| Local name: Repůblica de Chile |
| Surface : 756,096
sq km (291,930 sq miles). The country exercises sovereignty over a
number of islands off the coast, including the Juan Fernández Islands
and Easter Island. Chile is one of the most remarkably shaped
countries in the world; a ribbon of land, 4200km (2610
miles) long and
nowhere more than 180km (115 miles) wide. |
| Population : 15,211,308
(2000) inhabitants |
| Climate: Ranges from
hot and arid in the north to very cold in the far south. The central
areas have a mild Mediterranean climate with a wet season (May to
August). Beyond Puerto Montt in the south is one of the wettest and
stormiest areas in the world. |
Electricity: Electric voltage is 220 volts, 50
cycles (220v 50Hz). The use of appliances or electric devices designed
for 110V need the use of a transformer. Most travel appliances like
notebook computers have an auto volt (110V-240V) transformer that will
adapt to Chilean electricity.
Public lighting is fairly good everywhere. Most houses and apartments
and modern buildings have piped gas distributed through private
networks. |
| PASSPORTS: Valid
passport required by all except: nationals of Argentina, Brazil,
Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay, provided not entering under commercial
contract or as students or as immigrants, can enter with a special
identity card (Cédula de Identitad) for short-term visits (except
foreign residents of these countries who do need a passport);
Chinese residents of Taiwan (China) and nationals of Taiwan, Mexico
and Peru who have an official travel document issued by the
Organisation of American States. Documents have to remain valid for
six months after departure. - VISAS: As
regulations are subject to change at short notice it is advisable to
check with the Chilean Consulate for the latest information. |
| Capital : Santiago
is the fifth largest city in South America, home to over 5
million
people |
| System : Presidential Republic
- Gained independence from Spain in 1810 - Executive
power is held by the President as head of the Government, elected for
a six-year term. The bicameral Congress is responsible for legislation
and comprises a 47-member Senate and a 120-member Chamber of Deputies,
both elected by universal suffrage. |
| Languages : Spanish |
| Religions : catholic (78%), protestan (6%) |
| Money : Chilean peso (Ch$) - The unit
of currency is the peso ($ or CLP), which exists in banknotes of $500,
$1000, $2000, $5.000, $10.000, $20.000 and coins of $1, $5, $10, $50,
$100 and $500. |
 |
+ 56 |
|
 |
|
Mainland and Juan Fernández
Islands: GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from second Sunday in October to
second Saturday in March). Easter Island: GMT - 7 (GMT - 6
from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March). |
|