Geography
 Chile is
located in the continent South America. Chile stretches over
4,300 km along the south western coast of South Africa. The
same distance from San Francisco to New York.
Population
Chile's population of
almost 15.2 million is growing annually at 1.17 percent, one of the
lowest growth rates among South America countries. Only about fifty
percent of the population lives in rural areas. More than five
million people live in Santiago metropolitan region. About 95
percent of the people have either a European heritage or are of
mixed European- indigenous descent.
Climate
Chile's Climate is varied by its land
formation (Ex: mountains). It rains the most between May and August when
temperatures are cooler, getting down to an average of 10 degrees C.
January's average temperature is 28 degrees C. The summer is only 11 degrees
C.
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Economy
Chile must bring
in much of its food, petroleum, and manufacturing goods. To
pay for this they depend on the export of copper and other
minerals. In most years Chile has a serious balance of
payments deficit because its exports income is far less than
the cost of its imports.
Government
In Chile the
government type is republic. Local government is divided
into 13 regions for purposes of local government. The
regions are than further divided into 54 provinces. In
National Government the president serves as head of state.
The president is elected to a four year- term.
Religious
Beliefs
Spanish
colonists brought the Roman Catholic religion to Chile. Today about
80 percent of all Chileans are Catholics. The Catholic church
operates many schools in Chile, and Church leaders have actively
promoted political and social reforms.
Social
Etiquette
On the whole Chileans
are a warm and affectionate people. Greetings are typically a
cheerful occasion involving plenty of physical touching.
Non-Verbal
Communication
Chileans use a lot of
expressive hand gestures when they are talking.
Language
Spanish called
Castellano, is the official language. But as in all South American
countries, some terms common to Chile will not have the same meaning
elsewhere. Chilean's commonly add a suffix to words and names to
form diminutives. For example, Chaoito is a "small good
bye," while Carlitos means " little Carlos." English
is taught in the schools and is understood by many with formal
education. Small minority groups also speak German( in southern
Chile) and Mapuche. |
Food
Beans, potatoes,
and bread are some staples in Chile. Pebre is a popular hot
sauce. The preferred meats in Chile are beef and chicken. In
Chile they eat a lot of seafood, too.
Cultural
Arts
A lot of famous poets are from Chile. Gabriel Mistral
is often referred to by Chileans as divine. She became the
first Latin American to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Holidays and Festivals
The most important
holiday to the Chileans is Independence Day. It's a celebration of
the country's freedom from Spain. The holidays last for 2 days. The
armed forces stage a large parade in Santiago attended by the
president. Smaller parades are attended around the Country. It's
followed by a rodeo.
Education
The
educational systems have been changing. In the past 30 years
many problems have been solved and new have arisen. The
country now has 95% literacy rate, 100% children have access
to elementary school system, and 70% to the education at high
school level. The school system is organized in on a
decentralized basis, giving the towns and the sector-
families, teaches, foundations, and corporations- the
responsibility manage the schools. A subsidy system finance
both town schools and a high percentage of private schools.
But criticism remains, focusing on a low quality, rigidity,
inequity and inefficiency of the system.
Fun and
Recreation
Chilean's love flying
kites. Catholic monks brought the first kites to Chile in the 18th
Century. Today, people at all ages fly kites for sport and amusement
in the spring and summer. Kites have even honored in Chilean
literature as a national treasure.
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Culture Walls 
Author: Scott