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Chile

The Republic of Chile is a long (2,670 miles), narrow (217 miles) country in South America located between the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the towering Andes Mountains to the east.

Prior to the 15th century, central Chile was occupied by the Araucanian people who were geographically well protected from outsiders. In the middle of the 15th century, the Incas successfully crossed the Atacama Desert in the north and began their conquest in Chile. Although the Incas were able to establish strongholds in the country, they were unable to conqure the Mapuche, one of the 3 Araucanian groups.

In the 1530's a similar scenario played out when the Spanish began their conquest here. They too, were able to establish numerous strongholds including the city of Santiago in 1541, but couldn't conquer the Mapuche despite half of the population being wiped out by disease and war.

Chile's independence movement began in 1810, however, the effort sparked a civil war with Chileans loyal to the Spanish crown. The resistance was eventually overcome and independence was declared in 1818.

Today, Chile is one of the most prosperous and stable nations in South America. Boasting Patagonia, the Andes Mountains, the beaches of the Pacific, and the fertile central valley, it is no wonder that Chile's tourism industry continues to grow.

Population: 17,772,871
Capital and Largest City: Santiago (pop. 5,428,590)
Government: Republic
Area: 291,930 sq mi
Highest Point: Nevado Ojos del Salado - 22,615 feet
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean - sea level
Time Zone: CLT (UTC-4), CLST (UTC-3 - Summer)
Monetary Unit: Chilean Peso (CLP)
National Flower: Chilean Bellflower
National Tree: Araucaria Araucana (AKA: Monkey Puzzle Tree, Chilean Pine, or Pehuen
National Bird: Andean Condor

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Last updated on: Mar-05-2019

Robinson Crusoe Island Travel Guide
This island is famous for being the location that Alexander Selkirk was stranded alone for 4 years. His story inspired the world reknowned novel "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe. Robinson Crusoe Island is also a world class, yet barely known, ecotourism destination. Added: Jul-18-2014, Hits: 4,975, Reviews: 0, Rating: 0, Votes: 0 Add To Favorites \| Add Review

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