Quick Facts:

Area:	756.950 sq. km
Population:	15, 980, 912 (July 2005 est.)
Capital:	Santiago
Language:	Spanish (Official)
Religion:	Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%
Currency:	Chilean Peso (CLP)
YFU Chile’s web site:	www.yfuchile.cl

Introduction

Visiting Chile involves taking a trip to the “end of the world.”Famous for being one of the longest and narrowest countries in the world, Chile has a long coastline on the Pacific with fine beaches, resorts, and internationally well-known ski centers at the Cordillera de los Andes. Both Charles Darwin’s Beagle and histories of Magellan’s journeys to the new world provide some special geographical and historical insight in this country.

Short Facts
Area: Chile lies on the west coast of South America. It is bounded on the north by Peru and Bolivia, and on the east by Argentina. Chile’s Pacific coastline stretches south all the way to the South Pole. Continental Chile covers 756,950 sq. km. If you include the islands and South Pole territories, the total area of the country is 2,006,626 sq. km. At the southern tip of Chile's mainland is Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in the world, and beyond that lies the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego, an island divided between Chile and Argentina. The distance from the farthest northern to the farthest southern points of Chile equals 6,870 km. (roughly the stretch between New York and San Francisco). But the widest point of the country (east to west), is only 730 km. and narrows in some places to only 145 km. The geography of Chile offersextremes, such as:-The Atacamadesert in the north, with spectacular landscapes and the world’s largest open pit copper mine.-The Central Zone, with its heavily farmed valleys, large towns, flourishing industries, and thriving cultural activities. It is the most densely populated region.-The countless Emerald Lakes to the south, surrounded by great pine forests, volcanoes, and incomparable scenery.-The Antarctic, in the Southern Zone, with its ice-blue glaciers, icebergs, and fjords.-Last, but not least, the incredible Easter Island, which has intrigued the world for centuries with its famous statues called “Moais.”

Climate: In the north of Chile, it hardly ever rains. The central region has a hot summer (December-March), a sunny autumn (March to June), a rainy winter, and a mild spring. In the south, the climate varies from cool to cold with frequent rain.

Population: Chile is one of the most urbanized countries in Latin America. It has a growing population, currently at 15.3 million. Ethnic groups are Spanish-Indian, European, and Indian. About 85% of the population lives in urban centers. Most have Spanish ancestry, but Chile also has had influential groups of English and German immigrants. About 400,000 aboriginal descendants live in the south-central area. Most are descendents from the Mapuchesor Araucanos, known for their heroic resistance to foreign domination.

Language: The language spoken in Chile is Spanish. All Spanish speaking countries speak different styles of Spanish and Chile is not the exception.

Religion: The great majority of the population is Roman Catholic; there is no official religion in Chile. Many other faiths are also practiced.

Government: Since its independence, Chile has been a Republic. However, although a multiparty, parliamentary government took effect in 1891, large estate owners and wealthy business people continued to dominate. After a short period of military rule (1924-25), a more progressive constitution came into effect. For a period, left-wing governments gained influence, including Salvador Allende, who won the 1970 elections and nationalized mines, industries, and public services. Allendewas diposedand died in a military coup in 1973. The coup was followed by 16 years of a military dictatorship under General AugustoPinochet. He in turn repressed the political opposition, abolished congress, and banned all political parties. Democratic elections were held in 1989 and democracy was restored in 1990. The President of Chile is both the chief of state and head of government. He is assisted by a 20 member cabinet. There is a bicameral legislature (CongresoNacional), which consists of a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies.

History: When the Spanish discovered Chile in the 16th century, Quechua tribes inhabited the northern region and Araucaniantribes lived in the central region and part of the southern region. The Incas were in control of the northern areas and part of central Chile. What is now the capital city, Santiago, was founded in 1541. The first Spanish settlers were mainly from Andaluciaand were attracted to central Chile because of its pleasant climate and fertile soil. However, the settlers had to fend off repeated assaults from the Araucaniansand other native peoples. The war with the indigenous Indians continued into the second half of the 19th century. Under Spanish colonial rule, northern and central Chile were part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Independence was first declared in 1810. At the time of independence, central Chile was to a large extent controlled by a small upper class of Creoles (locally born Europeans), most of whom owned large estates. A period of internal unrest occurred after independence, which resulted in a restoration of Spanish rule in 1814. Combined Argentine and Chilean forces under Joséde San Martin and Bernardo O’Higgins restored Chile’s independence in 1818. O’Higgins became the country’s first president. Chile defeated Bolivia and Peru between 1879-83 for control of the AtacamaDesert, with its rich mineral deposits.

Economy:Chile is a prosperous country, rich in natural resources. Civilian governments, which took over from the military, have continued to reduce the government’s role in the economy, while also emphasizing social programs. Mining, farming, forestry, and fishing are the country’s main economic activities. Chile has encouraged a free-market economy. “Non-traditional”exports have led the country to steady growth and development. In 1996, Chile became an associate member of MERCOSUR (southern cone common market) and concluded a free trade agreement with Canada. Its major trading partners are the EU, the US, Asia, and Latin America.

Education: Chile has one of the best school systems in Latin America. Free, compulsory education is provided for students aged 7-15, who may then continue their education in senior high schools and universities. YFU students might attend either a public or private school.School is the place where exchange students make most of their friends, have the opportunity to learn various subjects, improve their language skills, and pursue their own interests.

Family life: The most striking characteristic of Chilean families is how close-knit they are. Both parents and children, along with close relatives, share daily activities as well as special social events.

Food: Examples of typical national dishes are empanada(a combination of meat, chicken or fish, with onions, eggs, raisins and olives inside a flour pastry), humitas(seasoned corn paste, wrapped in corn husks and boiled), cazuelade ave(soup with rice, vegetables, chicken, and herbs), bifea lo pobre(steak with frenchfries, onions and eggs), and parillada(selection of meat grilled over hot coals). There is also an array of seafood, including lobsters from the Juan Fernandez Island, abalone, sea urchins, clams, prawns, and giant choros(mussels).

Recreation: Chileans are outdoor people. Lakes provide excellent fishing. Sailing along the coastline is wonderful; skiing and hiking facilities are easily accessible. The skiing season runs from June-September, with various ski championships held in Portillo, Farellones, and Valle Nevadoin July. But the most popular sport, as in most of Latin America, is fútbol(soccer).

YFU ChileYFU Chile was founded in 1963 and is legally registered as a non-profit organization. It is the largest teenage exchange program in Chile and has exchanged over 5,000 students. The YFU office is situated in Santiago and supervises 25 area representatives whowork on a volunteer basis. For inbound students, YFU Chile provides counseling services and language tutoring, when needed.

Exchanges with: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, China, Colombia, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USA, and Venezuela.

Exchange activities for inbound students: Year students attend a three-day orientation program upon arrival in Santiago and then travel on to their local host families. During the year, local get-togethers are planned, where students have the chance to share their experiences with each other. Two months before departure to their home country, students attend a four-day re-entry orientation program combined with a cultural and educational tour.

Host families and placement:Most Chilean host families are of middle or upper-middle class backgrounds and live in urban areas. Most families have children who have participated in the outbound program and are personally known to the YFU community. Nevertheless, a district representative makes an in-home visit before a family can host a student.

Common Phrases

English	Spanish
Hello	Hola
Good Morning	Buenos Dias
Good Night	Buenasnoches
Please	PorFavor
My name is	Me llamo
Good Bye	Adiós