1. Republic of Chile Republica de Chile Capital: Santiago
By: Catie Whelan

2. The Basics Government: Republic democracy
President: Michelle BACHELET Jeria
Climate: temperate; desert in the north; Mediterranean in the central region and cool and damp in the south
Natural Resources: copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower
Currency: Chilean Peso
Exports: copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine
Export Partners: US, Japan, China, Netherlands, South Korea, Brazil, Italy, Mexico
Imports: petroleum, petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles and natural gas.
Import Partners: Argentina, US, Brazil, China, South Korea, Yemen

3. People Land Area: 756,950 sq km (includes the Easter Islands)
Population: 16,284,741
Population Density: 21 /km² or 54 /sq mi
Population Growth Rate: 0.916%
Net Migration Rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population
Life Expectancy: years (total); (males); 80.4 (women)
Main Ethnic Groups: white and white-Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2%
Major Religion: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish 0.1%

4. Economy GDP (per capita): $12,700 GDP Growth Rate: 4.2%
GDP (official exchange rate): $111.8 billion
GDP (per capita): $12,700
GDP Growth Rate: 4.2%
GDP (by sector): agriculture: 5.9%; industry: 49.3%; services: 44.7%
Inflation Rate: 2.6%
Unemployment Rate: 7.8%
Government Budget: revenues: $36.71 billion expenditures: $26.68 billion; including capital expenditures of $3.33 billion
Debt: 3.9% of GDP
Current Account Balance: $5.063 billion

5. Fiscal and Monetary Policy
Used tight monetary policy in 1998 and 1999 to reign in current account deficit
Have high amounts of government spending
New tax reforms to promote R & D
Rapid appreciation of Chilean Peso
Large amounts of FDI – goes into energy sectors
Savings is 22.3%
Stable Economy

6. Trade Zones Chile has a very open view towards free trade zones
Has 57 trade agreements
United States, China, India, South Korea, EU and Mexico
Working on trade agreements with Asia

7. Social Policies Privatized pensions
Government sponsored Internet centers
2 Welfare systems
Adult Education Programs
Work Training Programs
Low crime rate

8. External Relations Best relations with United States in history
Disputes with Bolivia, Peru and in Antarctica
Best relations with United States in history
On good terms with most countries

9. References
 Background note: Chile. (2007). Retrieved 5/11, 2007, from
Central bank of Chile. (2007). Retrieved 5/12, 2007, from
Chilean government. (2007). Retrieved 5/11, 2007, from
CIA world factbook: Chile. (2007). Retrieved 5/11, 2007, from
World of wonders project the Andes expedition. Retrieved 5/11, 2007, from