Country Profile: Chile

Chile is a long, narrow country located in southern South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and flanked by Argentina to the east and Peru to the north. With a population of approximately 19 million, Chile boasts a stable presidential republic governance structure that has evolved through a tumultuous history, including a transition from military rule to democracy in 1990. Economically, Chile has an export-driven economy heavily reliant on its vast copper resources, experiencing significant growth and poverty reduction over the past decades. The diversity in its geography ranges from the driest desert in the world in the north to fertile valleys and the rugged Andes mountains in the east.

Geography

Chile's unique geography stretches over 4,300 kilometers along the western edge of South America, with a varied climate that includes desert, Mediterranean, and temperate zones. The country covers a total area of 756,102 square kilometers, slightly smaller than double the size of Montana. The terrain features low coastal mountains, a fertile central valley, and the towering Andes range, with its highest point at Nevado Ojos del Salado, the tallest active volcano in the world.

90% of the population lives in the middle third of the country, primarily around Santiago.
Chile has a 6,435 km coastline, providing extensive access to the Pacific Ocean.
The Atacama Desert is recognized as the driest desert globally.
Chile is situated along the Ring of Fire, experiencing severe earthquakes and active volcanism.
The country's highest peak reaches 6,893 m.

People and Society

Chile has a diverse demographic landscape, with a population of approximately 19.1 million as of 2025. The majority of the populace is of mixed European and Indigenous descent, primarily Chilean, with notable communities of Mapuche and other Indigenous groups. Spanish is the predominant language, while the majority of the population practices Christianity, predominantly Catholicism. The urbanization rate is high, with around 88% of Chileans living in urban areas.

57% of the population identifies as Catholic.
The median age is approximately 38.9 years.
88% of the population lives in urban areas.
The literacy rate stands at 96.4% (2017 est.).
Life expectancy at birth is 80.3 years (2024 est.).

Economy

Chile's economy is characterized as export-driven, heavily reliant on its status as a leading copper producer. Following the impact of COVID-19, the country has shown resilience with a quick economic recovery, marked by steady growth, a decrease in poverty rates, and increasing public debt, which, while rising, remains manageable. The economy benefits from diverse sectors, with services leading in contribution to GDP.

Chile's GDP (PPP) is projected to be $596.556 billion in 2024.
The economic growth rate is estimated at 2.6% for 2024.
9.1% of the labor force is unemployed (2024 est.).
Exports are expected to reach $111.123 billion in 2024.
Chile's public debt was noted at 21% of GDP in 2016.

Government

Chile is a presidential republic with a bicameral National Congress comprised of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The country has undergone various constitutional changes, with the current constitution adopted in 1980, subject to numerous amendments. Gabriel Boric has been the president since March 2022, highlighting a commitment to democratic governance after decades of military rule.

The next presidential election is scheduled for November 2029.
Chile's voting age is 18 years, with universal suffrage.
The legislative branch includes 155 members in the Chamber of Deputies and 50 in the Senate.
Chile's capital is Santiago, with Valparaíso being the seat of the legislature.

Military and Security

Chile maintains an active military structure comprised of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with additional roles played by the National Police Force. The military is involved in various domestic and international operations, including disaster relief and border security. The country faces challenges from organized crime, including the presence of the Tren de Aragua group.

Military expenditures are around 1.5% of GDP as of 2024.
Approximately 70,000 active military personnel are stationed in Chile.
Military service is voluntary, with a selective compulsory service for men aged 18-24.

Energy

Chile has achieved full electrification, with its energy mix comprising fossil fuels, hydroelectricity, solar, and wind energy. The installed generating capacity has increased in recent years, reflecting investments in renewable energy sources. The country imports a significant portion of its energy needs, particularly petroleum and natural gas.

100% of the population has access to electricity (2022 est.).
The total energy consumption per capita is 71.42 million Btu (2023 est.).
About 35.6% of total installed capacity comes from fossil fuels.

Environment

Chile faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and the impacts of mining activities. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global environmental issues.

88% of the population lives in urban areas, contributing to pollution challenges.
Total water withdrawal for municipal, industrial, and agricultural needs is 32.37 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).
Chile has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all of which are cultural.

Transportation

Chile's transportation infrastructure includes a well-developed network of airports, railroads, and a robust merchant marine fleet. The country boasts several major ports that facilitate international trade, contributing to its export-driven economy.

There are 379 airports as of 2025.
The rail network spans 7,281.5 km.
The total number of merchant marine vessels is 249 (2023).

Communications

Chile has a well-established communication system with a high rate of internet usage and mobile subscriptions. The telecommunications sector is characterized by a combination of state-owned and private entities, providing diverse media access to the population.

95% of the population uses the internet (2023 est.).
There are 26.2 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.).
Fixed-line subscriptions total 1.74 million (2024 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	19,091,343	2025 estimate
Area	756,102 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$596.556 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	71.42 million Btu	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	8.81 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	9.1%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	80.3 years	2024 estimate
Total Fertility Rate	1.25 children/woman	2025 estimate
Urban Population	88%	2023 data