Page last updated on January 31, 2014

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the Inca ruled northern Chile while the Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern regions. It was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche were brought under central government control. After a series of elected governments, the three-year-old Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a military coup led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely elected president was inaugurated in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
30 00 S, 71 00 W
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
South America
Area:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 756,102 sq km
country comparison to the world: 38
land: 743,812 sq km
water: 12,290 sq km
note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 6,339 km
border countries: Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6,435 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200/350 nm
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 1.74%
permanent crops: 0.6%
other: 97.65% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
11,990 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
922 cu km (2011)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 26.67 cu km/yr (4%/10%/86%)
per capita: 1,603 cu m/yr (2007)
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis
volcanism: significant volcanic activity due to more than three-dozen active volcanoes along the Andes Mountains; Lascar (elev. 5,592 m), which last erupted in 2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes; Llaima (elev. 3,125 m) in central Chile, which last erupted in 2009, is another of the country's most active; Chaiten's 2008 eruption forced major evacuations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Cerro Hudson, Copahue, Guallatiri, Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, Puyehue, San Pedro, and Villarrica
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage
Environment - international agreements:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the longest north-south trending country in the world, extending across 38 degrees of latitude; strategic location relative to sea lanes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama Desert - the driest desert in the world - spreads across the northern part of the country; the crater lake of Ojos del Salado is the world's highest lake (at 6,390 m)
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Chilean(s)
adjective: Chilean
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
white and white-Amerindian 95.4%, Mapuche 4%, other indigenous groups 0.6% (2002 census)
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Spanish (official), Mapudungun, German, English
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, other Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census)
Demographic profile:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Chile is in the advanced stages of demographic transition and is becoming an aging society - with fertility below replacement level, low mortality rates, and life expectancy on par with developed countries. Nevertheless, with its dependency ratio nearing its low point, Chile could benefit from its favorable age structure. It will need to keep its large working-age population productively employed, while preparing to provide for the needs of its growing proportion of elderly people, especially as women - the traditional caregivers - increasingly enter the workforce. Over the last two decades, Chile has made great strides in reducing its poverty rate, which is now lower than most Latin American countries. However, its severe income inequality ranks as the worst among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Unequal access to quality education perpetuates this uneven income distribution.
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
17,216,945 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 63
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 21% (male 1,846,433/female 1,771,225)
15-24 years: 16.6% (male 1,457,772/female 1,398,684)
25-54 years: 43.2% (male 3,694,178/female 3,738,355)
55-64 years: 9.6% (male 771,790/female 872,824)
65 years and over: 9.7% (male 694,570/female 971,114) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Dependency ratios:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total dependency ratio: 45 %
youth dependency ratio: 30.6 %
elderly dependency ratio: 14.5 %
potential support ratio: 6.9 (2013)
Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 33 years
male: 31.8 years
female: 34.3 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.86% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 128
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
14.12 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 143
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.86 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 172
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 71
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 89% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 1.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
SANTIAGO (capital) 6.034 million; Valparaiso 865,000 (2011)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
23.7 (2004 est.)
Maternal mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
25 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 132
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 7.19 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 160
male: 7.67 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 78.27 years
country comparison to the world: 53
male: 75.25 years
female: 81.42 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.85 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 148
Contraceptive prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
64.2%
note: percent of women aged 15-44 (2006)
Health expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7.5% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 74
Physicians density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.03 physicians/1,000 population (2009)
Hospital bed density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2 beds/1,000 population (2010)
Drinking water source:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.4% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 71
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
40,000 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 61
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
29.4% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 30
Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.5% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 132
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.2% of GDP (2010)
country comparison to the world: 104
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.6%
male: 98.6%
female: 98.5% (2009 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 15 years (2011)
Child labor - children ages 5-14:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total number: 82,882
percentage: 3 % (2003 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 16.3%
country comparison to the world: 80
male: 14.3%
female: 19.1% (2012)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: Republic of Chile
conventional short form: Chile
local long form: Republica de Chile
local short form: Chile
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
republic
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Santiago
geographic coordinates: 33 27 S, 70 40 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, under a new pilot program begins second Sunday in September; ends fourth Sunday in April
note: Valparaiso is the seat of the national legislature
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
15 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aysen, Antofagasta, Araucania, Arica y Parinacota, Atacama, Biobio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Los Rios, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso
note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 September 1810 (from Spain)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Independence Day, 18 September (1810)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
many previous; latest adopted 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended many times, last in 2011 (2011)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
civil law system influenced by several West European civil legal systems; judicial review of legislative acts by the Constitutional Tribunal
International law organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal and voluntary
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: president elected by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 17 November 2013 with a runoff election held on 15 December 2013 (next to be held 19 November 2017)
election results: Michelle BACHELET Jeria elected president; percent of vote - Michelle BACHELET Jeria 62.2%; Evelyn Rose MATTHEI Fornet 37.8%; note - BACHELET is expected to take office 11 March 2014
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (38 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve eight-year terms; one-half elected every four years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in November 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPD 9 (PDC 4, PPD 3, PS 2), APC 9 (RN 6, UDI 3); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 58 (UDI 37, RN 18, other 3), CPD 57 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5, PC 3, other 1), PRI 3, independent 2; note - as of 19 February 2013, the composition of the entire legislature is as follows: Senate - seats by party - CPD 19 (PDC 9, PPD 4, PS 5, PRSD 1), Coalition for Change (former APC) 16 (RN 8, UDI 8), independent 2, MAS 1; Chamber of Deputies - seats by party - Coalition for Change (former APC) 56 (UDI 39, RN 17), CPD 53 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5), independent 5, PC 3, PRI 2, IC 1
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (consists of a court president and 20 members or ministros); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 members); Electoral Court (consists of 5 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president and ratified by the Senate from lists of candidates provided by the court itself; judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 70; Constitutional Court members appointed - 3 by the Supreme Court, 1 by the president of the republic, 2 by the National Security Council, and 1 by the Senate; members serve 8-year terms with partial court replacement every 4 years (the court reviews constitutionality of legislation); Electoral Court member appointments - 4 by the Supreme Court and 1 a former president or vice-president of the Senate or Chamber of Deputies selected by the Supreme Court; member term NA
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; oral criminal tribunals; military tribunals; local police courts; specialized tribunals and courts in matters such as family, labor, customs, taxes, and electoral affairs
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Broad Social Movement or MAS [Alejandro NAVARRO Brain]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Roman Catholic Church, particularly conservative groups such as Opus Dei
other: university student federations at all major universities
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
APEC, BIS, BRICS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OECD (Enhanced Engagement, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador Felipe BULNES Serrano (since 5 April 2012)
chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746
FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Stephen M. LISTON
embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago
mailing address: APO AA 34033
telephone: [56] (2) 330-3000
FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710, 330-3160
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red represents the blood spilled to achieve independence
note: design was influenced by the US flag
National symbol(s):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
huemul (mountain deer); Andean condor
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "Himno Nacional de Chile" (National Anthem of Chile)
lyrics/music: Eusebio LILLO Robles and Bernardo DE VERA y Pintado/Ramon CARNICER y Battle
note: music adopted 1828, original lyrics adopted 1818, adapted lyrics adopted 1847; under Augusto PINOCHET"s military rule, a verse glorifying the army was added; however, as a protest, some citizens refused to sing this verse; it was removed when democracy was restored in 1990
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade and a reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. Exports account for approximately one-third of GDP, with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports. Copper alone provides 19% of government revenue. From 2003 through 2012, real growth averaged almost 5% per year, despite the slight contraction in 2009 that resulted from the global financial crisis. Chile deepened its longstanding commitment to trade liberalization with the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect on 1 January 2004. Chile has 22 trade agreements covering 60 countries including agreements with the European Union, Mercosur, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico. Chile has joined the United States and nine other countries in negotiating the Trans-Pacific-Partnership trade agreement. In 2012, foreign direct investment inflows reached $28.2 billion, an increase of 63% over the previous record set in 2011. The Chilean Government has generally followed a countercyclical fiscal policy, accumulating surpluses in sovereign wealth funds during periods of high copper prices and economic growth, and generally allowing deficit spending only during periods of low copper prices and growth. As of 31 December 2012, those sovereign wealth funds - kept mostly outside the country and separate from Central Bank reserves - amounted to more than $20.9 billion. Chile used these funds to finance fiscal stimulus packages during the 2009 economic downturn. In May 2010 Chile signed the OECD Convention, becoming the first South American country to join the OECD.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$316.9 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 43
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$264.5 billion (2012 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.6% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 50
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$18,200 (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 72
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
Gross national saving:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
21.4% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 66
GDP - composition, by end use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
household consumption: 62.5%
government consumption: 12.1%
investment in fixed capital: 24.1%
investment in inventories: 0.8%
exports of goods and services: 34.2%
imports of goods and services: -33.9%
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 3.6%
industry: 36%
services: 60.4% (2012 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans; beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
copper, lithium, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.8% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 58
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
8.234 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 59
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 13.2%
industry: 23%
services: 63.9% (2005)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6.3% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 68
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
15.1% (2009 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: 1.5%
highest 10%: 42.8% (2009 est.)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
52.1 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 15
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $58.81 billion
expenditures: $57.38 billion (2012 est.)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
22.2% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 153
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.5% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 39
Public debt:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
11.9% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 141
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
calendar year
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 95
Central bank discount rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.12% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 139
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10.06% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 98
Stock of narrow money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$40.95 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 52
Stock of broad money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$193.2 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41
Stock of domestic credit:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$202.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 39
Market value of publicly traded shares:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$270.3 billion (31 December 2011)
country comparison to the world: 26
Current account balance:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$-9.499 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$78.28 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 47
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine
Exports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
China 23.3%, US 12.3%, Japan 10.7%, South Korea 5.8%, Brazil 5.5% (2012)
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$74.86 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 40
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, natural gas
Imports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
US 22.9%, China 18.2%, Argentina 6.6%, Brazil 6.5% (2012)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$41.65 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$112.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 45
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$192.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$91.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 29
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Chilean pesos (CLP) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
62.86 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 43
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
53.93 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 44
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 178
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
734 million kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 67
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
16.21 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 45
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
62% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 131
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 63
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
33.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 65
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 47
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
17,340 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 82
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 97
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
169,700 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
150 million bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 66
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
187,200 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 57
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
321,700 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 38
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
13,040 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 81
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
154,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 37
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.144 billion cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 63
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.296 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 59
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 79
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.83 billion cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 38
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
97.97 billion cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 55
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
80.1 million Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.276 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 48
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
24.13 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 44
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: privatization began in 1988; most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in South America; modern system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations
domestic: number of fixed-line connections have stagnated in recent years as mobile-cellular usage continues to increase, reaching 130 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 56; landing points for the Pan American, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin America Nautilus submarine cables providing links to the US and to Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2011)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
national and local terrestrial TV channels, coupled with extensive cable TV networks; the state-owned Television Nacional de Chile (TVN) network is self financed through commercial advertising revenues and is not under direct government control; large number of privately owned TV stations; about 250 radio stations (2007)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.cl
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.152 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 38
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7.009 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 39
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
481 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 15
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 90
over 3,047 m: 5
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 23
914 to 1,523 m: 31
under 914 m: 24 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 391
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
914 to 1,523 m: 56
under 914 m:
Heliports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 (2013)
Pipelines:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
gas 3,160 km; liquid petroleum gas 781 km; oil 985 km; refined products 722 km (2013)
Railways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 7,082 km
country comparison to the world: 28
broad gauge: 3,435 km 1.676-m gauge (850 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 3,647 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 77,764 km
country comparison to the world: 62
paved: 18,119 km (includes 2,387 km of expressways)
unpaved: 59,645 km (2010)
Merchant marine:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 42
country comparison to the world: 74
by type: bulk carrier 13, cargo 5, chemical tanker 7, container 2, liquefied gas 1, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 8, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 1 (Norway 1)
registered in other countries: 52 (Argentina 6, Brazil 1, Honduras 1, Isle of Man 9, Liberia 9, Panama 14, Peru 6, Singapore 6) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Coronel, Huasco, Lirquen, Puerto Ventanas, San Antonio, San Vicente, Valparaiso
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Army of the Nation, Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile, includes Naval Aviation, Marine Corps, and Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine Directorate (Directemar)), Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Chile, FACh), Carabineros Corps (Cuerpo de Carabineros) (2011)
Military service age and obligation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18-45 years of age for voluntary male and female military service, although the right to compulsory recruitment of males 18-45 is retained; service obligation is 12 months for Army and 22 months for Navy and Air Force (2012)
Manpower available for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 4,324,732
females age 16-49: 4,251,954 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 3,621,475
females age 16-49: 3,561,099 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 141,500
female: 135,709 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.04% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 120
Transnational Issues:
Disputes - international:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reactivated claim to restore the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile has offered instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile to Bolivian natural gas; Chile rejects Peru's unilateral legislation to change its latitudinal maritime boundary with Chile to an equidistance line with a southwestern axis favoring Peru; in October 2007, Peru took its maritime complaint with Chile to the ICJ; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims; the joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in 2001, has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur)