BY: TIM LUCZAK Chile

The Basics of Chile Chile is a long, narrow coastal strip in South America between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west The capital is Santiago Official language is Spanish National motto, “By reason or by force” The government is unitary presidential republic The current president is Sebastian Pinera

The Flag The Lone Star Adopted on October 18, 1817 The Star represents a guide to progress and honor The blue represents the sky and the Pacific ocean The white represents the snow-covered Andes Mountains The red represents the blood spilled to achieve independence

Independence In the beginning, before the 16 th century Chile was under Inca rule while the indigenous Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile Then the Spanish came and wiped out the Inca and began ruling Chile Chile declared independence on February 12, 1818

Historical Significance The significance of Chile is that it is the most stable and prosperous country of South America Chile leads Latin American nations in 1. human development 5. globalization 2. competitiveness 6. economic freedom 3. quality of life 7. low perception of corruption 4. political stability 8. comparatively low poverty rates Chile was the first South American country to join The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Chile’s Fiestas Patrias This fiesta takes place on September 18 but celebrated days in advance and days after September 19 is known as the “Day of the Glories of the Chilean Army” This holiday is celebrated for the independence from Spain Celebrated with parades, festivities, food, music, and beverages

Centro Cultural Palacio This is a fairly new addition to Chile at the capital, Santiago Its purpose is to showcase the fascinating heritage of Chile It is also intended to place the Chilean capital in the international cultural circuit

The Patagonia This site is at the southern most part of Chile It is a place of stunning sites of glaciers that will be gone in years due to the effect of global temperatures Due to how south it is, the Patagonia is shared by Chile and Argentina

Jose Miguel Carrera Verdugo A Chilean General Considered one of the founders of independent Chile Verdugo is the most important leader of the Chilean War of Independence

Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria Bachelet was the 1 st Chilean female president She was the 34 th president and of the socialist party In 2009, Bachelet was ranked 22 nd of 100 most powerful woman in the world

The Islands of Chile Being on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Chile owns many islands  Easter Island with a Polynesian culture  Robinson Crusoe Island is a remote island with green hills and great diving sites  Chiloe Island is a rural community with a distinct culture, sea kayaking, and wildlife  Tierra del Fuego is the largest island and is split between Chile and Argentina

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