2013 Edition

Background

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the Inca ruled northern Chile while the Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern regions. It was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche were brought under central government control. After a series of elected governments, the three-year-old Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a military coup led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely elected president was inaugurated in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation.

Area

756,102 sq km 743,812 sq km 12,290 sq km includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez

total

756,102 sq km

water

12,290 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

Climate

temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south

Coastline

6,435 km

Elevation extremes

Pacific Ocean 0 m Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

highest point

Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

lowest point

Pacific Ocean 0 m

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

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 none of the selected 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

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

26.67 cu km/yr (4%/10%/86%) 1,603 cu m/yr (2007)

per capita

1,603 cu m/yr (2007)

total

26.67 cu km/yr (4%/10%/86%)

Geographic coordinates

30 00 S, 71 00 W

Geography - note

the longest north-south trending country in the world, extending across 38 degrees of latitude; strategic location relative to sea lanes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama Desert - the driest desert in the world - spreads across the northern part of the country; the crater lake of Ojos del Salado is the world's highest lake (at 6,390 m)

Irrigated land

11,990 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

6,339 km Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km

border countries

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

total

6,339 km

Land use

1.74% 0.6% 97.65% (2011)

arable land

1.74%

other

97.65% (2011)

permanent crops

0.6%

Location

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

Map references

South America

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 nm 200/350 nm

contiguous zone

24 nm

continental shelf

200/350 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis significant volcanic activity due to more than three-dozen active volcanoes along the Andes Mountains; Lascar (elev. 5,592 m), which last erupted in 2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes; Llaima (elev. 3,125 m) in central Chile, which last erupted in 2009, is another of the country's most active; Chaiten's 2008 eruption forced major evacuations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Cerro Hudson, Copahue, Guallatiri, Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, Puyehue, San Pedro, and Villarrica

volcanism

significant volcanic activity due to more than three-dozen active volcanoes along the Andes Mountains; Lascar (elev. 5,592 m), which last erupted in 2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes; Llaima (elev. 3,125 m) in central Chile, which last erupted in 2009, is another of the country's most active; Chaiten's 2008 eruption forced major evacuations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Cerro Hudson, Copahue, Guallatiri, Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, Puyehue, San Pedro, and Villarrica

Natural resources

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

Terrain

low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east

Total renewable water resources

922 cu km (2011)

Age structure

21% (male 1,846,433/female 1,771,225) 16.6% (male 1,457,772/female 1,398,684) 43.2% (male 3,694,178/female 3,738,355) 9.6% (male 771,790/female 872,824) 9.7% (male 694,570/female 971,114) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

21% (male 1,846,433/female 1,771,225)

15-24 years

16.6% (male 1,457,772/female 1,398,684)

25-54 years

43.2% (male 3,694,178/female 3,738,355)

55-64 years

9.6% (male 771,790/female 872,824)

65 years and over

9.7% (male 694,570/female 971,114) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

14.12 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

82,882 3 % (2003 est.)

percentage

3 % (2003 est.)

total number

82,882

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

0.5% (2008)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

64.2% percent of women aged 15-44 (2006)

Death rate

5.86 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

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.

Dependency ratios

45 % 30.6 % 14.5 % 6.9 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

14.5 %

potential support ratio

6.9 (2013)

total dependency ratio

45 %

youth dependency ratio

30.6 %

Drinking water source

urban: 99% of population rural: 75% of population total: 96% of population urban: 1% of population rural: 25% of population total: 4% of population (2010 est.)

rural

25% of population

total

4% of population (2010 est.)

urban

1% of population

Education expenditures

4.2% of GDP (2010)

Ethnic groups

white and white-Amerindian 95.4%, Mapuche 4%, other indigenous groups 0.6% (2002 census)

Health expenditures

7.5% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.4% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

40,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

2 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

7.19 deaths/1,000 live births 7.67 deaths/1,000 live births 6.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

6.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

7.19 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Spanish (official), Mapudungun, German, English

Life expectancy at birth

78.27 years 75.25 years 81.42 years (2013 est.)

female

81.42 years (2013 est.)

total population

78.27 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 98.6% 98.6% 98.5% (2009 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

98.5% (2009 est.)

male

98.6%

total population

98.6%

Major urban areas - population

SANTIAGO (capital) 6.034 million; Valparaiso 865,000 (2011)

Maternal mortality rate

25 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

33 years 31.8 years 34.3 years (2013 est.)

female

34.3 years (2013 est.)

male

31.8 years

total

33 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

23.7 (2004 est.)

Nationality

Chilean(s) Chilean

adjective

Chilean

noun

Chilean(s)

Net migration rate

0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

29.4% (2008)

Physicians density

1.03 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

17,216,945 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

0.86% (2013 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, other Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 98% of population rural: 83% of population total: 96% of population urban: 2% of population rural: 17% of population total: 4% of population (2010 est.)

rural

17% of population

total

4% of population (2010 est.)

urban

2% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

15 years 15 years 15 years (2011)

female

15 years (2011)

male

15 years

total

15 years

Sex ratio

1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.99 male(s)/female 0.88 male(s)/female 0.71 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.99 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.88 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.71 male(s)/female

at birth

1.04 male(s)/female

total population

0.97 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.85 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

17.5% 15.2% 21.1% (2011)

female

21.1% (2011)

total

17.5%

Urbanization

89% of total population (2010) 1.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

89% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

15 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, Maule, Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

Capital

Santiago 33 27 S, 70 40 W UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, under a new pilot program begins second Sunday in September; ends fourth Sunday in April Valparaiso is the seat of the national legislature

daylight saving time

+1hr, under a new pilot program begins second Sunday in September; ends fourth Sunday in April

geographic coordinates

33 27 S, 70 40 W

name

Santiago

time difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

many previous; latest adopted 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended many times, last in 2011 (2011)

Country name

Republic of Chile Chile Republica de Chile Chile

conventional long form

Republic of Chile

conventional short form

Chile

local long form

Republica de Chile

local short form

Chile

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Stephen M. LISTON Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago APO AA 34033 [56] (2) 330-3000 [56] (2) 330-3710, 330-3160

chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Stephen M. LISTON

embassy

Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago

FAX

[56] (2) 330-3710, 330-3160

mailing address

APO AA 34033

telephone

[56] (2) 330-3000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Felipe BULNES Serrano (since 5 April 2012) 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 [1] (202) 785-1746 [1] (202) 887-5579 Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco

chancery

1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

chief of mission

Ambassador Felipe BULNES Serrano (since 5 April 2012)

consulate(s) general

Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco

FAX

[1] (202) 887-5579

telephone

[1] (202) 785-1746

Executive branch

President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010) Cabinet appointed by the president president elected by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 13 December 2009 with runoff election held on 17 January 2010 (next to be held 17 November 2013) Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president; percent of vote - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 51.6%; Eduardo FREI 48.4%

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president

chief of state

President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

election results

Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president; percent of vote - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 51.6%; Eduardo FREI 48.4%

elections

president elected by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 13 December 2009 with runoff election held on 17 January 2010 (next to be held 17 November 2013)

head of government

President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010)

Flag description

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red represents the blood spilled to achieve independence design was influenced by the US flag

Government type

republic

Independence

18 September 1810 (from Spain)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

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

Judicial branch

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (consists of a court president and 20 members or ministros); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 members); Electoral Court (consists of 5 members) Supreme Court judges appointed by the president 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, 1 by the president of the republic, 2 by the National Security Council, and 1 by the Senate; members serve 8-year terms with partial court replacement every 4 years (the court reviews constitutionality of legislation); Electoral Court member appointments - 4 by the Supreme Court and 1 a former president or vice-president of the Senate or Chamber of Deputies selected by the Supreme Court; member term NA 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

highest court(s)

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (consists of a court president and 20 members or ministros); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 members); Electoral Court (consists of 5 members)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court judges appointed by the president 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, 1 by the president of the republic, 2 by the National Security Council, and 1 by the Senate; members serve 8-year terms with partial court replacement every 4 years (the court reviews constitutionality of legislation); Electoral Court member appointments - 4 by the Supreme Court and 1 a former president or vice-president of the Senate or Chamber of Deputies selected by the Supreme Court; member term NA

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

Legal system

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

Legislative branch

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (38 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve eight-year terms; one-half elected every four years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Senate - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in November 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in November 2013) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPD 9 (PDC 4, PPD 3, PS 2), APC 9 (RN 6, UDI 3); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 58 (UDI 37, RN 18, other 3), CPD 57 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5, PC 3, other 1), PRI 3, independent 2; note - as of 19 February 2013, the composition of the entire legislature is as follows: Senate - seats by party - CPD 19 (PDC 9, PPD 4, PS 5, PRSD 1), Coalition for Change (former APC) 16 (RN 8, UDI 8), independent 2, MAS 1; Chamber of Deputies - seats by party - Coalition for Change (former APC) 56 (UDI 39, RN 17), CPD 53 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5), independent 5, PC 3, PRI 2, IC 1

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPD 9 (PDC 4, PPD 3, PS 2), APC 9 (RN 6, UDI 3); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 58 (UDI 37, RN 18, other 3), CPD 57 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5, PC 3, other 1), PRI 3, independent 2; note - as of 19 February 2013, the composition of the entire legislature is as follows: Senate - seats by party - CPD 19 (PDC 9, PPD 4, PS 5, PRSD 1), Coalition for Change (former APC) 16 (RN 8, UDI 8), independent 2, MAS 1; Chamber of Deputies - seats by party - Coalition for Change (former APC) 56 (UDI 39, RN 17), CPD 53 (PDC 19, PPD 18, PS 11, PRSD 5), independent 5, PC 3, PRI 2, IC 1

elections

Senate - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in November 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 December 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)

National anthem

"Himno Nacional de Chile" (National Anthem of Chile) Eusebio LILLO Robles and Bernardo DE VERA y Pintado/Ramon CARNICER y Battle music adopted 1828, original lyrics adopted 1818, adapted lyrics adopted 1847; under Augusto PINOCHET"s military rule, a verse glorifying the army was added; however, as a protest, some citizens refused to sing this verse; it was removed when democracy was restored in 1990

lyrics/music

Eusebio LILLO Robles and Bernardo DE VERA y Pintado/Ramon CARNICER y Battle

name

"Himno Nacional de Chile" (National Anthem of Chile)

National holiday

Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

National symbol(s)

huemul (mountain deer); Andean condor

Political parties and leaders

Broad Social Movement or MAS [Alejandro NAVARRO Brain] Citizen Left or IC Equality Party [Lautaro GUANCA Vallejos] Coalition for Change or CC (also known as the Alliance for Chile (Alianza) or APC) (including National Renewal or RN [Carlos LARRAIN Pena], and Independent Democratic Union or UDI [Patricio MELERO] Coalition of Parties for Democracy (Concertacion) or CPD (including Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Ignacio WALKER Prieto], Party for Democracy or PPD [Jaime Daniel QUINTANA Leal], Radical Social Democratic Party or PRSD [Jose Antonio GOMEZ Urrutia], and Socialist Party or PS [Osvaldo ANDRADE Lara]) Communist Party of Chile (Partido Comunista de Chile) or PC [Guillermo TEILLIER del Valle] Ecological Green Party [Cristian VILLAROEL Novoa] Humanist Party or PH [Danilo MONTEVERDE Reyes] Independent Regionalist Party or PRI [Carlos OLIVARES Zepeda] Progressive Party or PRO [Marco ENRIQUEZ-OMINAMI Gumucio]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Roman Catholic Church, particularly conservative groups such as Opus Dei United Labor Central or CUT includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor confederations university student federations at all major universities

other

university student federations at all major universities

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal and voluntary

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

$58.81 billion $57.38 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$57.38 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$58.81 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

0.5% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

3.12% (31 December 2010 est.) 0.5% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

10.06% (31 December 2012 est.) 9.03% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-9.499 billion (2012 est.) $-3.281 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$112.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $96.24 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

52.1 (2009) 57.1 (2000)

Economy - 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 account for approximately one-third of GDP, with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports. Copper alone provides 19% of government revenue. From 2003 through 2012, real growth averaged almost 5% per year, despite the slight contraction in 2009 that resulted from the global financial crisis. Chile deepened its longstanding commitment to trade liberalization with the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect on 1 January 2004. Chile has 22 trade agreements covering 60 countries including agreements with the European Union, Mercosur, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico. Chile has joined the United States and nine other countries in negotiating the Trans-Pacific-Partnership trade agreement. In 2012, foreign direct investment inflows reached $28.2 billion, an increase of 63% over the previous record set in 2011. The Chilean Government has generally followed a countercyclical fiscal policy, accumulating surpluses in sovereign wealth funds during periods of high copper prices and economic growth, and generally allowing deficit spending only during periods of low copper prices and growth. As of 31 December 2012, those sovereign wealth funds - kept mostly outside the country and separate from Central Bank reserves - amounted to more than $20.9 billion. Chile used these funds to finance fiscal stimulus packages during the 2009 economic downturn. In May 2010 Chile signed the OECD Convention, becoming the first South American country to join the OECD.

Exchange rates

Chilean pesos (CLP) per US dollar - 486.49 (2012 est.) 483.67 (2011 est.) 510.25 (2010 est.) 560.86 (2009) 509.02 (2008)

Exports

$78.28 billion (2012 est.) $81.46 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

China 23.3%, US 12.3%, Japan 10.7%, South Korea 5.8%, Brazil 5.5% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

62.5% 12.1% 24.1% 0.8% 34.2% -33.9% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

34.2%

government consumption

12.1%

household consumption

62.5%

imports of goods and services

-33.9%

investment in fixed capital

24.1%

investment in inventories

0.8%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

3.6% 36% 60.4% (2012 est.)

agriculture

3.6%

industry

36%

services

60.4% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$18,200 (2012 est.) $17,400 (2011 est.) $16,600 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

5.6% (2012 est.) 5.8% (2011 est.) 5.7% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$264.5 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$316.9 billion (2012 est.) $300.1 billion (2011 est.) $283.7 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

21.4% of GDP (2012 est.) 22.2% of GDP (2011 est.) 23.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.5% 42.8% (2009 est.)

highest 10%

42.8% (2009 est.)

lowest 10%

1.5%

Imports

$74.86 billion (2012 est.) $70.91 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

US 22.9%, China 18.2%, Argentina 6.6%, Brazil 6.5% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

4.8% (2012 est.)

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3% (2012 est.) 3.3% (2011 est.)

Labor force

8.234 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

13.2% 23% 63.9% (2005)

agriculture

13.2%

industry

23%

services

63.9% (2005)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$270.3 billion (31 December 2011) $341.6 billion (31 December 2010) $209.5 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

15.1% (2009 est.)

Public debt

11.9% of GDP (2012 est.) 11.1% of GDP (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$41.65 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $41.94 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$193.2 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $191.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$91.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $70.21 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$192.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $162.5 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$202.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $164.1 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$40.95 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $34.54 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

22.2% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

6.3% (2012 est.) 6.6% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

80.1 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

169,700 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

17,340 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

150 million bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

53.93 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

62% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

33.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

4.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

734 million kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

16.21 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

62.86 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

5.296 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

3.83 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - production

1.144 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

97.97 billion cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

321,700 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

13,040 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

154,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

187,200 bbl/day (2010 est.)

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; large number of privately owned TV stations; about 250 radio stations (2007)

Internet country code

.cl

Internet hosts

2.152 million (2012)

Internet users

7.009 million (2009)

Telephone system

privatization began in 1988; most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in South America; modern system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations number of fixed-line connections have stagnated in recent years as mobile-cellular usage continues to increase, reaching 130 telephones per 100 persons 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) (2011)

domestic

number of fixed-line connections have stagnated in recent years as mobile-cellular usage continues to increase, reaching 130 telephones per 100 persons

general assessment

privatization began in 1988; most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in South America; modern system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations

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) (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

3.276 million (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

24.13 million (2012)

Airports

481 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

24 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

23

2,438 to 3,047 m

7

914 to 1,523 m

31

over 3,047 m

5

total

90

under 914 m

24 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

319 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

11

2,438 to 3,047 m

5

914 to 1,523 m

56

total

391

Heliports

1 (2013)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 13, cargo 5, chemical tanker 7, container 2, liquefied gas 1, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 8, roll on/roll off 1 1 (Norway 1) 52 (Argentina 6, Brazil 1, Honduras 1, Isle of Man 9, Liberia 9, Panama 14, Peru 6, Singapore 6) (2010)

foreign-owned

1 (Norway 1)

registered in other countries

52 (Argentina 6, Brazil 1, Honduras 1, Isle of Man 9, Liberia 9, Panama 14, Peru 6, Singapore 6) (2010)

total

42

Pipelines

gas 3,160 km; liquid petroleum gas 781 km; oil 985 km; refined products 722 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

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

major seaport(s)

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

Railways

7,082 km 3,435 km 1.676-m gauge (850 km electrified) 3,647 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

narrow gauge

3,647 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

total

7,082 km

Roadways

77,764 km 18,119 km (includes 2,387 km of expressways) 59,645 km (2010)

total

77,764 km

unpaved

59,645 km (2010)

Manpower available for military service

4,324,732 4,251,954 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

4,251,954 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

4,324,732

Manpower fit for military service

3,621,475 3,561,099 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

3,561,099 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

3,621,475

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

141,500 135,709 (2010 est.)

female

135,709 (2010 est.)

male

141,500

Military branches

Army of the Nation, Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile, includes Naval Aviation, Marine Corps, and Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine Directorate (Directemar)), Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Chile, FACh), Carabineros Corps (Cuerpo de Carabineros) (2011)

Military expenditures

2.1% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18-45 years of age for voluntary male and female military service, although the right to compulsory recruitment of males 18-45 is retained; service obligation is 12 months for Army and 22 months for Navy and Air Force (2012)

Disputes - international

Chile and Peru rebuff Bolivia's reactivated claim to restore the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, but Chile has offered instead unrestricted but not sovereign maritime access through Chile to Bolivian natural gas; Chile rejects Peru's unilateral legislation to change its latitudinal maritime boundary with Chile to an equidistance line with a southwestern axis favoring Peru; in October 2007, Peru took its maritime complaint with Chile to the ICJ; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims; the joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in 2001, has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur)

Illicit drugs

transshipment country for cocaine destined for Europe and the region; some money laundering activity, especially through the Iquique Free Trade Zone; imported precursors passed on to Bolivia; domestic cocaine consumption is rising, making Chile a significant consumer of cocaine (2008)