Chile

I

Introduction

Chile, republic, south-western South America, bordered on the north by Peru, on the east by Bolivia and Argentina, and on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean. It has an extreme north-south length of approximately 4,270 km (2,650 mi), but its average width is less than 180 km (110 mi). Archipelagos extend along the southern Chilean coast from Chiloé Island to Cape Horn, the southernmost point of the South American continent. Among these are the Chonos Archipelago, Wellington Island, and the western portion of Tierra del Fuego. Other islands belonging to Chile include the Juan Fernández Islands, Easter Island, and Sala y Gómez, all of which lie in the South Pacific. The country has a total area of 756,626 sq km (292,135 sq mi). Chile also claims a section of Antarctica. The capital and largest city is Santiago.

II

Land and Resources

The dominant physical feature of Chile is the Andes Mountain system, which extends the entire length of the country, from the Bolivian plateau in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south.

A

Physical Regions

Chile can be divided longitudinally into three topographical zones: the lofty Andean cordillera on the east; the low coastal mountains on the west; and the plateau area, which includes the Central Valley, between these ranges. Latitudinally, three major geographical and climatological regions can be distinguished: the northern (arid), central (Mediterranean), and southern (temperate marine) regions.

The ranges of the Andes are widest in the northern region, forming broad plateaux and containing many mountains with elevations in excess of 6,100 m (more than 20,000 ft). The country’s highest peak, Ojos del Salado (6,893 m/22,615 ft), is found there. The plateau area is occupied by the great Atacama Desert, which contains vast nitrate fields and rich mineral deposits.

In the central region the plateau gives way to a valley, known as the Central Valley, some 965 km (about 600 mi) long. The valley, which ranges from 40 to 80 km (25 to 50 mi) in width, is the most heavily populated area of the country. The fertile area between the Aconcagua and Bío-Bío rivers forms the agricultural heartland of Chile. The central Andes are narrower and lower than in the north. The most important passes in the Andes are located here as are the country’s finest natural harbours.

The southern region is without an interior valley; it disappears below the sea at Puerto Montt. The long chains of islands along the coast are formed by the peaks of the submerged coastal mountains. The coastline here is indented by numerous fiords. The southern Andes seldom exceed about 1,830 m (6,000 ft). Chile lies in a zone of geological instability and is subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

B

Rivers and Lakes

The many rivers of Chile are relatively short, generally rising in the Andes and flowing west to the Pacific. In the northern and central regions the rivers are fed primarily by the perpetual snow cover of the Andes. The most important rivers (from north to south) are the Loa, Elqui, Aconcagua, Maipo, Maule, Bío-Bío, and Imperial. Although of limited value for navigation because of cascades, the rivers are vital for irrigation and hydroelectric power. Many of Chile’s major lakes, including Lake Llanquihue, are concentrated in the scenic lake district of the southern region.