Country Profile: Chile

Chile, located in southern South America, boasts a unique geography that stretches over 4,300 kilometers along the western edge of the continent. This narrow country features a diverse landscape that ranges from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to fertile valleys and the rugged Andes mountains in the east. As of 2024, Chile has a population of approximately 18.7 million, with over 88% residing in urban areas, primarily around the capital, Santiago. The nation enjoys a stable, export-driven economy, primarily driven by copper production, which contributes significantly to its GDP and international trade. Governed as a presidential republic, Chile has embraced democratic governance since the end of its military dictatorship in 1990.

Geography

Chile's geographical position and attributes are remarkable, making it the longest north-to-south country in the world. It features a variety of climates, including desert in the north, Mediterranean in the central region, and cool, damp conditions in the south.

Area: 756,102 sq km, slightly less than twice the size of Montana.
Coastline: 6,435 km along the South Pacific Ocean.
Highest Point: Nevado Ojos del Salado at 6,893 m, the highest volcano worldwide.
Natural Resources: Rich in copper, timber, and iron ore.
Population Distribution: 90% concentrated in the central third, particularly around Santiago.

People and Society

Chile has a diverse population composed predominantly of White and non-Indigenous groups (88.9%), with a significant Indigenous community, chiefly the Mapuche. The official language is Spanish, and the nation is characterized by a high urbanization level, with about 88% of its residents living in cities.

Population (2024): Approximately 18.7 million.
Urbanization Rate: 88% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
Median Age: 36.9 years (2024).
Literacy Rate: 96.4% (2017).
Life Expectancy: 80.3 years (2024).
Ethnic Groups: 9.1% Mapuche and a mix of other Indigenous groups.

Economy

Chile’s economy is heavily reliant on exports, specifically copper, which positions it as one of the top copper producers globally. Despite facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent political unrest, the country continues to show signs of economic resilience.

Real GDP (PPP, 2024): $596.556 billion.
GDP Growth Rate (2024): Estimated at 2.6%.
Unemployment Rate (2024): 9.1%.
Population Below Poverty Line: 6.5% (2022).
Major Exports: Copper ore and refined copper, accounting for a significant portion of total trade.

Government

Chile operates as a presidential republic with a robust democratic framework. The President serves as both the head of state and government, currently held by Gabriel Boric since March 2022. The country has a history of political evolution, particularly following its transition to democracy in the late 20th century.

Administrative Divisions: 16 regions.
Latest Constitution Adopted: 1980 (ongoing discussions for reforms).
Voting Age: Universal suffrage at 18 years.
Next Presidential Election: Scheduled for November 2025.
Chief of State: President Gabriel Boric.

Military and Security

The Chilean Armed Forces are well-structured, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The country maintains a focus on territorial defense and international peacekeeping, with substantial participation in regional security arrangements.

Active Personnel: Approximately 70,000 across all branches.
Military Expenditures (2024): 1.5% of GDP.
Service Age: Voluntary military service available from age 17.
Primary Military Equipment: A mix of older foreign and domestically produced systems.

Energy

Chile is making strides in energy, achieving 100% electrification for its population. The country's energy portfolio is diverse, with significant investments in renewable sources.

Electricity Consumption (2023): 83.295 billion kWh.
Installed Capacity: 39.238 million kW (2023).
Renewable Energy Sources: Solar (20.6%) and hydroelectricity (26.6%) contribute significantly to the energy mix.
Total Energy Consumption per Capita (2023): 71.42 million Btu.

Environment

Chile's environmental issues include air and water pollution, deforestation, and challenges posed by mining activities. The country is an active participant in numerous international environmental agreements.

Urban Population (2023): 88%.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions (2023): 83.058 million metric tons.
Renewable Water Resources: 923.06 billion cubic meters (2022).
Solid Waste Recycling Rate: 1% (2022).

Transportation

Chile has a well-developed transportation infrastructure that includes roads, railways, and a robust maritime presence.

Total Railways: 7,281.5 km (2014).
Airports: 379 (projected for 2025).
Merchant Marine Fleet: 249 vessels (2023).
Total Ports: 39 (2024).

Communications

Chile has a high penetration of communications and internet access, fostering connectivity across the nation.

Internet Users: 95% of the population (2023).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 26.7 million (2023).
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 1.978 million (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	18,664,652	Estimates for 2024
Area	756,102 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$596.556 billion	Forecast for 2024
Energy Consumption per Capita	71.42 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Birth Rate	12.4 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	9.1%	Estimates for 2024
Life Expectancy	80.3 years	Estimates for 2024