Country Profile: Chile

Chile is a long, narrow country located along the southern edge of South America, bordered by the South Pacific Ocean, Argentina, and Peru. The capital city, Santiago, is situated in the central region, where approximately 90% of the population resides. With a diverse economy driven mainly by copper exports and a robust service sector, Chile has achieved significant economic growth and poverty reduction, although inequality remains a challenge. Governed as a presidential republic, Chile has a strong democratic tradition that has been solidified since the end of military rule in 1990.

Geography

Chile spans approximately 756,102 square kilometers, extending from the Atacama Desert in the north to the temperate rainforests of the south. It has a coastline of 6,435 kilometers and features a variety of geographic terrains, including the Andes mountains and fertile valleys. The country is prone to natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic activity, being situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

756,102 sq km - Total area of Chile.
6,691 km - Border length with Argentina.
6,435 km - Length of the coastline.
6,893 m - Height of Nevado Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano in the world.

People and Society

Chile's estimated population is around 18.7 million, predominantly urban, with a mix of ethnic groups including 88.9% White and non-Indigenous, and 9.1% Mapuche. Spanish is the official language, spoken by 99.5% of the population. The society is characterized by a relatively high literacy rate of 96% and a life expectancy of 80.3 years.

18.7 million - Estimated population (2024).
12.4 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2024).
6.3 deaths/1,000 - Infant mortality rate (2024).
80.3 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024).
96% - Literacy rate (2017).

Economy

Chile maintains an export-driven economy primarily based on mineral resources, notably copper, and has experienced rapid post-COVID recovery. The country faces challenges related to inequality and rising public debt but remains committed to growth. The GDP per capita stands at approximately $30,200, with significant contributions from the agriculture and services sectors.

$596.6 billion - Real GDP (PPP) estimate for 2024.
2.6% - Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
9.1% - Unemployment rate estimated for 2024.
6.5% - Population below the poverty line (2022).

Government

Chile is organized as a presidential republic, with power concentrated in elected officials. The President serves as both chief of state and head of government, and the National Congress is bicameral, comprising the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The country has a history of political transitions from dictatorship to democracy, with the current Constitution in effect since 1981.

President: Gabriel Boric (since 2022).
Bicameral legislature: National Congress with 155 members in the Chamber of Deputies and 50 in the Senate.
Suffrage: Universal for citizens aged 18 and older.

Military and Security

Chile maintains a robust military force, focusing on territorial defense and public order. The military consists of approximately 70,000 active personnel across its Army, Navy, and Air Force, and it has a defense spending of 1.5% of GDP. The country also participates in international peacekeeping operations.

70,000 - Active military personnel.
1.5% - Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).

Energy

Chile achieves full electricity access for its population, relying heavily on renewable sources along with fossil fuels. The country is increasing its efforts in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind. Total electricity consumption is estimated at 83.295 billion kWh.

100% - Electrification of total population (2022).
39.238 million kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
35.6% - Share of fossil fuels in total installed capacity (2023).

Environment

Chile faces environmental challenges, including air and water pollution and deforestation, largely due to industrial activities. The country is active in various international environmental agreements aimed at sustaining its rich biodiversity and resources.

88% - Urban population as of 2023, contributing to pollution challenges.
1.29 billion cubic meters - Water withdrawal for municipal use (2020).

Transportation

Chile's transportation infrastructure includes a network of roads, railways, and air travel facilities. With 379 airports and an extensive railway system, the country supports both freight and passenger transport effectively.

7,281.5 km - Total railway length (2014).
379 - Estimated number of airports by 2025.

Communications

Chile has a well-developed telecommunications sector, with a high rate of mobile phone subscriptions and internet usage among the population. It has modern broadcasting media including numerous radio and television stations.

95% - Percentage of internet users (2023).
26.7 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	18,664,652	Estimated for 2024
Area (sq km)	756,102	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$596.556 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption (billion kWh)	83.295	Estimated for 2023
Birth Rate (per 1,000)	12.4	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate (%)	9.1	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy (years)	80.3	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate (%)	96	Estimated for 2017
Electric Access (%)	100	Total population (2022)
Military Expenditure (% of GDP)	1.5	Estimated for 2024