Chile Facts

V!VA User‘s Description

Official Name: Republic of Chile

Capital: Santiago

People: White and white-Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2%

Religion: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish tiny minority

Population: 16.6 million (as of July 2009)

Language: Spanish

Government: Republic. Chief of state and head of government: President Michelle Bachelet (inaugurated 11 March 2006)

Economic Facts: Unemployment is 8.5%; 20% of the population is below the poverty line. External debt is US$57 billion.

Agriculture: grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans, beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber

Main Industries: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

Main exports: copper, fish, fruits, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine

Provinces: 13 Administrative regions: Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Magallanes y de la Antarctica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso

Time: Mainland: GMT minus 4 (GMT - 3 from second Sunday in October to second Sunday in March)

Easter Island: GMT minus 6 (GMT - 5 from second Sunday in Oct to second Sunday in March)

Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50 Hz. 3-pin plugs are used.