnas de Frutillar Music Festival and Joranadas de Villarrica Music Festival) .

Chilean Cuisine

The Chilean smithy was formed on the basis of the culinary traditions of local Indians and immigrants from Europe. The main food products are potatoes, corn, beans, fish, seafood, meat. For some tourists, Chilean dishes may remind you of Peruvian cuisine. However, in fact, the Chilean forge is much richer than the Peruvian culinary traditions. Note that in Chile, spicy dishes are not very common, unlike, for example, Mexico.

1. Carbonada (meat soup with finely chopped beef and various vegetables);
2. Arrollado de Chancho (pork in spicy sauce);
3. Cazuela de Ave (chicken soup with potatoes, beans and rice);
4. Costillar de Chancho (baked pork);
5. Curanto en Hoyo (a typical dish in southern Chile, fish, seafood with potatoes in a tortilla);
6. Palta Reina (tuna or ham with avocado and mayonnaise);
7. Parrillada (fried various meats, served with potatoes or rice);
8. Pollo Arvejado (chicken fillet with green peas, onions and carrots);
9. Ceviche (sea bass in lemon juice);
10. Arroz con Leche (rice pudding).

Traditional non-alcoholic drinks - fruit juices, tea, coffee.

Traditional alcoholic drinks are Chicha (sweet liqueur made from apples or grapes), Pipeno (sweet fermented wine), Pisco (grape brandy), wine.

Attractions

The main Chilean attraction is nature, although, of course, the country has several dozen interesting historical and architectural monuments of Indians and Spanish conquistadors.

In any case, tourists in Chile are definitely advised to see the mysterious Easter Island, the El Tatio geysers, the Atacama Desert, the Lauca Biosphere Reserve, Lake Miscanti, the archaeological sites of the Mapuche Indians of Copaquilla and Sapahuira, the Parinacota volcano and Patagonia. In the south of the country, in the city of Valdivia, there is an old Spanish fortress built in the Middle Ages.

A significant part of the territory of Chile is occupied by national parks and reserves. The most famous and popular of them are Puyehu National Park (107 thousand hectares), Lauca National Park (located in the east of the country), Villarrica National Park with Carbugua Lake, Chiloe National Park with relic coniferous and evergreen forests.

Cities and resorts

The largest cities are Santiago, Puente Alto, Antofagasta, San Bernardo, Viña del Mar, Temuco and Valparaiso.

Most of the most famous Chilean seaside resorts are located in the central part of the country.

Some of the best Chilean beaches include the following:

1. La Virgen Beach 70 kilometers from Copiapo (infrastructure is not developed)
2. Anakena Beach, Easter Island (beach surrounded by coconut trees, turquoise water with soft sand)
3. Bahía Inglesa Beach near Copiapo (well developed infrastructure)
4. Ovahe Beach, Easter Island (located at the foot of a volcanic cliff)
5. Las Tijeras, Dama Island (114 km northeast of Coquimbo)

In Chile, there are several good, even by European standards, ski resorts. Among them, we single out Valle Nevado, 60 km from Santiago at an altitude of 3025 m (more than 30 slopes and 40 lifts), Portillo, 145 km from Santiago at an altitude of 2880 m (a large number of slopes, 11 lifts, an outdoor swimming pool with heated water), ski complex Farellones - El Colorado - La Parva (more than 14 km of slopes and 17 lifts).

Souvenirs/Shopping

Tourists in Chile buy handicrafts, jewelry (especially lapis lazuli), Greda (Chilean traditional pottery), small ceramic animal figurines, copper utensils, Emboque (traditional Chilean game), small moai statues from Easter Island, football souvenirs, Chilean spices (eg Merquén), wine.

Office Hours

State in southwestern South America. The territory of Chile is stretched along the Pacific coast from north to south for 4300 km. Two mountain systems stretch across the country. In the east - the Andes, in the west along the coast - the coastal Cordillera. Chile borders Peru in the north, Bolivia and Argentina in the east, and the Pacific Ocean in the south and west. Chile also owns Tierra del Fuego, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and the Juan Fernandez archipelago.

The name of the country in the language of the local Arawak Indians means "cold, winter."

General information about Chile

Official name: Republic of Chile

Capital: Santiago

The area of ​​the land: 756.9 thousand sq. km

Total population: 16.8 million people

Administrative division: The state is divided into 12 regions.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: The president.

Composition of the population: 68% - Creoles, 30% - Europeans (Spaniards, Italians, Germans, French, Basques, Irish, Croats, Yugoslavs and Russians), 2% - Indians (Araucans and Aymaras). Easter Island is inhabited by the Rapanui.

Official language: Spanish. English, German, Aymara, Araucan, Mapuche and languages ​​of other ethnic groups are used.

Religion: 89% - Catholics, 11% - Protestants.

Internet domain: .cl

Mains voltage: ~220 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +56

Country barcode: 780

Climate

The climate of the country is extremely diverse, which is explained by its large extent from north to south, the abundance of powerful coastal currents and the influence of the Andes mountain system.

In the north of the country, a tropical desert type of climate prevails. The average monthly temperatures range here from +12 C in winter (May-August) to +22 C in summer (December-March) with the maximum around +38 C. Precipitation is no more than 50 mm. per year, and in some areas of the Atacama it does not rain at all.

Somewhat to the south, the climate changes to subtropical, with summer temperatures within + 22-24, winter - + 12-18 C and precipitation falling mainly in winter (up to 1000 mm.). The same climate regime is on the Easter Islands and Juan Fernandez.

The middle part of Chile. This area is characterized by mild winters and dry, warm summers. 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.

Geography

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 the Pacific Ocean: Easter Island, the Sala y Gomez Islands, San Felix, San Ambrosio, the Juan Fernandez Islands, and the Diego Ramirez Islands, 100 km southwest of Cape Horn .

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Of particular interest is the local flora. It varies depending on the climate zone. In the north, cacti and thorns predominate - this is one of the clearest examples of absolute desert. The central valley is home to several types of cacti and the Chilean pine. To the south of Valdivia is the jungle, where laurel, magnolia, beech and several types of coniferous trees grow. In the extreme south - steppes overgrown with grass.

There is practically no vegetation in the Atacama Desert. Ephemeral grasses and resinous perennials are sometimes found, and feather grass grows on the hills.

In the coastal regions of the central part of Chile, xerophytic vegetation, shrubs and turf grasses dominate, to the south, in conditions of greater moisture, a deciduous forest of southern beech, coniferous and laurel grows. Alpine deserts are located in the mountains, and the Longitudinal Valley is occupied by arable land and gardens.

Ferns, mosses and dwarf trees predominate in the area of ​​the Strait of Magellan and on the island of Tierra del Fuego.

Animal world

The fauna is not as rich as in other countries of the continent, since the Andes, being a natural barrier, prevent the migration of animals. The most common are llama, alpaca, vicuña, puma, guanaco, wolf, two types of deer, chinchilla. Birds are quite widely represented, but the largest ones, typical of other South American countries, are absent.

Here you can go diving or water skiing, but avid fishermen will be extremely disappointed: apart from the trout brought to Chile, there are almost no freshwater fish in the rivers and lakes.

Attractions

Chile is one of the most interesting countries in the world. Thousands of years of history, beautiful landscapes, majestic mountains and pristine mountainous areas, an amazing variety of natural complexes, a colorful local population and a rapidly developing economy - these are the main arguments when choosing this country as an object of visit.

The most popular sights of Chile are Lake Chungara, the Parinacota volcano, the Atacama Desert, the El Tatio geysers, Lake Miscanti, granite "towers", the archaeological sites of Copaquilla and Sapauira, the mysterious, as well as Patagonia - the southernmost region of the American continent, are well known far beyond countries.

Banks and currency

The monetary unit of Chile is the Chilean peso. 1 Chilean peso is equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are denominations of 20000, 10000, 5000, 2000 and 1000 pesos and coins of 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 pesos.

Banks are open on weekdays from 09:00 to 14:00, and exchange offices - until 19:00 daily.

In large shops, restaurants and hotels in the main tourist centers, you can pay with credit cards. Traveler's checks are best purchased in US dollars and can be exchanged at banks or exchange offices.

Useful information for tourists

In the markets and in private shops you can bargain.

Chile's main beach resort - Viña del Mar - is located just 10 km north of Valparaiso and is usually referred to as the "Garden City" because of its subtropical landscape, palms and banana trees. Horse-drawn carriages ply between attractive mansions of the last century, the beach and the river bank.

Other attractions are pure white sand beaches, numerous parks and excellent museums housed in restored colonial mansions. The National Botanical Garden of Chile is also located here, presenting many hundreds of species of native and exotic plants on its 61 hectares.

Tips are 10% of the bill, often already included in the total. Taxi drivers don't require tips, but it's a good idea to round the fare up for convenience.

Republic of Chile.

The name of the country in the language of the local Arawak Indians means "cold, winter."

Chile Square. 756945 km2.

Population of Chile. 17.95 million (

Chile GDP. $258.1 billion (

Location of Chile. State in the Southwest. The territory of Chile stretches along the coast from north to south for 4300 km. Two stretched across the country. In the east -, in the west along the coast - coastal. In the north, Chile borders on, in the east - on and, in the south and west it is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Chile also owns the island, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and the Juan Fernandez archipelago.

Administrative divisions of Chile. The state is divided into 12 regions.

Chile's form of government. Republic.

Head of State of Chile. The president.

Supreme Legislature of Chile. National Congress (two chambers: the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies).

Supreme executive body of Chile. Cabinet of Ministers (head - president).

Major cities in Chile. Concepción, Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, Talcahuano, Antofagasta.

Official language of Chile. Spanish.

Fauna of Chile. Of the representatives of the animal world, Chile is characterized by a puma, a wolf, a chinchilla, a llama, a kudu deer, a skunk, an otter, a nutria,. There are a large number of birds, including ostriches.

and lakes of Chile. The largest rivers are Bio-Bio, Loa. In the south of the country there is a zone of large lakes.

Attractions Chile. The most beautiful and famous sights of Chile - Chungara, Parinacota, San Pedro de Atacama, Tatio geysers, mountain lake Miscan-ti, granite towers of Torres del Paine, archaeological sites of Copaquilla and Sapauira, as well as the southernmost region of the American continent . In the capital, national museums are famous - historical, artistic, natural history, as well as the Museum of the Peoples of America, the Museum of Modern Art.

Useful information for tourists

In the markets and in private shops you can bargain. Chile's main beach resort - Viña del Mar - is located just 10 km north of Valparaiso and is usually referred to as the "Garden City" because of its subtropical landscape, palms and banana trees. Horse-drawn carriages ply between attractive mansions of the last century, the beach and the river bank. Other attractions are clean sand beaches, numerous parks and excellent museums housed in restored colonial mansions. The National Botanical Garden of Chile is also located here, presenting many hundreds of species of native and exotic plants on its 61 hectares.

Tips are 10% of the bill, often they are already included in the total. Taxi drivers don't require tips, but it's a good idea to round the fare up for convenience.

The official name is the Republic of Chile (Republica de Chile).

Located in the southwest of South America. The area is 756.945 km2, the population is 15.499 million people. (2002 estimate). The official language is Spanish. The capital is Santiago (Santiago de Chile) (4.7 million, 1998). Public holiday - Independence Day September 18 (since 1818). The monetary unit is the peso (equal to 100 centavos).

Chile includes: a number of coastal islands and archipelagos (the largest of them are Chiloe, Hannover, Santa Ines), the western part of the island of Tierra del Fuego, the island of Sala y Gomez, and Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean.

Member of the UN (since 1949) and its specialized organizations, non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (in 1996-97 and since 2003), member of the OAS, LAI (since 1981), Leningrad NPP (since 1975), associate member of MERCOSUR (since 1996), APEC (since 1994), etc., signed an agreement on cooperation with the EU (1996).

Attractions Chile

Geography of Chile

The territory of Chile occupies a narrow strip of land with a width of 15 to 355 km, stretched almost along the 72 ° west longitude along the Pacific coast from 17 ° 10' south latitude to 56 ° 30' south latitude.
It is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, numerous straits, including the Magellan, which separates the island of Tierra del Fuego from the mainland. Chile is separated from Antarctica by the Drake Passage. From the south to the northern border of Chile, the Humboldt Current (Peruvian Current) runs along its coast. The length of the borders is 6171 km. It borders with Peru in the north, and with Bolivia and Argentina in the east.

Chile is characterized by longitudinal relief elements: the Main Cordillera of the Andes in the east, the Coastal Cordillera in the west, and the fertile Central (Longitudinal) Valley sandwiched between them. The highest peak is Ojos del Salado (6880 m).

Chile ranks 1st among industrialized and developing countries in terms of copper reserves (over 97 million tons) and saltpeter, 2nd (after the USA) in molybdenum reserves and 3rd (after Iraq and the USA) in sulfur reserves. Molybdenum reserves amount to 2500 thousand tons. There are reserves of gold, silver, rare earth elements, lithium, iron, coal, natural gas. Oil and gas fields are located on Tierra del Fuego (oil - 51 million tons, gas - 70 billion m3). Oil reserves, however, do not fully meet the needs of the country itself. Coal deposits (Lota, Coronel, etc.) are located near the city of Concepción (total reserves 3.9 billion tons). Coal is predominantly brown, of low quality.

Almost all the rivers of Chile belong to the Pacific Ocean, are mainly fed by the snows of the Andes and play an important role in irrigation and as sources of hydropower. The largest river in central Chile is the Bio Bio. The largest lakes are Llanquihue and Ranco. The Patagonian lakes are located in the eastern foothills of the Andes and cross the state border with Argentina. Therefore, most of the lakes here have both Chilean and Argentine names, for example, O'Higgins (Argentinean San Martin), General Carrera (Argentinean Buenos Aires), etc.

There are three regions in Chile: the northern one (17°-28° south latitude) is located in the tropical zone, has a desert climate and vegetation; central (up to 42 ° south latitude) - in the subtropical zone with a Mediterranean type of climate and vegetation up to 38 ° south latitude and then humid subtropical; southern - from 42 ° south latitude, is characterized by a temperate climate.

The flora of Chile is very diverse: semi-desert zones with a predominance of cactus and cereal-acacia, in the Andes - high mountain steppes. To the south on the Coastal Cordillera - park forests of southern beech, and above - mountain meadows. To the south of 36 ° south latitude, evergreen and mixed forests of southern beeches and conifers (araucaria, alerse, etc.) predominate. Plantations of eucalyptus and pine trees are typical for the central and southern zones.

The fauna of Chile is as diverse as the climatic zones.

For highland areas, llamas, chinchillas, cougars are characteristic, from birds - condor, black partridge. In semi-deserts - rodents (curoro, tuco-tuco), marsupials (Chilean opossum). In the forests of the Patagonian Andes - deer, skunks, otters, nutria, cougars. There are parrots and hummingbirds. In the steppes of Patagonia - guanaco llamas, Nandu ostriches, flamingos, swans in the reservoirs. On the Pacific coast - seals, sea leopards, penguins.

Population of Chile

Population growth in 1995-2000 was 1.2%, and by 2002 it had dropped to 1.09%. The population of Chile in 2003 was 15.8 million people. Birth rate 16.46%, average life expectancy: 72 years for men, 78 years for women (2002).
Sex and age structure of the population: 0-14 years - 28.5% (men 51%, women 49%), 15-34 years - 32.2% (men 49.8%, women 50.2%), 35-49 years - 20.5%, 50-64 years old - 11.6%, 65 years and older - 7.2% (men 41%, women 59). The average population density is 19 people. per 1 km2. Urban population 84.7%, rural 15.3%.

In terms of education, Chile is one of the first places in Latin America. Competently 93% of the population.

The population was mainly formed as a result of mixing of local Indians with immigrants from Europe. The Indian population is 666.3 thousand people. (2000). It includes Aymara, Atakameno, Quechua, Kolya (northern Chile), Mapuche (Araucans) - center and south, Kavashkar and Jaamana (south), Rapanui on Easter Island. The Mapuche make up 85.6% of the total Indian population. Quechua and Aymara are represented in small groups (together 8.2 thousand people).

The Indian population in the country has significantly decreased in recent years: for example, in 1970 its share in the total number of inhabitants of Chile was 8%, at the beginning. 21 century - 4.4%.

The majority of Chile's population (89%) belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. An influential group is made up of Protestants (approx. 11%).

History of Chile

In 1535, Spanish conquerors led by Diego de Almagro invaded Chile. Due to the fierce resistance of the Indians, the Spaniards did not advance further than the Maule River. In the future, Pedro de Valdivia undertook a more successful expedition, and on February 12, 1541, he laid the first city in the present territory of Chile - Santiago. July 14, 1810 began the war for the independence of Chile from the Spanish crown. On September 18, 1810, the National Government Junta was established. The Chileans, under the banner of Bernardo O'Higgins, defeated the Spanish army at the Battle of Chacabuco (1817). Chile's independence was proclaimed on February 12, 1818. The first Constitution of Chile was adopted in 1833 with the participation of Diego Portales, leader of the moderate wing of the conservatives. Favorable conditions for the further development of the country were created by Chile's victory in the Pacific War of 1879-83 against Peru and Bolivia. The northern regions rich in saltpeter deposits came under Chile's control.

Attempts at deep reforms were made by H.M. Balmaceda. His attempt to nationalize the saltpeter industry, which was in the hands of British companies, caused a sharp rebuff from the conservative opposition. In January 1891 rebels from the saltpeter northern provinces entered the capital. Balmaceda shot himself. The reign of Arturo Alessandri (1920-25) saw the restoration of strong presidential power. The new Constitution adopted in 1925 endowed the president with almost unlimited powers. However, the real power in the country was concentrated in the hands of Minister of War C. Ibanes, who in 1927 established a personal dictatorship (1927-31). Democratic organizations were banned in the country, the saltpeter industry was placed under the control of the United States.

In 1932, as a result of a coup d'état, a group of officers proclaimed Chile a socialist republic. A Provisional Junta was created, councils of workers' deputies were formed, the central bank was nationalized, and Americans' privileges in the saltpeter industry were abolished. However, the socialist republic lasted only 12 days. The dictatorship of Colonel K. Davila was established in the country. But already in September 1932, as a result of a new military coup, the dictatorship, which had existed for 100 days, was overthrown. Arturo Alessandri won the election. The situation in the country has stabilized.

During the second reign of A. Alessandri (1932-38), the government's passions were manifested in the development of ties with Germany. In contrast, in Chile, in 1936, the Popular Front was created, which included the radical, socialist, and communist parties. Trade union organizations of the country united in the Confederation of Workers of Chile, which joined the Popular Front. Popular Front candidate Pedro Aguirre Cerda won the 1938 presidential election. His government (1938-41) expanded democratic freedoms and took action against pro-fascist groups. Of particular importance was the creation in 1939 of the Production Development Corporation (CORFO), which led to the formation of the state sector of the economy. After the death of Aguirre Cerda in 1941, J. Rios (1942-46), a candidate from the broad coalition of the Democratic Alliance, won the presidency, whose program largely continued the course of the Popular Front.

The Rios government hesitated to join the anti-fascist coalition, seeking to use the benefits of neutrality (Chile declared war on the Axis powers only in February 1945). In the presidential elections of 1946, the candidate from the Democratic Alliance, the radical R. Gonzalez Videla, won. His reign (1946-52) was characterized by the inclusion of representatives of left-wing parties in the government. The appearance of three ministers from the Communist Party caused concern for the centrists and the right. As a result, Videla eliminated the Communists from the government and on October 21, 1947 announced the severance of diplomatic relations with the USSR (which were established at the beginning of his reign).

In 1952-58, the presidency was again taken by C. Ibanez, whose rule bore national-reformist features. In 1953, at a congress of Chilean trade unions, the United Workers' Center (UTC) was created, which united the vast majority of workers and employees.

In 1958 Jorge Alessandri, a representative of industrial and financial circles, became president of Chile. He was replaced in 1964 by the Christian Democrat Eduardo Frei Montalva, who countered the line of the radical left revolutionaries with the slogan "Revolution in freedom." In 1964 diplomatic relations with the USSR were restored.

The hopes of a significant part of the country's citizens for a quick solution to the cardinal problems contributed to the victory in the elections on September 4, 1970 of the candidate from the bloc of communists, socialists and other leftist forces of Popular Unity Salvador Allende. His government (1970-73) declared its goal to create the prerequisites for building a socialist society. The main natural resources, most banks, and key industries were nationalized. However, the aggravated internal problems, the unwinding spiral of hyperinflation, the shortage of essential goods, the opposition of large owners led to the most acute opposition of social forces.

Under these conditions, on September 11, 1973, the army elite under the leadership of General A. Pinochet carried out a coup d'état, during which President S. Allende died. The military-dictatorial regime (1973-90) abolished the existing legislation and banned the activities of political parties. In 1980, a new Constitution was adopted in Chile, which significantly strengthened the powers of the executive branch. In a referendum on October 5, 1988, the majority of Chileans voted for the restoration of democracy. On December 14, 1989, the first presidential elections were held after a long break. The victory was won by the candidate of the United Parties for Democracy Christian Democrat Patricio Aylvin (1989-93). He was replaced by candidates from the same bloc, first the Christian Democrat Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle (1993-99) and then the socialist Ricardo Lagos (since 2000). These three governments have consistently carried out the democratization process in Chile.

State structure and political system of Chile

Chile is a unitary presidential democratic republic. The Constitution, adopted in 1980, was reformed in 1989, important partial changes were also made in 1991, 1994, 1996. The process of bringing the Constitution in line with the needs of modern society continues.
Since 1974, an administrative division has been introduced in Chile, according to which the country is divided into 40 provinces, which are included in 13 regions: Tarapaca, Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Maule, Bio-Bio, Araucania, Los Lagos, Aisén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Metropolitan Region (Santiago).

The largest cities in Chile (1998, thousand people): Santiago, Concepcion (368.4), Viña del Mar (334.8), Valparaiso (284.1), Temuco (260.1), Antofagasta (246.0) .

Government in Chile is divided into three independent branches: executive, legislative and judicial.

The head of state is the president, who is also the head of the executive branch.

The supreme body of executive power is the cabinet of ministers, which is formed by the president of the country and occupies a dependent position in relation to the president. The cabinet consists of 21 ministers.

The highest legislative body is the National Congress, which consists of the Senate (46 senators) and the Chamber of Deputies (120 deputies).

The president is elected by direct, universal and secret suffrage for a term of 6 years and cannot run 2 times in a row. Deputies of the Congress are elected for 4 years, senators - for 8 years. The Senate also has an institution of appointed and life senators.

The heads of the provinces are intendants (governors). They are appointed by the president of the country for a period of 6 years and can be removed by the head of state.

The oldest political party in Chile. - Radical Party founded in 1863.

In the beginning. 1988 parties and movements of a wide ideological spectrum opposed to the military government joined the coalition of the United Parties for Democracy (OPD). The victory won by this association in a popular plebiscite on March 5, 1988, opened the way for democratic changes in the country. The OPD includes: the Christian Democratic Party (CDP), the Socialist Party of Chile (CHP), the Party for Democracy (PD), the Social Democratic Radical Party (SDRP).

The Christian Democratic Party was founded in 1957. The organizer and ideologist of the party was E. Frei Montalva. CDA leaders were elected presidents in 1964 (E. Frey), in 1989 (P. Aylvin), in 1993 (E. Frey Ruiz-Tagle).

Forerunner of the Socialist Party of Chile. The organizations created by the utopian socialists F. Bilbao and S. Arcos in 1850 became organizations. Recabarrena. In 1922 the party was transformed into the Communist Party. Organizations that were not members of the Communist Party united, creating the Socialist Party of Chile in 1933. The HRC has been repeatedly represented in the country's government and in Congress. In 1970, party leader S. Allende became president of the country. In 1988, the HRC became part of the OPD. In the elections of 1999-2000, the leader of the Socialists R. Lagos, as a representative of the UPD, became the winner and took the presidency.

The Party for Democracy was organized in 1987 and is a kind of conglomerate of parties and movements. The leaders of the socialists took part in the creation of the party, incl. R. Lagos. The party is allowed dual membership. Party members hold prominent positions in Congress and government.

The right-wing parties of Chile enter the Union for the sake of Chile. The coalition was founded in 1993. The association includes the National Renewal Party and the Independent Democratic Union.

The National Renewal Party is a right-wing opposition party to democratic forces. Created in 1988. Representatives of the National Renewal Party are members of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

The Independent Democratic Union was founded in 1989. A more radical right-wing party than its coalition ally. The union took shape organizationally already in 1983, while other parties did not have the right to legal activity. This was due to the significant contribution from the members of the organization to the implementation of the policy of the junta.

The most representative association of business circles in the country is the Association of Entrepreneurs in Industry (SOFOFA), St. 2500 members.

In foreign policy, Chile adheres to the principles of open democracy, Chile advocates the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, promotes integration and peace at the regional level, enhances dialogue and strengthens solidarity in the region. Chile supports the establishment of ALCA. On the world stage, Chile sees its priorities in contacts with the EU and with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

The armed forces of Chile trace their history from the troops created in this region in 1603 by order of the Spanish crown. These first military associations in South America became the basis of the Chilean national army, formed on December 2, 1810 by order of Bernardo O'Higgins. By his own order, the first military school was opened in 1817, and a naval squadron of Chile was created, designed to ensure Chile's hegemony in the Pacific Ocean.

The modern structure of the Chilean army: Ground forces, aviation, fleet, tank units, special forces of mountain troops, civil defense troops, carabinieri corps, as well as the Antarctic military base.

The number of Armed forces in con. 20th century amounted to approx. 91 thousand people, incl. in the Ground Forces - 51 thousand (and 50 thousand reservists), in the Navy - approx. 25 thousand, in the Air Force - 13.4 thousand. In 1996, the corps of paramilitary police units numbered 31.2 thousand people. Spending on the Armed Forces in 1999 was 3.1% of GDP.

Economy of Chile

Chile is one of the most stable and dynamically developing countries in Latin America. The basis of Chile's success in the economic sphere is the optimal combination of liberalization and openness of the economy, on the one hand, and effective state regulation, on the other. Structural transformations carried out during the years of the military regime and continued by democratic governments in the 1990s, along with prudent macroeconomic policies, ensure the relative stability and efficiency of the Chilean economy. In 1990-2001, the annual economic growth rate was 6.3%, which doubled the size of GDP to 66.5 billion US dollars (per capita - 4333 US dollars). After a slight economic downturn in 1999 (-1.0%), caused by the consequences of the Asian crisis in 1998, there is an increase in GDP compared to the previous year: 4.4% in 2000, 2.8% in 2001, 2.1% in 2002. Inflation for 1990-2002 decreased from 27.3 to 2.8%. The number of people employed in the economy in 2002 amounted to 5.5 million people, unemployment in 1990-2002 did not exceed 10% of the economically active population (the lowest figure in 1997 was 6.1%).

In 2001, agriculture and fisheries accounted for 5.6% of GDP, mining - 8.4%, manufacturing - 15.7%, construction - 8.1%, energy and water supply - 10.8%, transport and communications - 3.3%, for other types of services - 45.1%. 13.0% of the economically active population is employed in agriculture, 14.0% in industry and energy, 8.0% in construction, and 65.0% in the service sector. Employment in the informal sector is estimated at 23%.

The basis of the mining industry in Chile is the mining and processing of copper, in terms of which the country ranks first in the world - 32% of world production. In 2001, copper production amounted to 4.7 million tons (1.6 million tons, 1990). The state company Codelco provides more than 30% of the copper mined in the country, the rest is accounted for by 20 leading foreign companies developing new deposits. The largest of them - Escondida - belongs to an international consortium, which includes companies from Australia, Great Britain and Japan. Copper export earnings exceed 10% of GDP. Iron ore (8.8 million tons, 2001), gold, silver, non-metallic ores (lithium, molybdenum, etc.) are being mined. In the 1990s up to 1/3 of foreign direct investment (about $12 billion) received by the country was directed to the implementation of investment projects in the mining industry.

rapidly in the 1990s. the manufacturing industry, and especially export-oriented industries, developed. In 1990-2001, the share of food, beverages and tobacco increased from 25 to 32%, as well as chemical products (fertilizers, paints and varnishes, plastics) - from 10 to 14%. In 2001, textile and clothing accounted for 4% of the value of the manufacturing industry, mechanical engineering - 5%, and other industries - 45%. In 1990-2001, the volume of production almost doubled - up to 10.7 billion US dollars. The number of employees was 780 thousand people. (2002). Up to 50% of manufactured products are exported. The main part of export earnings comes from agribusiness (production of wine, drinks, dried, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables) - more than 20%, chemical, woodworking and pulp and paper industries. Thanks to the use of the latest technologies and the influx of foreign entrepreneurial capital, in less than 10 years, Chile has managed to become one of the world's top five wine exporters. The amount of foreign direct investment in the manufacturing industry at stake. 2000 was $5.7 billion. A significant role in the development of export industries was played by the state policy to stimulate domestic private investment (including the provision of tax and other benefits), the implementation of programs to support small and medium-sized businesses producing non-traditional export goods, and assistance in promoting Chilean goods to foreign markets.

Electricity production is 42.3 billion kWh (2002). 46% of electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants, 27% by coal-fired thermal power plants, approx. 22% falls on turbine and gas and approx. 3% for diesel power plants. In terms of energy consumption per capita, Chile leads among Latin American countries - 2406 kWh (2000). Until ser. 1990s the production and distribution of electricity was concentrated in the hands of private national capital. Thanks to early privatization (2nd half of the 1980s) and the accumulated managerial experience, Chilean entrepreneurs became active participants in the denationalization programs of the electric power industry in other countries of the region. Accelerated into the 2nd floor. In the 1990s, the process of transnationalization of the basic services sector in Latin American countries led not only to the displacement of Chile from regional markets, but also to the transition of the country's largest energy companies under the control of foreign capital (mainly Spanish). The total volume of foreign investments in the industry in 1995-2000 exceeded 8 billion US dollars.

Agriculture plays a relatively smaller role in Chile's economy compared to neighboring Latin American countries. The bulk of income from agriculture (about 60%) comes from fruits and livestock products. at the highest rate in the 1990s. increased production of grapes, vegetables and flowers. Thanks to the modernization and improvement of technical equipment, the number of people employed in agriculture and fisheries is decreasing (5.5 million people in 2002). Agricultural land occupies 3.8 million hectares (including 1.9 million hectares cultivated), natural pastures - 20.6 million hectares, forests - 15.6 million hectares. In 2002, it was grown (million tons): wheat 1.8, potatoes 1.3, tomatoes 1.2, grapes 1.7, apples 1.1. Chile is the largest producer and exporter of fruits in the Southern Hemisphere (grapes, kiwi and apples). Fresh fruit accounts for 8% of the country's total export value and St. 77% agricultural (2002).

In 2002 there were 4 million head of cattle, 2.7 million pigs, approx. 5 million sheep. Livestock production amounted to: poultry meat - 402 thousand tons, beef - 214 thousand tons, pork - 312 thousand tons, cow's milk - 2.2 million tons. Chile is a net exporter of poultry and pork, imports beef and dry milk.

Fishing is one of the most dynamic sectors of the Chilean economy. The annual catch of fish and seafood in 1996-2001 was 3.8-4.0 million tons (3rd place in the world after China and Peru). In addition to traditional sea fishing, which provides 60% of production and 40% of exports of fish products (mainly fishmeal, frozen and chilled fish), in the 1990s. In Chile, artificial breeding of salmon was mastered. In terms of production and export of these products, the country ranks second in the world, second only to Norway. For 11 years, the production capacity in this industry has increased 8 times, exports have increased from 122 million US dollars in 1990 to 969 million US dollars in 2001.

Road transport provides the bulk of transportation within the country. The length of highways is 80 thousand km, of which 19.4% are asphalted. The fleet includes 130 thousand trucks and more than 1.9 million cars. The length of railways is 4.8 thousand km. One third of it is used to transport goods, mainly copper (from mining sites to ports). Further development of road and rail transport is associated with the transfer of roads for reconstruction to private companies on a concession basis. Of great importance is maritime transport, which provides 95% of the total foreign trade turnover. OK. 80% of the volume of loading and unloading operations (23 million tons in 2000) falls on four main ports - Antofagasta, Valparaiso, San Antonio and San Vicente (47 ports in total). The company's own merchant fleet consists of 85 vessels capable of carrying more than 2.7 million tons of cargo. The ten largest ports are subject to privatization by 2005 (on a concession basis). There are 3 international and 32 national airports. The transportation of passengers for 1990-2000 increased 3 times - up to 5.3 million people. The volume of cargo transportation in 2000 amounted to 1.3 million tkm (5 times more than in 1990).

Chile has one of the most developed telephone systems in Latin America. In 1990-2000, the number of fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants increased from 5.3 to 21.1. In 2001, there were 3.3 million fixed telephone lines and 3.2 million mobile subscribers in the country. For every 1,000 inhabitants, there are 342 mobile communication devices, 106.5 personal computers, 288 televisions and 759 radios. Chile has 625,000 Internet users (2000), the highest figure in Latin America. From Ser. 1980s the country's telecommunications systems are in the hands of private capital. The main telephone operator is Telefonika STS Chile, controlled by Spanish capital.

The number of foreign tourists who visited Chile in 2002, 1.4 million people. (compared to 1.7 million in 2000). The main part of foreign tourists (up to 50% in some years) falls on Argentina, among Europeans the list is headed by Germans, Spaniards and French. Due to the crisis in Argentina, the flow of tourists from this country has dropped sharply - from 860 thousand people. in 2000 to 515 thousand in 2002. On average, a foreign tourist spends 11 days in the country and spends approx. $60 per day. Chile has approx. 1800 hotels with a total number of beds for 105 thousand people. Seventeen hotels are classified as five-star (12 are located in Santiago and 3 - in the area of ​​the Valle Nevado ski resort high in the mountains). The country's annual income from tourism exceeds $1 million.

The current economic and social policy of the Chilean government is aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability, stimulating domestic private savings and investment, achieving sustainable economic growth while strengthening the social component of reforms. Largely due to the professionalism of the country's leadership, the high manageability of the economy and the reliability of the credit and financial system, Chile managed to "compensate" the negative impact of the Asian crisis, global and regional financial shocks. 1990s Despite a sharp deterioration in the terms of foreign trade and a reduction in the inflow of foreign capital, the Chilean economy managed to get out of recession in a fairly short time. Chile's economic growth potential is directly dependent on the dynamics of exports and on the country's ability to compete in world markets. The main task is to move to a new stage of production diversification based on the introduction of the latest technologies, expanding the export of goods with higher added value, developing new sectors of the economy using management experience gained in the production of salmon and wine. This implies active state assistance to the private sector in conducting research, establishing market relations and in creating seed capital. A prerequisite for Chile to reach a new level of economic development is to improve the quality of education and training, raise the living standards of the population, and eradicate poverty and destitution. The public sector produces approx. 9% of GDP (copper, oil and oil refining industries, metallurgy and banking). By 2005, it is planned to complete the sale of infrastructure facilities (water supply, construction and operation of roads, etc.) to private companies on a concession basis.

According to a law of 1989, the Central Bank of Chile has autonomy and independence from the executive branch. In the 1990s in conditions of an excess supply of external resources, the Central Bank applied a system for regulating the inflow of foreign capital (a mechanism for the mandatory deposit of 30% of incoming funds with the Central Bank). In 1998-2001, taking into account the changed situation in the world financial markets, most of the restrictions on the movement of capital were lifted; the exchange rate policy was adjusted. In 1999, the Central Bank abandoned the currency corridor system, switching to a floating exchange rate of the national currency. In 2000-02, measures were taken to stimulate investment activity in the country, including lowering the refinancing rate and restructuring the debt of small and medium-sized enterprises.

In terms of the level of development and reliability of the credit and financial system, Chile leads among the countries of Latin America. During 1990-2002, the capital of commercial banks increased by 1.7 times (up to 5 billion US dollars), assets almost doubled and amounted to 63 billion US dollars (96% of GDP). As a result of mergers and acquisitions, the number of credit institutions decreased from 40 to 26 in 1990-2002. There are 8 national commercial banks, 1 state bank, 16 foreign banks and 1 credit society. In 1995-2002, the share of foreign banks in the credit portfolio of the Chilean banking system increased from 14 to 45%. The first position is occupied by the Spanish bank "Santander-Chile". In the Moody's rating, which determines the level of stability of the banking systems of 75 countries, Chile in 1999 was in 15th place, ahead of the three countries of the "Big Seven". In the 1990s the total assets of non-banking financial institutions increased 5.7 times ($54 billion, or more than 80% of GDP in 2001). The main institutional investors in the Chilean capital market are pension fund management companies (AFP) and insurance companies. Chile is a pioneer in the creation of a private pension system (1980), which allows the funds accumulated in individual accounts to be profitably placed on the domestic and foreign financial markets. On horseback In 2001, the volume of funds accumulated by the funds amounted to 36 billion US dollars, which is comparable to the size of deposits in the banking system. The main financial instruments operated by the AFP are the obligations of the Central Bank of Chile and mortgage bonds. AFP has been actively involved in the privatization process, investing more than $4.6 billion in shares of leading energy and telephone companies. The annual turnover of shares on the stock exchange of Santiago de Chile in 2002 amounted to 8.4% of GDP. Listing passed 254 companies and banks, compared with 1990, the volume of market capitalization increased by 3.5 times - up to 47.6 billion US dollars (85.4% of GDP in 2002). The share of bonds in the total exchange turnover exceeds 95%.

Chile's public finance policy aims to ensure fiscal balance while increasing social spending and public investment. In 1987-98 the budget was reduced with a positive balance. The decline in copper export earnings and the need for measures to stimulate business activity and address social problems have affected the state of public finances. The budget deficit of the central government as a percentage of GDP was: 1.4% in 1999, 0.3% in 2001, 0.8% in 2002. In 2000-02, tax revenues were provided by St. 75% of budget revenues, and their ratio to GDP exceeded 17%. Government domestic debt (excluding Treasury commitments to the Central Bank) declined from 22% to 9.6% of GDP in 1990-2001. State and state-guaranteed external debt at stake. 2001 amounted to 5.5 billion US dollars (8.4% of GDP), the cost of its maintenance - 8% of current budget revenues.

The volume of foreign trade in goods and services in 2001 exceeded 68% of GDP. Export of goods amounted to 17.4 billion US dollars, import - 17.2 billion US dollars. St. 47% of exports are manufactured products, 39% - copper, approx. 9% - for agricultural, forestry and fishery products. at the highest rate in the 1990s. the export of finished industrial products grew (3 times in 1990-2001). Imports are dominated by raw materials and semi-finished products - 61% (including fuel and oil products - 15%), machinery and equipment (21%). The most important partners (2002,%): in terms of export - the USA (20.7), Japan (11.0), China (7.2), Mexico (5.2), Italy (4.9); imports - Argentina (18.1), USA (15.2), Brazil (9.6), China (6.9), Germany (4.4). There is a unified customs duty on all types of imported goods, the amount of which decreased from 11% in 1991-98 to 6% in 2003.

In 1999-2002, Chile continued to lead among Latin American countries in terms of the reliability of business operations, which takes into account the degree of investment risk in the country, and had one of the best "A-" credit ratings among developing countries. The total volume of foreign direct investment in 1990-2001 amounted to approx. 46 billion US dollars (net inflow in 1999 - 9.2 billion dollars). A significant part of the funds that came into the country in 1996-2001 went to the acquisition of controlling stakes in Chilean companies operating in the field of energy supply, telecommunications and sanitation, as well as financial institutions. The share of foreign direct investment in Chile's total investment in fixed assets was 32.6% (2001).

The implementation of programs in the field of housing construction, education and healthcare, high rates of economic growth made it possible to improve the living standards of the population: the proportion of people living below the poverty line decreased from 40% at the beginning. 1990s up to 17% in 1998. The minimum wage is $1,781 per year (1999). The poorest 20% of Chileans account for 3.2% of total income, while the richest 20% account for 45.4%. The gap in income levels between them is 15.2 times. Since 2003, the country has been implementing a program aimed at supporting the poorest part of the population, which is financed from the budget.

Science and culture of Chile

The modern system of education in Chile is being built in accordance with the Uniform Constitutional Law on Education (1990). Compulsory is 9 years of education (for children 6-14 years old). Secondary education has a duration of 4 years and is divided into humanitarian and technical. Higher professional education is provided by universities, institutes and technical training centers (the latter provide higher professional qualifications in 4-5 semesters). In 2000, total spending on education was 3.8% of GDP. Literacy among the population over 15 years old was 95.4%, 2.5 million students were enrolled in primary education, and approx. 1 million people The coverage of youth with higher education was at the level of 42%. Approx. 0.5 million students. Among state universities, the leading place is occupied by the University of Chile (founded in 1738 as the Royal University of San Felipe, reorganized in 1843, 20 thousand students) and the University of Santiago de Chile (founded in 1947 as the State Technical University, reorganized in 1981, 20 thousand students ). Among the private institutions of higher learning, the largest is the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (founded in 1888, with 17,000 students).

Universities are the main base for the development of science and technology in Chile: in 2001, out of 7.2 thousand people employed in this area, 70.3% worked in university research centers and laboratories. St. 1.5 thousand Chilean engineers and specialists conduct research in the field of technology. In 2001, spending on the development of national science amounted to 0.57% of GDP, of which 64% was financed from the budget, 23% was accounted for by enterprises and corporations, and the remaining 13% came from other national and foreign sources. In supporting the research activities of universities, the role of the state is even higher - 94.2% of the total expenditure in 2001. The National Commission for Research in Science and Technology (established in 1967) is responsible for the development and implementation of state policy in this area. Within the framework of the commission, special funds and programs operate, the task of which is to ensure the effective distribution of financial resources, develop infrastructure and optimize the use of scientific personnel. An important role is given to modernizing and strengthening the national system of science and technology, stimulating public and private investment, incl. by concluding relevant agreements with ministries, enterprises, the Armed Forces and other institutions. The Chilean Academy of Sciences (established in 1964) and five other academies - medicine, arts and social sciences, politics and morality, and linguistics and history - are united within the Institute of Chile. In 1968, a national award for outstanding achievements in the field of science was established. In 2001 there were 18 independent academic centers in the country, St. 40 scientific industry centers, 6 research groups and 24 institutes (on the basis of 26 universities), 16 state research institutes (at the ministries of mining, economy, etc.).

The history of Chilean literature is traced back to the epic poem Araucana (1569-89) by Alonso de Ercilla y Zuñiga.

In the 20th century popularity is gained by such recognized authors as Jose Manuel Vergara, Baltasar Castro, Volodya Teitelboim, Jose Donoso, Isabel Allende, and others. The poets Pablo Neruda (in 1945) and Gabriela Mistral (in 1971) became Nobel Prize winners in literature. Symbols of all Spanish-language poetry of the 20th century. also became Vicente Huidobro and Nicanor Parra.

In 1857, the Municipal Opera and Ballet Theater was opened in Santiago. In 1917-18, the troupe of Anna Pavlova performed in this theater. The Municipal Ballet of Chile and the National Ballet enjoy well-deserved fame on the world stage. World fame won contemporary Chilean composers Sergio Ortega, Enrique Soro and Juan Orrego.

The folklore music of Chile enjoys great popularity in the world, especially the New Song movement, created in the 60s and 70s. on the basis of national traditions by young musicians (Victor Jara, Isabel and Angel Parra, Roberto Rivera, etc.). One of the founders of this movement is Violeta Parra, called the Great Folklorist of Chile.

Capital of Chile, like many other major South American cities, was founded by conquerors from Europe - the first stone in the foundation Santiago founded in 1641, led by a handful of conquistadors, Pedro de Valdivia. He named the future city of Santiago de Nueva Extremadura after his Spanish homeland, but the name was quickly reduced to just Santiago. Until the early 19th century, Santiago was the seat of colonial governors, and after an eight-year war of independence in 1818, it became the capital of Chile.

Interestingly, formally a metropolis Santiago de Chile does not exist. By tradition, this is the name of a conglomerate of several dozen communes - this is how urban areas are called in Chile. The city, which has long had a population of over 5 million, has neither a mayor nor a city legislature. Nevertheless, Santiago and his many guests do not suffer from this - the city is developing dynamically and quite successfully solves the problems that arise.

Smog and earthquakes do not scare the inhabitants of Santiago

The place that Pedro de Valdivia chose for Santiago was really very successful at that time. The intermountain basin, a hundred kilometers from the Pacific coast, was protected from the winds, and its slopes were covered with fertile soils. But every medal has a downside - the mountains are not only a good shield from the winds, but also a source of earthquakes that repeatedly shook Santiago. And with the development of industry, the plateau on which the capital of Chile is located has become a real reserve of smog, which makes it difficult to breathe and causes serious health problems. It was only after the tightening of environmental legislation that the problem of smog was, if not solved, then significantly reduced.

When it comes to earthquakes, Chileans seem to treat them with a certain amount of fatalism. There is no other explanation for the skyscraper construction boom that began in the 1990s.

Gradually, the perimeter of the square was built up with buildings that are now architectural monuments. These are the Cathedral, the National Museum of the History of Chile (formerly the Royal Audience Building), La Moneda Palace (the residence of the President of the country) and the Post Office building.

The square is decorated with a monument to Pedro de Valdivia and the composition "In honor of the freedom of America."

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The heart of the Chilean Catholic Church was repeatedly destroyed by fires and earthquakes, but invariably revived on the spot where the first Catholic church in the history of the country stood. The complex, which includes not only the Cathedral, but also the magnificent building of the residence of the archbishop, was repeatedly rebuilt and reconstructed. The last reconstruction was carried out after the 2010 earthquake.

Now the building of the Cathedral is a combination of baroque, neoclassical, Romanesque and Tuscan styles. The cathedral is decorated with stucco, gilding, numerous frescoes, sculptures and icons. The Cathedral and the tombs of Chilean historical figures housed in it are open to the public during services.

Palace of La Moneda

The building of La Moneda Palace was built at the turn of the 18th - 19th centuries for the Mint of the colonial administration. Quite quickly after Chile's independence, the spacious building was considered suitable for housing the administration of the country's president. Over time, in the palace of La Moneda, there was a place for the Ministry of the Interior, and for a number of other government agencies.

The palace building itself looks like a fairly common example of classicism. But its history is much richer than architecture. In 1973, participants in a military coup stormed the palace using aircraft and heavy armored vehicles, after which panoramic photos of the dilapidated residence of Chilean President Salvador Allende flew around the world. Allende himself committed suicide, not wanting to surrender to the putschists.

La Moneda Palace was restored only in the early 1980s. On even days, a solemn changing of the military guard takes place near the palace. In 2000, a monument to Allende was unveiled near the palace. In front of the southern facade is a monument to another deposed Chilean president. Arturo Alessandri was also overthrown by the military, but he was lucky enough to die a natural death in 1950.

Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

Architect Sergio Garcia-Moreno for half a century has been collecting cultural monuments of the peoples who inhabited South America before the arrival of European colonialists. The Chilean authorities provided an early 19th-century building, which previously housed a customs office and a court, to house the collection and the associated research institute. The Pre-Columbian Museum opened in 1981.

The actively growing collection of the museum contains more than 5,000 exhibits. They are monuments to more than 100 peoples who have inhabited South America for 10,000 years.

In the four halls of the museum, items made of precious metals, copper, bronze, clay, wood and dyed fabrics are presented. The exposition of the Museum of the Pre-Columbian Era even has bas-reliefs brought from Easter Island.

Santa Lucia Hill - where the city of Santiago began

Santa Lucia Hill is an island of greenery in the middle of a very green space-poor Santiago. It was from the top of this hill that Pedro de Valdivia appreciated the strategic appeal of the area. De Valdivia climbed the hill on St. Lucia's Day (December 13), and did not think long about the name of the summit.

Initially, the hill was the center of the Spaniards' defense against endless Indian raids. Accordingly, the architecture of buildings in Santa Lucia was purely military. Only in the 1870s the hill was turned into a beautiful landscape park. Numerous rotundas, fountain complexes, stairs, towers were placed on the slopes, connecting them with paths. Historical relics are also preserved - a Catholic chapel, part of the fort with the emblem of Santiago of the Middle Ages, several bastions and artillery positions. The highlight of Santa Lucia is the restored Hidalgo Castle.

Basilica of Our Lady of Mercedes

Like most of the historical monuments of Santiago, the Basilica of the Virgin of Mercedes has repeatedly suffered from earthquakes. The building was originally built in 1566, but had to be rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries. Gradually, a monastery and outbuildings were built around the temple, now representing a single complex.

Built in the Neo-Renaissance style, the basilica looks rather unconventional for Catholic churches. The small red and yellow building looks unusually cheerful compared to the austere beauty of other Catholic churches. The Basilica of the Virgin of Mercedes looks especially beautiful at sunset, when the reflections of the sun seem to enliven the colors of the facade.

Santiago modern

A mixture of styles and times city ​​of santiago similar to other South American metropolitan areas. Skyscrapers side by side with slums, strict business suits with Indian attire, on the sidewalks of the main street of the city of Alameda, street vendors lay out their goods right in the windows of expensive boutiques. South American fast food carts stand next to fashionable restaurants. The standard of living in Santiago is one of the highest in the region, and the crime rate is very low. In an hour and a half from the Chilean capital, you can get to ocean beaches and ski slopes. Santiago has good transport connectivity thanks to the metro, surface transport and low-cost taxis. For tourists, there is a circular route "hop-on / hop-off", from the buses of which you can get off at any of the 12 stops, inspect selected attractions in santiago, and then return to the route on the same ticket.