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Offical name
Republic of Chile
Capital
Santiago
Government type
republic
Language
Spanish
Area
756,950 sq km
Population
16,134,219 ( 2006 est.)
Currency
Chilean peso (CLP)
Religion
Roman Catholic,Protestant
Time zone
GMT/UTC -4 ()
Country dialing code
56
Click to see larger map
Chile has the longest territory in the world. To the west of the country lies the Andes, the backbone of the South American Peninsula, while to the east locates the Pacific Ocean. Due to such geographical characteristic, Chile has diverse natural conditions and climates. The northernmost Atacama Desert is known as one of the driest deserts in the world. The desert has a salt lake where flamingos live in, as well as a broad geyser area. Meanwhile, in the southern region of the country, Patagonia, there is Torres del Paine National Park with a natural beauty of high mountains covered with glaciers, plains and wild animals. The southernmost city of the world, Punta Arenas, is also located in Patagonia. Close to Punta Arenas is the rookery of penguins, where visitors can directly see Antarctic penguins. On the Pacific Ocean east of Chile, there is Easter Island (Rapa Nui Island in the aboriginal language), which is a globally famous archeological site. On the island stand stone statues called ‘Moai,’ as well as other Polynesian remains to attract countless people from around the world. Chile is also a global wine exporter. Wine is mainly produced in the central region of Chile, with a blessing condition for vine culture including rich sunshine, good difference in temperature between day and night and an unpolluted natural environment. With outstanding quality, Chilean wine is loved all around the world.
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