Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru.
Land Area: 748,800 sq. km. (289,111 sq. miles)
Coastline: 6,435 km (3,999 miles)
Highest Point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m (22,566 ft)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean 0 m (0 ft)
Notable Landmarks: Take a peek...

Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio Aylwin, which took over from the military in 1990, deepened the economic reform started by the military. Growth in real Gross Domestic Product averaged eight percent during 1992 to 1997, but fell to half of that level in 1998 because of lower earnings from exports. A severe drought made the problem worse in 1999. Even so, Chile maintained its reputation for solid economic policies. The economy began to grow again in 2000. Unemployment remains high. A bright spot in Chile's economic picture was the signing of a free trade agreement with the U.S., which took effect on January 1, 2004.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): $189.9 billion (2005 est.)
GDP Per Capita: $11,900 (2005 est.)
Number of Workers: 6.3 million (2005 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 8.1% (2005 est.)
Industries: Copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement and textiles.
Currency: Chilean peso

Type of Government: Republic
Head of State: President Michelle BACHELET Jeria (since 11 March 2006)
Head of Government: President Michelle BACHELET Jeria (since 11 March 2006)
Capital City: Santiago
Legal Age to Vote: 18
Flag Design: Two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side of the white band; the square bears a 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 stands for the blood spilled to achieve independence.
Languages: Spanish
Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%

A three-year-old Marxist government was overthrown in 1973 by a dictatorial military regime led by Augusto Pinochet, who ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth 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.