Chile Facts: Interesting Fun Facts about Chile

Chile is officially known as the ‘Republic of Chile’. Chile lies in South America and it is bordered by Peru in the North, Bolivia in the Northeast, Drake Passage in the South and Argentina in the east. The Andes mountains lie to the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west.

Fun Facts About Chile At a Glance
There are many Chile facts interesting for kids and adults. Some of them are listed below.

• Chile is 4300 kilometers long and approximately 175 kilometers wide. The total geographical area of Chile is 756,626 square kilometers.
• The capital of Chile is Santiago (de Chile).
• One of the Chile facts for kids is that the current northern part of Chile was added to its territory in 1883, after Chile won a war against Peru and Bolivia.
• The local currency of Chile is called ‘Chilean Peso’. It is divided into 100 centavos.
• Till the 16th century, Northern Chile was ruled by Inca rule and Central and Southern Chile was occupied by Mapuches, also known as ‘Araucanian Indians’.
• There was Marxist rule for three years, but it was overthrown by a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet’s rule lasted from 1973 to 1990. In 1990, a freely elected President was installed at the helm of affairs.
• The President is the Chief of State as well as Head of the Government. A President is elected by a popular vote for a single term of four years.
• The Senate of Chile is bicameral. The Houses are called Congreso Nacional (National Congress) and Camara de Diputados (Chamber of Deputies). The members of National Congress serve an eight year term whereas members of Chamber of Deputies serve a four year term.
• Chile has a Republican type of government. It is divided into 13 administrative regions.
• Natural resources found in Chile are timber, iron ore, nitrates, copper and precious metals. Chile is also rich in hydro-power.
• Wheat, corn, beans, grapes, timber, fish and beef are the common agriculture produce. One of the fun facts about Chile is that it is the second largest producer of salmons in the world.
• Chile exports fish,fruits, copper, paper and pulp and chemicals.
• Christianity is the religion followed in Chile. 89% of the population is Roman Catholic, Protestants make 10% and others make 1% of the population.
• Spanish language is the official language and its the most widely spoken language in this South American country. The other languages widely spoken are Mapudungu (the language of the Mapuche), Rapanui (Easter Island) and Aymara.
• Another fun fact about Chile is that the National holiday in Chile is 18th September as it got its independence from the Spaniards on 18th September 1810.
• The national game of Chile is soccer.
• People often entertain friends at home and guests give a small gift as a token of appreciation and thanks.
• There are 2000 volcanoes in Chile, out of which 50 are active volcanoes.
• One of the fun facts about Chile is, that it is the sixth largest exporter of wines.
• One Chile fact interesting for kids is that, it is a founding member of United Nations (UN) as well as Union of South American Nations.

Chile Facts Interesting For Kids
The climatic conditions in Chile swing from driest Atacama desert in the north, to Mediterranean climate in the center and rainy temperate climate in the south. Its climate is exactly opposite to that of United States of America. Another Chile fact interesting for kids is that it is the narrowest country in the world and also the 38th largest country in the world. Japan is half as big as Chile. Topping the list of fun facts about Chile is the fact that it is one of two countries who do not share a border with Brazil. The other country, which does not share its border with Brazil, is Ecuador. What makes Chile facts interesting for kids is that it has a ribbon like shape which is responsible for its varying climate. One of the interesting Chile facts and figures is that Chile lays claim over 1,250,000 square kilometers of Antarctica, although United States of America does not recognize this claim made by Chile.

Chileans are considered the most formal in the whole of South America. Men greet each other with a handshake while women greet each other in an informal setting by giving a single kiss on a cheek. After writing about the Chile facts interesting for kids, the country has come into my list of ‘must visit places’. Lets see when do I get the opportunity to do so.