Moving to Chile: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

18,664,652

Population Growth Rate

0.61%

Population Distribution

90% of the population is located in the middle third of the country around the capital of Santiago

the far north (anchored by the Atacama Desert) and the extreme south are relatively underpopulated

Urban Population

• population: 88% of total population rate of
• urbanization: 0.78% annual rate of change

Population in Major Urban Areas

6.903 million SANTIAGO (capital), 1.009 million Valparaiso, 912,000 Concepcion

Population: Male/Female

• male: 9,169,736
• female: 9,494,916

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Age Structure

• years: 19.2% (male 1,822,908/female 1,751,528) 15-64
• years: 67.3% (male 6,274,620/female 6,278,467) 65 years and
• over: 13.6%

Median Age

• total: 36.9 years
• male: 35.8 years
• female: 38.2 years

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

12

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

6.6

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.75

Gross reproduction rate

1

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

76.3%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

76.3%

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

46.3%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

• birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14
• years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64
• years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and
• over: 0.73 male(s)/female total
• population: 0.97 male(s)/female

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Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

.3

Demographic profile

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.

Chile has historically been a country of emigration but has slowly become more attractive to immigrants since transitioning to democracy in 1990 and improving its economic stability (other regional destinations have concurrently experienced deteriorating economic and political conditions).

Most of Chile's small but growing foreign-born population consists of transplants from other Latin American countries, especially Peru.

Ethnic Groups

White and non-Indigenous 88.9%, Mapuche 9.1%, Aymara 0.7%, other Indigenous groups 1% (includes Rapa Nui, Likan Antai, Quechua, Colla, Diaguita, Kawesqar, Yagan or Yamana), unspecified 0.3%

Language Note

Spanish 99.5% (official), English 10.2%, Indigenous 1% (includes Mapudungun, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui), other 2.3%, unspecified 0.2%; note - shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census

Nationality Noun

• noun: Chilean(s)
• adjective: Chilean

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Literacy - total population

97%

Literacy - male

97.1%

Literacy - female

97%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.6%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

• total: 17 years
• male: 16 years
• female: 17 years

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Life Expectancy at Birth

• population: 80.3 years
• male: 77.3 years
• female: 83.3 years

Infant Mortality Rate

• total: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 5.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

• total: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 5.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

15

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.84

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

2.1

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

9.8%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

28%

Tobacco Use

• total: 29.2%
• male: 31.6%
• female: 26.8%

Alcohol consumption per capita

• total: 7.8 liters of pure alcohol
• beer: 2.76 liters of pure alcohol
• wine: 2.61 liters of pure alcohol
• spirits: 2.43 liters of pure alcohol other
• alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 100% of population
• rural: 100% of population
• total: 100% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0% of population
• rural: 0% of population
• total: 0% of population

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 100% of population
• rural: 100% of population
• total: 100% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0% of population
• rural: 0% of population
• total: 0% of population

Underweight - percent of children under five years

0.5%

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Economic Overview

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 of goods and services account for approximately one-third of GDP, with commodities making up some 60% of total exports.

Copper is Chile’s top export and provides 20% of government revenue.

From 2003 through 2013, real growth averaged almost 5% per year, despite a slight contraction in 2009 that resulted from the global financial crisis.

Growth slowed to an estimated 1.4% in 2017.

A continued drop in copper prices prompted Chile to experience its third consecutive year of slow growth.

Chile deepened its longstanding commitment to trade liberalization with the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, effective 1 January 2004.

Chile has 26 trade agreements covering 60 countries including agreements with the EU, Mercosur, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico.

In May 2010, Chile signed the OECD Convention, becoming the first South American country to join the OECD.

In October 2015, Chile signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, which was finalized as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and signed at a ceremony in Chile in March 2018.

The Chilean Government has generally followed a countercyclical fiscal policy, under which it accumulates surpluses in sovereign wealth funds during periods of high copper prices and economic growth, and generally allows deficit spending only during periods of low copper prices and growth.

As of 31 October 2016, those sovereign wealth funds - kept mostly outside the country and separate from Central Bank reserves - amounted to more than $23.5 billion.

Chile used these funds to finance fiscal stimulus packages during the 2009 economic downturn.

In 2014, then-President Michelle BACHELET introduced tax reforms aimed at delivering her campaign promise to fight inequality and to provide access to education and health care.

The reforms are expected to generate additional tax revenues equal to 3% of Chile’s GDP, mostly by increasing corporate tax rates to OECD averages.

Industries

Copper, lithium, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$24,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.7%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$445,880,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$24,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.7%

GDP - official exchange rate

$234,900,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 64.9% Government
• consumption: 14.1% Investment in fixed
• capital: 22% Investment in
• inventories: -0.2% Exports of goods and
• services: 27.7% Imports of goods and
• services: -28.5%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

4%

GDP by Sector- Industry

32.4%

GDP by Sector- services

63.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

0.2%

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Inflation Rate

4.1%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

673.2

Currency Name and Code

Chilean pesos (CLP)

Fiscal Year

Calendar Year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

6.1%

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Labor Force

8,777,000

Unemployment Rate

7%

Major Industries

Copper, lithium, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

Agriculture Products

• Grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans
• beef, poultry, wool
• fish
• timber

Population Below Poverty Line

14.4%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

82,882

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

3%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

13.2%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

23%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

63.9%

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Annual Budget

$49,520,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

18.5%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.6%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

21.1%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Chile

Country Name

Chile

Local - Long

República de Chile

Local - Short

Chile

Etymology- history of name

derivation of the name is unclear, but it may come from the Mapuche word "chilli" meaning "limit of the earth" or from the Quechua "chiri" meaning "cold"

Independence

18 September 1810 (from Spain)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: many previous; latest adopted 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; a referendum held on 4 September 2022 to implement a new constitution was defeated by nearly 62% of voters; a second 50-member constitutional council elected in early May 2023 is charged with producing another draft constitution for submission to a national referendum by 17 December 2023
• amendments: proposed by members of either house of the National Congress or by the president of the republic; passage requires at least three-fifths majority vote of the membership in both houses and approval by the president; passage of amendments to constitutional articles, such as the republican form of government, basic rights and freedoms, the Constitutional Tribunal, electoral justice, the Council of National Security, or the constitutional amendment process, requires at least two-third majority vote by both houses of Congress and approval by the president; the president can opt to hold a referendum when Congress and the president disagree on an amendment; amended many times, last in 2020

Legal System:

civil law system influenced by several West European civil legal systems; judicial review of legislative acts by the Constitutional Tribunal

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Gabriel BORIC (since 11 March 2022); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: President Gabriel BORIC (since 11 March 2022)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
• elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 4-year term; election last held on 21 November 2021 with a runoff held on 19 December 2021 (next to be held on 23 November 2025 with runoff if needed on 20 December)
• election results: 2021: Gabriel BORIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Antonio KAST (FSC) 27.9%; Gabriel BORIC (AD) 25.8%; Franco PARISI (PDG) 12.8%; Sebastian SICHEL (ChP+) 12.8%; Yasna PROVOSTE (New Social Pact) 11.6%; other 9.1%; percent of vote in second round - Gabriel BORIC 55.9%; Jose Antonio KAST 44.1% 2017: Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Sebastian PINERA Echenique (independent) 36.6%; Alejandro GUILLIER (independent) 22.7%; Beatriz SANCHEZ (independent) 20.3%; Jose Antonio KAST (independent) 7.9%; Carolina GOIC (PDC) 5.9%; Marco ENRIQUEZ-OMINAMI (PRO) 5.7%; other 0.9%; percent of vote in second round - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 54.6%, Alejandro GUILLIER 45.4%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of: Senate or Senado (50 seats); members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by open party-list proportional representation vote to serve 8-year terms with one-half of the membership renewed every 4 years) Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (155 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by open party-list proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)
• elections:
• Senate - last held on 21 November 2021 (next to be held on 23 November 2025)
• Chamber of Deputies - last held on 21 November 2021 (next to be held on 23 November 2025)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - ChP+ 12 (RN 5, UDI 5, EVOPOLI 2), NPS 8 (PS 4, PPD 2, PDC 2), AD 4 (PCCh 2, FREVS 2), PLR 1, independent 2;
• note - total composition of the Senate as of 1 May 2022: seats by party/coalition - ChP+ 24 (RN 12, UDI 9, EVOPOLI 3), NPS 18 (PS 7, PPD 6, PDC 5), AD 6 (PCCh 2, FREVS 2, RD 2), PLR 1, independent 1; composition as of January 2024 - men 37, women 13, percent of women 26%
• Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - ChP+ 53 (RN 25, UDI 23, EVOPOLI 4, PRI 1), AD 37 (PCCh 12, CS 9, RD 8, Commons 6, FREVS 2), NPS 37 (PS 13, PDC 8, PPD 7, PL 4, PRSD 4, CIU 1), FSC 15 (PLR 14, PCC 1), PDG 6, PH 3, PEV 2, IU 1, independent 1;
• Composition: men 100, women 55, percent of women 35.5%;
• Note: total National Congress percent of women 33.2% as of January 2024

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court president and judges (ministers) appointed by the president of the republic 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, 3 by the president of the republic, 2 by the Chamber of Deputies, and 2 by the Senate; members serve 9-year terms with partial membership replacement every 3 years (the court reviews constitutionality of legislation); Elections Qualifying Court members appointed by lottery - 1 by the former president or vice president of the Senate and 1 by the former president or vice president of the Chamber of Deputies, 2 by the Supreme Court, and 1 by the Appellate Court of Valparaiso; members appointed for 4-year terms
• 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

Regions or States:

16 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 (Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica), Maule, Nuble, Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Approve Dignity (Apruebo Dignidad) coalition or AD (includes PC, FA, and FREVS) [Gabriel BORIC]
• Broad Front Coalition (Frente Amplio) or FA (includes RD, CS, and Comunes) [Gonzalo WINTER]
• Broad Social Movement of Leftist Citizens (includes former MAS and Izquierda Ciudadana) [Fernando ZAMORANO]
• Chile We Can Do More or ChP+ [Sebastian SICHEL] (coalition includes EVOPOLI, PRI, RN, UDI)
• Christian Conservative Party or PCC [Antaris VARELA]
• Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Carmen FREI Ruiz-Tagle]
• Christian Social Front or FSC [Jose Antonio KAST] (includes PCC, PLR)
• Citizens or CIU [María Ignacia GOMEZ Martinez]
• Commons (Comunes) [Jorge RAMIREZ]
• Communist Party of Chile or PCCh [Guillermo TEILLIER del Valle]
• Democratic Revolution or RD [Margarita PORTUGUEZ]
• Green Ecological Party or PEV [Felix GONZALEZ] (dissolved 7 February 2022)
• Humanist Party or PH [Octavio GONZALEZ]
• Independent Democratic Union or UDI [Javier MACAYA]
• Independent Regionalist Democratic Party or PRI [Hugo ORTIZ de Filippi]
• Liberal Party (Partido Liberal de Chile) or PL [Patricio MORALES]
• National Renewal or RN [Francisco CHAHUAN]
• New Social Pact or NPS [Yasna PROVOSTE] (includes PDC, PL, PPD, PRSD, PS)
• Party for Democracy or PPD [Natalia PERGIENTILI Domenech]
• Party of the People or PDG [Franco Aldo PARISI Fernandez]
• Political Evolution or EVOPOLI [Luz POBLETE Coddou]
• Radical Social Democratic Party or PRSD [Carlos MALDONADO Curti]
• Republican Party or PLR [Rojo EDWARDS]
• Social Convergence or CS [Alondra ARELLANO Hernandez]
• Social Green Regionalist Federation or FREVS [Flavia TORREALBA Diaz]
• Socialist Party or PS [Alvaro Antonio ELIZALDE Soto]
• United Independents or IU [Cristian Alejandro CONTRERAS Radovic]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: yes citizenship by descent
• only: yes dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

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Capital Name

Santiago; note - Valparaiso is the seat of the national legislature

Capital - geographic coordinate

33 27 S, 70 40 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight Savings Time

• note: Chile has three time
• zones: the continental portion at UTC-3; the southern Magallanes region, which does not use daylight savings time and remains at UTC-3 for the summer months; and Easter Island at UTC-5

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International Organization Participation:

• APEC
• BIS
• CAN (associate)
• CD
• CELAC
• FAO
• G-15
• G-77
• IADB
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• 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
• Pacific Alliance
• PCA
• PROSUR
• SICA (observer)
• UN
• UNASUR
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNFICYP
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• Union Latina
• UNMOGIP
• UNTSO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Bernadette M. MEEHAN (since 30 September 2022)
• Embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago
• Mailing Address: 3460 Santiago Place, Washington DC 20521-3460
• Telephone: [56] (2) 2330-3000
• FAX: [56] (2) 2330-3710
• Email: SantiagoUSA@state.gov
• Website: https://cl.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Juan Gabriel VALDES Soublette (since 7 June 2022)
• Chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
• Telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746
• FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579
• Email: echile.eeuu@minrel.gob.cl
• Website: https://chile.gob.cl/estados-unidos/en/
• Consulate(s) General: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

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Geographic Location

South America

Geographic Coordinates

30 00 S, 71 00 W

Total Area

291,931 Square Miles 756,102 Square Kilometers

Land Area

287,186 Square Miles 743,812 Square Kilometers

Water Area

4,745 Square Miles 12,290 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

3,939 Miles 6,339 Kilometers

Border Countries

Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km

Coastline

3,999 Miles 6,435 Kilometers

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Terrain

Low coastal mountains; a fertile central valley; the rugged Andes in the east

Highest Point

6,880 Meters

Highest Point Location

Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

Lowest Point Location

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

Copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower

Irrigated Land

4,629 Square Miles 11,990 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight saving time

• note: Chile has three time
• zones: the continental portion at UTC-3; the southern Magallanes region, which does not use daylight savings time and remains at UTC-3 for the summer months; and Easter Island at UTC-5

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Climate

Chile's climate is as varied as its geography.

Despite lying in the tropics, northern Chile is characterized by warm summers and mild winters, due to the moderating influence of the cool Humboldt Current.

In the central region, where Santiago is located, summers (December to March) are dry, with warm days reaching into the high 80s or low 90s, but cooler nights.

Winter (June to September) is generally cold, foggy, and rainy (rainfall averages 14 inches a year); temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s during the day and usually drop to the 40s at night, with occasional frost.

The southern Lake District has cooler average temperatures and is wetter than the central region, with annual rainfall reaching 100 inches.

In the far south, the climate is colder still, with gale force winds much of the year.

Rainfall in this region also averages 100 inches annually, except in the Patagonian steppes, where it drops to an average of 20 inches a year.

Terrain

Low coastal mountains; a fertile central valley; the rugged Andes in the east

Location

Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru

Total Area

291,931 Square Miles 756,102 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km

Environment - Current Issues

• Widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural resources
• air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions
• water pollution from raw sewage

Environment - International Agreements

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

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Exports

$56,320,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$56,860,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

Copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine

Major Imports

Petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, natural gas

Top Export Partners

China 26.3%, United States 13.2%, Japan 8.5%, South Korea 6.5%, Brazil 4.9%

Top Import Partners

China 23.4%, United States 18.8%, Brazil 7.8%, Argentina 4%

Export Partners

China 26.3%, United States 13.2%, Japan 8.5%, South Korea 6.5%, Brazil 4.9%

Import Partners

China 23.4%, United States 18.8%, Brazil 7.8%, Argentina 4%

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Country Description

In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the Republic of Chile has a large, educated middle class and a robust free-market economy.

Santiago and other large cities have well-developed tourist facilities and services, although the quality of tourist facilities may vary outside major populated areas.

Spanish is the national language.

English is frequently understood in major tourist hotels and resorts but is not widely used outside those areas.

Safety & Security

Demonstrations occur frequently.

Although most are peaceful and have pre-approved routes, they sometimes become violent or change course with little warning.

Demonstrations are common on March 29, the Day of the Young Combatant, and September 11, the anniversary of the 1973 coup against the government of President Salvador Allende.

Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable.

Avoid them if possible.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the local news media.

Protest and anarchist groups are known to place small explosive devices at ATMs and other Chilean government/business locations, which have thus far resulted in few injuries.

Several incidents occurred this year involving the fabrication of homemade explosive devices set in the lobbies of national and international banks, and at cash dispensing machines, normally between the hours of 2400 and 0400.

Most of these incidents were planned to cause damage to buildings and make a political statement while minimizing the possibility of injury or death, but some have occurred in high-traffic pedestrian areas.

The devices are usually comprised of black powder placed inside a fire extinguisher.

Be aware of your surroundings and report anything unusual to the local police.

U.S. citizens have not been targeted in these attacks.

Araucanía Conflict: The Mapuches, an indigenous group, make up a small percentage of the Chilean population and are concentrated in Araucanía and Santiago.

Elements within some Mapuche communities are engaged in a conflict over land and indigenous rights in Chile.

Violent individuals and activist groups seeking redress for grievances sometimes utilize protest tactics, including the burning of structures and pastures, attacks on trucks and other equipment, and death threats.

There have been several attacks, allegedly perpetrated by Mapuche members, in the region of Araucanía (Region IX, in south-central Chile) since 2012 which have resulted in deaths.

Other attacks on property have taken place in the same area.

These attacks have targeted multinational forestry corporations and private Chilean landowners, rather than U.S. citizens or other foreigners.

Nevertheless, U.S. citizens are advised to exercise caution when traveling in the Araucanía region.

Visitors to Easter Island may occasionally encounter non-violent demonstrations.

Such demonstrations have caused minor disruption at the airport and closure of some government facilities.

Demonstrations may result in minor inconveniences and occasional delays.

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Crime

Most foreigners visit Chile without incident.

Nevertheless, street crime is a problem, especially in Santiago and Valparaiso.

As in any large city, be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Be alert for pick-pocketing, purse and camera snatching, and thefts from backpacks and rental cars.

Petty crime is common in major tourist destinations, in hotel lobbies and restaurants, internet cafes, at bus and subway stations, and in cruise ship ports.

Exercise caution when touring Cerro Santa Lucia, Cerro San Cristobal, and Mercado Central as pick-pocketing and muggings occur frequently in these areas.

Criminals usually work in groups and employ a variety of ruses to distract and victimize unsuspecting visitors.

A few taxi drivers engage in currency switching and overcharge with altered taxi meters.

Incidents of individuals smashing car windows of occupied vehicles stopped in traffic and taking items of value on seats have occurred.

Drivers should keep car doors locked at all times and valuables out of sight while driving and while the vehicle is parked.

Your passport is a valuable document.

Report the loss or theft of a U.S. passport to the police and to the U.S.

Embassy immediately.

Secure your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe, and carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes.

Leave copies of your passport and important documents with family members in case of emergency.

Counterfeit and pirated goods may sometimes be available in Chile, and transactions involving such products are generally illegal under local law.

In addition, bringing such goods back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

The local equivalents to the “911” emergency lines in Chile follow an ABC-123 plan: 131 - Ambulancia/Ambulance 132 - Bomberos/Fire Department 133 - Carabineros/Police Department

Criminal Penalties

While in Chile, you are subject to Chile's laws and regulations.

Chilean laws may differ significantly from those in the United States.

You may not have the same protections available to you as under U.S. law, and penalties for breaking the law can also be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.

Persons violating Chile's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Chile are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.

Persons engaging in sexual conduct with children and using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country may be prosecuted in the United States.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Chile, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Santiago has two main private hospitals that are accredited by The American Hospital Association and meet U.S. standards: Clinica Alemana and Clinica Las Condes.

Both have international patient departments and experience with some international insurance companies.

Medical care in Chile is generally good, though it may not meet U.S. standards in remote areas.

Major hospitals accept credit cards, but many doctors and hospitals in Chile expect immediate payment in cash.

Prescriptions written by local doctors and over-the-counter medicines are widely available.

Air pollution is a major health concern in Santiago, resulting in severe bronchial ailments affecting infants, small children, and the elderly.

The most severe air pollution occurs during the winter (May through August).

The ozone layer is especially thin over parts of Chile.

Take precautions to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation.

Traffic Safety

While in Chile, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States: Right-hand turns are prohibited at red lights unless otherwise posted.

Major highways in and around Santiago collect tolls through the use of an electronic transmitter (available at www.concesiones.cl ).

Secondary and mountain roads may be poorly maintained, poorly lit, and may lack guardrails.

Many drivers do not signal lane changes and rarely yield to merging traffic.

Many drivers exceed posted speed limits, do not maintain safe distances, and do not observe posted road signs.

Major arteries in Santiago may switch directions during morning and evening rush hours.

Drivers must carry sufficient Chilean pesos to pay frequent highway tolls.

Chile has modern infrastructure.

Taxis and public transportation are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.

Avoid using unmetered taxis; if you do use an unmetered taxi, agree to a fare before embarking.

To use the public bus system in Santiago you need to obtain the prepaid “Bip” card.

This card can also be used when traveling on the Santiago subway.

Driving under the influence of alcohol in Chile is severely punished (“Zero Tolerance” policy) and can result in incarceration.

Visitors for fewer than 90 days can rent a car and drive with a valid U.S. license, though insurance may not be available in some forms for drivers without a Chilean or international driver’s license.

Visitors to Chile for more than 90 days must have an international driver's permit and their U.S. driver's license to legally drive in Chile.

An international driver's license must be obtained in the United States before traveling to Chile.

The police may fine foreigners for driving without a valid international permit.

7 facts — expand for details.

Airports - total

481

Airports with Paved Runways

90

Heliports

1

Railways

4,401 Miles 7,082 Kilometers

Roadways- total

48,320 Miles 77,764 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

11,259 Miles 18,119 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Coronel, Huasco, Lirquen, Puerto Ventanas, San Antonio, San Vicente, Valparaiso

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Pipelines: Gas

1,964 Miles 3,160 Kilometers

Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

485 Miles 781 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

612 Miles 985 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

449 Miles 722 Kilometers

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Telephones

3,366,000

Cell Phones

22,400,000

Internet Users

7,009,000

Internet Country Code

.cl

Internet Hosts

2,152,000

Broadcast Media

• 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
• a large number of privately owned TV stations
• about 250 radio stations

Telephone System

• assessment: privatization began in 1988; most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in South America; a modern system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations
• Domestic: number of fixed-line connections has 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)

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

53,240,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

958,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

59,750,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

5,296,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

3,830,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

1,144,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

97,970,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

321,700

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

169,700

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

6,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

150,000,000

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Anthem History

According to decree 260 of the Chilean Constitution, the fifth verse and the chorus are the only sections of the song played officially as the National Anthem.

Anthem Lyrics

Chorus: Dulce Patria recibe los votos con que Chile en tus aras juró que, o la tumba serás de los libres, o el asilo contra la opresión. 1.

Ha cesado, la lucha sangrienta ya es hermano, el que ayer opresor; del vasallo borramos la afrenta, combatiendo en el campo de honor.

El que ayer doblegabase esclavo, hoy ya libre y triunfante se vé; Libertad es la herencia del bravo; la victoria se humilla a su pié. 2.

Alza, Chile, sin mancha la frente; conquistastes tu nombre en la lid; Siempre noble, constante, valiente te encontraron, los hijos del Cid.

Que tus libres, tranquilos coronen a las artes, la industria, la paz y de triunfos cantares entonen que amedrenten al déspota audaz. 3.

Vuestros nombres valientes soldados, que habeis sido de Chile el sostén, nuestros pechos los llevan grabados; Lo sabrán nuestros hijos también.

Sean ellos el grito de muerte que lancemos marchando a lidiar y sonando en la boca del fuerte, hagan siempre al tirano temblar. 4.

Si pretende el cañon extranjero nuestros pueblos osados invadir, desnudemos al punto el acero y sepamos vencer o morir.

Con su sangre el altivo Araucano, nos legó por herencia el valor, y no tiembla, la espada en la mano defendiendo de Chile el honor. 5.

Puro Chile es tu cielo azulado, puras brisas te cruzan también, y tu campo de flores bordado, es la copia feliz del Edén.

Majestuosa es la blanca montaña que te dió por baluarte el Señor y ese mar que tranquilo te baña, te promete un futuro esplendor. 6.-Esas galas, oh Patria, esas flores que tapizan tu suelo feraz, no las pisen jamás invasores; con sus sombras, las cubra la paz.

Nuestros pechos serán tu baluarte, con tu nombre sabremos vencer o tu noble, glorioso estandarte nos verá combatiendo, caer.

Anthem Lyrics English

Chorus: Sweet Homeland, receive the vows That Chile gave you on your altars That you be either the tomb of the free Or a refuge from oppression 1.

The bloody fight has ceased; and yesterday's invader is now our brother; three centuries we washed the affront fighting in the field of honor.

That who yesterday was a slave is free and triumphant today; freedom is the heritage of the brave, Victory lies shameful to his feet. 2.

Rise, Chile, with a spotless forehead; you conquered your name on the fight; always noble, constant and courageous the children of the Cid found you.

May your free calmly crown the arts, industry and peace, and may they sing songs of your triumph to intimidate the daring despot. 3.

Your names, brave soldiers who have been Chile's mainstay, they are engraved in our chests; our children will know them as well.

May they be the death cry that comes out when we march to the fight, and ringing in the mouth of the strong they always make the tyrant tremble. 4.

If the foreign cannon intends to invade, daring, our people; let's draw our arms and know victory or death.

With its blood the proud Araucanian inherited its courage to us; and the sword doesn't tremble in the hand of that who defends the honor of Chile. 5.

How pure, Chile, is your blue sky And how pure the breezes that blow across you And your countryside embroidered with flowers Is a wonderful copy of Eden How majestic are the snow-covered mountains That were given to you by God as protection And the sea that tranquilly bathes your shores Promises future splendor for you 6.

That pride, oh, Homeland!, those flowers growing on your fertile soil, may they never be stepped on by invaders; may your shadow cover them with peace.

Our chests will be your bastion in your name we will know how to win, or your noble, glorious emblem will see us fall in the fight.