Chile!!!!

Location Chile is located on the south western coast of South America. The surrounding countries are Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. Chile’s entire western border is the Atlantic Ocean. Chile is one of only two countries in South America not bordering Brazil.

The Chilean Flag The flag is known as “La estrella solitaria" (the lone star). The star represents a guide to progress and honor. The blue stands for the sky and the Pacific Ocean. The white symbolizes the snow-covered Andes. The red stands for the blood spilled to achieve independence.

Chilean Facts Population: 16,601,707 (July 2009 est.) Climate: Temperate North is desert climate. Central region is Mediterranean South is cold and damp Ethnic groups: White and white-Amerindian 95.4%, Mapuche 4%, other indigenous groups 0.6% Religions: Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census) Languages: Spanish (official), Mapudungun, German, English Chile’s GDP is $15,400 ranked 77th in the world.

Temuco Temuco is the capital of the Araucania Region, Chile. The city is located 670 km south of Santiago. The population of Temuco is 245,347 people making it the sixth largest city in Chile. Temuco is located near the south center of Chile.

September 18th September 18th 1810 Chile fought and earned their freedom from Spain. During this day and the days following there are countless parties, festivals, and celebrations. Much of the celebrations occur in ramadas or open building with cloth made roofs. Ramadas feature a dance floor, music, and tables to eat. During the festivals and parties the main dance is la cueca. On September 19th there also is a holiday. This holiday celebrates all armed forces and all military victories.

Food European immigration brought the Chileans various styles of cooking heavily like Italian and German. Many Chilean recipes are accompanied by wine. Chilean cuisine stems forms mainly from traditional Spanish customs because of the old Spanish rule in Chile. There are distinctive differences in the cuisine of each region from each other. This is due to the climate differences in each region which changes what crops are grown.

Culture and People The family occupies a central role in Chilean life. Extended families are very close and often meet for major occasions and celebrations. Many small firms will be 100% family run. Majority of the treatment of people depends on the social rank. As a result people present themselves in the best possible way. As for greetings men will usually shake hands.
Women generally pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder.

Chilean Government The Chilean Government is a republic. Michelle Bachelet Jeria is the president of Chile. Their government has three political branches just like are ours.

Sports Sports are not sponsored often in Chile. There are only a few public sport centers. Private sport clubs are often exclusive and very expensive. The national sport is soccer. If you prefer other sports. Other activities mainly include running and swimming.

Chile Landmarks Easter Island is one of the world's most famous, but least visited, archaeological sites. In the Atacama Desert the Pukará de Quitor on Guitar hill stands the remains of an Inca fort in the 12th century. La Portada is a stone arch in the ocean. A natural monument formed by the sea's erosive action against the coast. A particularly scenic spot in an area of natural beauty.