Chile
Republic of Chile
South America Santiago
Population
19.09M
Area
756,102 km²
GDP
$330.27B
GDP Per Capita
$30,200
Pop. Density
25/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
$Chilean peso(CLP)
Calling Code
+56
Primary Timezone
UTC-06:00
+1 more
Languages
Spanish
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Chilean
Background
Indigenous groups inhabited central and southern Chile for several thousand years, living in mixed pastoralist and settled communities. The Inca then ruled the north of the country for nearly a century prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. In 1541, the Spanish established the Captaincy General of Chile, which lasted until Chile declared its independence in 1810. The subsequent struggle with the Spanish became tied to other South American independence conflicts, with a decisive victory not being achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia to win its current northernmost regions. By the 1880s, the Chilean central government cemented its control over the central and southern regions inhabited by Mapuche Indigenous peoples. Between 1891 and 1973, a series of elected governments succeeded each other until the Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 in a military coup led by General Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a democratically elected president was inaugurated in 1990. Economic reforms that were maintained consistently since the 1980s contributed to steady growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and 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.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑114.7% since 2006$154B (2006)$330B (2024)
Population
↑19.7% since 200616.5M (2006)19.8M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 81.2 years2006: 78.5 years2023: 81.2 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography18
Location
Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru
Geographic coordinates
30 00 S, 71 00 W
Map references
South America
Area
total : 756,102 sq km
land: 743,812 sq km
water: 12,290 sq km
land: 743,812 sq km
water: 12,290 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana
Land boundaries
total: 7,801 km
border countries: Argentina 6,691 km; Bolivia 942 km; Peru 168 km
border countries: Argentina 6,691 km; Bolivia 942 km; Peru 168 km
Coastline
6,435 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200/350 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200/350 nm
Climate
temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south
Terrain
low coastal mountains, fertile central valley, rugged Andes in east
Elevation
highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,893 m (highest volcano in the world)
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 1,871 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 1,871 m
Natural resources
copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land
14.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 1.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 11.8% (2023 est.)
forest
24.5% (2023 est.)
other
61.1% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
9,094 sq km (2022)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lago General Carrera (shared with Argentina) - 2,240 sq km; Lago O'Higgins (shared with Argentina) - 1,010 sq km; Lago Llanquihue - 800 sq km; Lago Fagnano (shared with Argentina) - 590 sq km
Population distribution
90% of the population is located in the middle third of the country around the capital of Santiago; the far north, including the Atacama Desert, and the extreme south are relatively underpopulated
Natural hazards
severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis
volcanism: significant volcanic activity due to more than three-dozen active volcanoes along the Andes Mountains; Lascar (5,592 m), which last erupted in 2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes; Llaima (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, Calbuco, Copahue, Guallatiri, Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, Puyehue, San Pedro, and Villarrica; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
volcanism: significant volcanic activity due to more than three-dozen active volcanoes along the Andes Mountains; Lascar (5,592 m), which last erupted in 2007, is the most active volcano in the northern Chilean Andes; Llaima (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, Calbuco, Copahue, Guallatiri, Llullaillaco, Nevados de Chillan, Puyehue, San Pedro, and Villarrica; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
Geography - note
note 1: Chile is the longest country north-to-south in the world, extending across 39 degrees of latitude
note 2: Chile is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes
note 3: the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile is the driest desert in the world; Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) in the Atacama Desert is the highest active volcano in the world, Chile's tallest mountain, and the second-highest in the Western Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere; the volcano's small crater lake is the world's highest lake at 6,390 m
note 2: Chile is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes
note 3: the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile is the driest desert in the world; Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) in the Atacama Desert is the highest active volcano in the world, Chile's tallest mountain, and the second-highest in the Western Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere; the volcano's small crater lake is the world's highest lake at 6,390 m
People & Society33
Population
total: 19,091,343 (2025 est.)
male: 9,379,883
female: 9,711,460
male: 9,379,883
female: 9,711,460
Nationality
noun: Chilean(s)
adjective: Chilean
adjective: Chilean
Ethnic groups
White and non-Indigenous 88.9%, Mapuche 9.1%, Aymara 0.7%, other Indigenous groups 1% (includes Rapa Nui, Likan Antai, Quechua, Colla, Diaguita, Kawesqar, Yagan or Yamana), unspecified 0.3% (2012 est.)
Languages
Languages: Spanish 99.5% (official), English 10.2%, Indigenous 1% (includes Mapudungun, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui), other 2.3%, unspecified 0.2% (2012 est.)
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Catholic 57%, none 25.7%, Evangelical or Protestant 16.2%, other Christians and traditions related to Christ 1.3%; less than 1%: Buddhist, Catholic Orthodox, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Islam, Judaism, other religions, no religion (2024)
Age structure
0-14 years: 19.2% (male 1,822,908/female 1,751,528)
15-64 years: 67.3% (male 6,274,620/female 6,278,467)
65 years and over: 13.6% (2024 est.) (male 1,072,208/female 1,464,921)
15-64 years: 67.3% (male 6,274,620/female 6,278,467)
65 years and over: 13.6% (2024 est.) (male 1,072,208/female 1,464,921)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 45 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.1 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 20.9 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.8 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.1 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 20.9 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.8 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 38.9 years (2025 est.)
male: 35.8 years
female: 38.2 years
male: 35.8 years
female: 38.2 years
Population growth rate
0.46% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
8.81 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.79 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
2.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
90% of the population is located in the middle third of the country around the capital of Santiago; the far north, including the Atacama Desert, and the extreme south are relatively underpopulated
Urbanization
urban population: 88% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.78% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.78% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
6.903 million SANTIAGO (capital), 1.009 million Valparaiso, 912,000 Concepcion (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
10 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 80.3 years (2024 est.)
male: 77.3 years
female: 83.3 years
male: 77.3 years
female: 83.3 years
Total fertility rate
1.25 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.61 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.33 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
28% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 7.8 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.76 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.61 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.43 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.76 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.61 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.43 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 26.2% (2025 est.)
male: 28.4% (2025 est.)
female: 24.1% (2025 est.)
male: 28.4% (2025 est.)
female: 24.1% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
48.5% (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 4.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 18.4% national budget (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 18.4% national budget (2022 est.)
Literacy
total population: 96.4% (2017 est.)
male: 96.5% (2017 est.)
female: 96.3% (2017 est.)
male: 96.5% (2017 est.)
female: 96.3% (2017 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 17 years (2023 est.)
male: 17 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
male: 17 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Government25
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Chile
conventional short form: Chile
local long form: República de Chile
local short form: Chile
etymology: derivation of the name is unclear; it may come from a local word meaning either "land's end" or "cold," or a local word that was confused with the Mexican Spanish word chili, meaning a chili pepper, in reference to the area's shape
conventional short form: Chile
local long form: República de Chile
local short form: Chile
etymology: derivation of the name is unclear; it may come from a local word meaning either "land's end" or "cold," or a local word that was confused with the Mexican Spanish word chili, meaning a chili pepper, in reference to the area's shape
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name
Santiago; note - Valparaiso is the seat of the national legislature
geographic coordinates
33 27 S, 70 40 W
time difference
UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time
+1hr, begins second Sunday in August; ends second Sunday in May; note - Punta Arenas observes DST throughout the year
time zone note
Chile has three time zones: the continental portion at UTC-3; the southern Aysén and Magallanes regions, which do not use daylight savings time and remain at UTC-3 year-round; and Easter Island at UTC-5
etymology
Santiago is named after Saint James, the patron saint of Spain (Santo Iago in Spanish); Valparaiso derives from the Spanish words valle (valley) and paraíso (paradise)
Administrative divisions
16 regions (regiones, singular - region); Antofagasta, Araucanía, Arica y Parinacota, Atacama, Aysén, Biobío, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Los Ríos, Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena (Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica), Maule, Ñuble, Región Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapacá, Valparaíso
Legal system
civil law system influenced by several Western European civil legal systems; Constitutional Tribunal reviews legislative acts
Constitution
history: many previous; latest adopted 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; in September 2022 and again in December 2023, referendums presented for a new constitution were both defeated, and the September 1980 constitution remains in force
amendment process: proposed by members of either house of the National Congress or by the president of the republic; passage requires at least four-sevenths majority vote of the membership in both houses and approval by the president; passage of amendments to constitutional articles, such as the republican form of government, basic rights and freedoms, the Constitutional Tribunal, electoral justice, the Council of National Security, or the constitutional amendment process, requires at least four-sevenths majority vote by both houses of Congress and approval by the president; the president can opt to hold a referendum when Congress and the president disagree on an amendment
amendment process: proposed by members of either house of the National Congress or by the president of the republic; passage requires at least four-sevenths majority vote of the membership in both houses and approval by the president; passage of amendments to constitutional articles, such as the republican form of government, basic rights and freedoms, the Constitutional Tribunal, electoral justice, the Council of National Security, or the constitutional amendment process, requires at least four-sevenths majority vote by both houses of Congress and approval by the president; the president can opt to hold a referendum when Congress and the president disagree on an amendment
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
President Gabriel BORIC (since 11 March 2022)
head of government
President Gabriel BORIC (since 11 March 2022)
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a single 4-year term
most recent election date
16 November 2025, with a runoff held on 14 December 2025
election results
2025: José Antonio KAST elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jeannette Alejandra JARA Román (PCCh) 26.8%, José Antonio KAST (PLR) 23.9%, Franco Aldo PARISI Fernández (PDG) 19.7%, Johannes KAISER (PNL) 13.9%, Evelyn Rose MATTHEI Fornet (PL) 12.5%; other 3.2%; percent of vote in second round - José Antonio KAST 58.2%, Jeannette Alejandra JARA Román 41.8%; note - KAST will take office 11 March 2026
2021: Gabriel BORIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - José Antonio KAST (FSC) 27.9%; Gabriel BORIC (AD) 25.8%; Franco PARISI (PDG) 12.8%; Sebastian SICHEL (ChP+) 12.8%; Yasna PROVOSTE (New Social Pact) 11.6%; other 9.1%; percent of vote in second round - Gabriel BORIC 55.9%; Jose Antonio KAST 44.1%
2017: Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Sebastian PINERA Echenique (independent) 36.6%; Alejandro GUILLIER (independent) 22.7%; Beatriz SANCHEZ (independent) 20.3%; Jose Antonio KAST (independent) 7.9%; Carolina GOIC (PDC) 5.9%; Marco ENRIQUEZ-OMINAMI (PRO) 5.7%; other 0.9%; percent of vote in second round - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 54.6%, Alejandro GUILLIER 45.4%
2021: Gabriel BORIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - José Antonio KAST (FSC) 27.9%; Gabriel BORIC (AD) 25.8%; Franco PARISI (PDG) 12.8%; Sebastian SICHEL (ChP+) 12.8%; Yasna PROVOSTE (New Social Pact) 11.6%; other 9.1%; percent of vote in second round - Gabriel BORIC 55.9%; Jose Antonio KAST 44.1%
2017: Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Sebastian PINERA Echenique (independent) 36.6%; Alejandro GUILLIER (independent) 22.7%; Beatriz SANCHEZ (independent) 20.3%; Jose Antonio KAST (independent) 7.9%; Carolina GOIC (PDC) 5.9%; Marco ENRIQUEZ-OMINAMI (PRO) 5.7%; other 0.9%; percent of vote in second round - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 54.6%, Alejandro GUILLIER 45.4%
expected date of next election
18 November 2029 (a runoff, if needed, will take place in December 2029)
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Congress (Congreso Nacional)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados)
number of seats
155 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
4 years
most recent election date
11/21/2021
parties elected and seats per party
Chile Podemos (Empowering Chile", CP +) (53); New Social Pact (NPS) (37); Approving Dignity (AD) (37); Christian Social Front (FSC) (15); Other (13)
percentage of women in chamber
33.5%
expected date of next election
November 2025
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate (Senado)
number of seats
50 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
partial renewal
term in office
8 years
most recent election date
11/21/2021
parties elected and seats per party
Chile Podemos (Empowering Chile", CP +) (12); New Social Pact (NPS) (8); Approving Dignity (AD) (4); Independents (2); Other (1)
percentage of women in chamber
32%
expected date of next election
November 2025
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (consists of a court president and 20 members); Constitutional Court (consists of 10 members and is independent of the rest of the judiciary); Elections Qualifying Court (consists of 5 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president and judges (ministers) appointed by the president of the republic 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, 3 by the president of the republic, 2 by the Chamber of Deputies, and 2 by the Senate; members serve 9-year terms with partial membership replacement every 3 years (the court reviews constitutionality of legislation); Elections Qualifying Court members appointed by lottery - 1 by the former president or vice president of the Senate and 1 by the former president or vice president of the Chamber of Deputies, 2 by the Supreme Court, and 1 by the Appellate Court of Valparaiso; members appointed for 4-year terms
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
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president and judges (ministers) appointed by the president of the republic 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, 3 by the president of the republic, 2 by the Chamber of Deputies, and 2 by the Senate; members serve 9-year terms with partial membership replacement every 3 years (the court reviews constitutionality of legislation); Elections Qualifying Court members appointed by lottery - 1 by the former president or vice president of the Senate and 1 by the former president or vice president of the Chamber of Deputies, 2 by the Supreme Court, and 1 by the Appellate Court of Valparaiso; members appointed for 4-year terms
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
Political parties
Approve Dignity (Apruebo Dignidad) coalition or AD (included PC, FA, and FREVS); note - dissolved 2023
Broad Front Coalition (Frente Amplio) or FA (includes RD, CS, and Comunes)
Chile We Can Do More (Chile Podemos Más) or ChP+ (coalition includes EVOPOLI, PRI, RN, UDI)
Christian Democratic Party or PDC
Common Sense Party or SC
Commons (Comunes)
Communist Party of Chile or PCCh
Democratic Revolution or RD
Democrats or PD
Equality Party or PI
Green Ecological Party or PEV (dissolved 7 February 2022)
Green Popular Alliance or AVP
Humanist Action Party or PAH
Humanist Party or PH
Independent Democratic Union or UDI
Liberal Party (Partido Liberal de Chile) or PL
National Libertarian Party or PNL
National Renewal or RN
New Social Pact or NPS (includes PDC, PL, PPD, PRSD, PS)
Party for Democracy or PPD
Party of the People or PDG
Political Evolution or EVOPOLI
Popular Party or PP
Progressive Homeland Party or PRO
Radical Party or PR
Republican Party or PLR
Social Christian Party or PSC
Social Convergence or CS
Social Green Regionalist Federation or FREVS
Socialist Party or PS
Yellow Movement for Chile or AMAR
Broad Front Coalition (Frente Amplio) or FA (includes RD, CS, and Comunes)
Chile We Can Do More (Chile Podemos Más) or ChP+ (coalition includes EVOPOLI, PRI, RN, UDI)
Christian Democratic Party or PDC
Common Sense Party or SC
Commons (Comunes)
Communist Party of Chile or PCCh
Democratic Revolution or RD
Democrats or PD
Equality Party or PI
Green Ecological Party or PEV (dissolved 7 February 2022)
Green Popular Alliance or AVP
Humanist Action Party or PAH
Humanist Party or PH
Independent Democratic Union or UDI
Liberal Party (Partido Liberal de Chile) or PL
National Libertarian Party or PNL
National Renewal or RN
New Social Pact or NPS (includes PDC, PL, PPD, PRSD, PS)
Party for Democracy or PPD
Party of the People or PDG
Political Evolution or EVOPOLI
Popular Party or PP
Progressive Homeland Party or PRO
Radical Party or PR
Republican Party or PLR
Social Christian Party or PSC
Social Convergence or CS
Social Green Regionalist Federation or FREVS
Socialist Party or PS
Yellow Movement for Chile or AMAR
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Juan Gabriel VALDES Soublette (since 7 June 2022)
chancery
1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone
[1] (202) 785-1746
FAX
[1] (202) 887-5579
email address and website
consulate(s) general
Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador-designate Brandon JUDD (since November 2025)
embassy
Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago
mailing address
3460 Santiago Place, Washington DC 20521-3460
telephone
[56] (2) 2330-3000
FAX
[56] (2) 2330-3710
email address and website
International organization participation
APEC, BIS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, 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, Pacific Alliance, PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNOOSA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
18 September 1810 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day, 18 September (1810)
Flag
description: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue square sits in the top left corner of the flag, the same height as the white band; the square has a five-pointed white star in the center
meaning: the star represents a guide to progress and honor; blue stands for the sky, white for the Andes Mountains, and red for the blood spilled to achieve independence
meaning: the star represents a guide to progress and honor; blue stands for the sky, white for the Andes Mountains, and red for the blood spilled to achieve independence
National symbol(s)
huemul (mountain deer), Andean condor
National color(s)
red, white, blue
National anthem(s)
title: "Himno Nacional de Chile" (National Anthem of Chile)
lyrics/music: Eusebio LILLO Robles and Bernardo DE VERA y Pintado/Ramon CARNICER y Battle
history: music adopted 1828, original lyrics adopted 1818, adapted lyrics adopted 1847; under Augusto PINOCHET's military rule, a verse glorifying the army was added; some citizens refused to sing this verse as a protest, and it was removed when democracy was restored in 1990
lyrics/music: Eusebio LILLO Robles and Bernardo DE VERA y Pintado/Ramon CARNICER y Battle
history: music adopted 1828, original lyrics adopted 1818, adapted lyrics adopted 1847; under Augusto PINOCHET's military rule, a verse glorifying the army was added; some citizens refused to sing this verse as a protest, and it was removed when democracy was restored in 1990
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 7 (all cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Rapa Nui National Park; Churches of Chiloe; Historic Valparaiso; Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works; Sewell Mining Town; Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System; Chinchorro archeological sites
selected World Heritage Site locales: Rapa Nui National Park; Churches of Chiloe; Historic Valparaiso; Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works; Sewell Mining Town; Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System; Chinchorro archeological sites
Economy31
Economic overview
export-driven economy; leading copper producer; though hit by COVID-19, fairly quick rebound from increased liquidity and rapid vaccine rollouts; decreasing poverty but still lingering inequality; public debt rising but still manageable; recent political violence has had negative economic consequences
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $596.556 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $581.187 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $578.173 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $581.187 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $578.173 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 2.6% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 0.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 2.2% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 0.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 2.2% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $30,200 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $29,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $29,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $29,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $29,600 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$330.267 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 4.3% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 7.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 11.6% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 7.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 11.6% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 3.9% (2024 est.)
industry: 30.1% (2024 est.)
services: 56.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 30.1% (2024 est.)
services: 56.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
58.1% (2024 est.)
government consumption
15.1% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
23.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
-0.3% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
33.7% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-30.1% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
grapes, milk, apples, wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, chicken, maize, sugar beets, pork (2023)
Industries
copper, lithium, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles
Industrial production growth rate
3.5% (2024 est.)
Labor force
10.088 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 9.1% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 9.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 8.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 9.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 8.3% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 22.3% (2024 est.)
male: 20.3% (2024 est.)
female: 24.9% (2024 est.)
male: 20.3% (2024 est.)
female: 24.9% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
6.5% (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 43 (2022 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 19.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.3% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 34.5% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 34.5% (2022 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $77.003 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $85.024 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $85.024 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 21% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
17.7% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$4.853 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$10.497 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$26.656 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$10.497 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$26.656 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $111.123 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $103.256 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $107.039 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $103.256 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $107.039 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
China 39%, USA 16%, Japan 7%, S. Korea 6%, Brazil 4% (2023)
Exports - commodities
copper ore, refined copper, fish, carbonates, pitted fruits (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $99.239 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $100.082 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $118.928 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $100.082 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $118.928 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
China 23%, USA 20%, Brazil 10%, Argentina 7%, Germany 5% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, cars, garments, trucks (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $44.403 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $46.377 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $39.102 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $46.377 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $39.102 billion (2022 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Chilean pesos (CLP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
943.572 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
840.067 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
873.314 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
758.955 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
792.727 (2020 est.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 39.238 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 83.295 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 4.384 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 83.295 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 4.384 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels
35.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
20.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind
10.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
26.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal
0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
5.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 474,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 8.087 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 63,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 7.589 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.181 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 8.087 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 63,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 7.589 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.181 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 11,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 404,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 150 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 404,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 150 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 1.362 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 6.5 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 39.009 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 5.196 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 97.976 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 6.5 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 39.009 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 5.196 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 97.976 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 71.42 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.74 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 26.2 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 133 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 133 (2024 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 and is not under direct government control; large number of privately owned TV stations; about 250 radio stations
Internet country code
.cl
Internet users
percent of population: 95% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 4.52 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
CC
Airports
379 (2025)
Heliports
115 (2025)
Railways
total: 7,281.5 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 3,853.5 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
broad gauge: 3,428 km (2014) 1.676-m gauge (1,691 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 3,853.5 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
broad gauge: 3,428 km (2014) 1.676-m gauge (1,691 km electrified)
Merchant marine
total: 249 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 5, general cargo 66, oil tanker 14, other 161
by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 5, general cargo 66, oil tanker 14, other 161
Ports
total ports
39 (2024)
large
0
medium
2
small
10
very small
27
ports with oil terminals
25
key ports
Antofagasta, Bahia de Valdivia, Bahia de Valparaiso, Coronel, Iquique, Mejillones, Puerto Montt, Puerto San Antonio, Rada de Arica, Rada Punta Arenas, Talcahuano, Tocopilla
Military & Security6
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Chile (Fuerzas Armadas de Chile): Chilean Army (Ejército de Chile), Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile, includes Marine Corps and Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine Directorate or Directemar), Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Chile, FACh) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 70,000 active Armed Forces (40,000 Army; 20,000 Navy; 10,000 Air Force); approximately 50,000 Carabineros (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Chilean military's inventory is comprised of a mix of mostly older foreign supplied armaments and some domestically produced weapons systems; significant foreign suppliers have included Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the US; Chile's defense industry is active in the production of military aircraft, ships, and vehicles (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-24 for voluntary military service for men and women (17 for men with parental permission); selective compulsory service for men 18-24 (there are usually enough volunteers to make compulsory service unnecessary); service obligation is a maximum of 24 months (2025)
Military - note
the Chilean military's responsibilities are territorial defense, ensuring the country’s sovereignty, assisting with disaster and humanitarian relief, and providing some internal security duties such as border security or maintaining public order if required; a key focus in recent years has been assisting with securing the border area with Bolivia and Peru; it trains regularly and participates in bilateral and multinational training exercises, as well as international peacekeeping operations
Chile and Argentina have a joint peacekeeping force known as the Combined Southern Cross Peacekeeping Force (FPC), designed to be made available to the UN; the FPC is made up of air, ground, and naval components, as well as a combined logistics support unit
the Chilean Army was founded in 1810, but traces its origins back to the Army of the Kingdom of Chile, which was established by the Spanish Crown in the early 1600s; Chile's military aviation was inaugurated in 1913 with the creation of a military aviation school; the Navy traces its origins to 1817; it was first led by a British officer and the first ships were largely crewed by American, British, and Irish sailors; by the 1880s, the Chilean Navy was one of the most powerful in the Americas, and included the world’s first protected cruiser (a ship with an armored deck to protect vital machine spaces) (2025)
Chile and Argentina have a joint peacekeeping force known as the Combined Southern Cross Peacekeeping Force (FPC), designed to be made available to the UN; the FPC is made up of air, ground, and naval components, as well as a combined logistics support unit
the Chilean Army was founded in 1810, but traces its origins back to the Army of the Kingdom of Chile, which was established by the Spanish Crown in the early 1600s; Chile's military aviation was inaugurated in 1913 with the creation of a military aviation school; the Navy traces its origins to 1817; it was first led by a British officer and the first ships were largely crewed by American, British, and Irish sailors; by the 1880s, the Chilean Navy was one of the most powerful in the Americas, and included the world’s first protected cruiser (a ship with an armored deck to protect vital machine spaces) (2025)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 15,788 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 8,323 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 1,688 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 8,323 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 1,688 (2024 est.)