Prior to the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule while Araucanian Indians inhabited central and southern Chile; the latter were not completely subjugated until the early 1880s. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation.

• Population: 16,134,219
• Ethnic Groups: white and white-Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2%
• Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%

• Industries: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles
• Imports: petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, natural gas
• Exports: copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine

• Tourism Authority of Chile
• Chile Embassy
• Chile Online Newspaper