About Chile

Situated south of Peru and west of Bolivia and Argentina, Chile fills a narrow 4,506 km (2,880 miles)strip between the Andes and the Pacific.

Before the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule while Araucanian Indians inhabited central and southern Chile, a Spaniard, Pedro de Valdivia, founded Santiago, its capital. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-84), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern lands. The three-year-old government of Salvador Allende was overthrown in 1973 by a dictatorial military regime led by Augusto Pinochet, who ruled the country until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable and democratic nation.

As regards its economy, Chile has one of the most dynamic economies of South America with highly competitive universities. Santiago has evolved into a bustling metropolis and has become the center of commerce and amenities with an exciting nightlife and entertainment options. As regards its economy, Chile has one of the most dynamic economies of South America with highly competitive universities. Santiago has evolved into a bustling metropolis and has become the center of commerce and amenities with an exciting nightlife and entertainment options.