Chile is situated in South America, bounded by Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, the Antarctic and the Pacific Ocean. Home of the Andes mountain range, it is a thin ribbon of land, 4,200km (2,610 miles) long and nowhere more than 180km (115 miles) wide.

Because of its unusual geography, Chile has a hugely varied climate ranging from the world’s driest desert in the north, through a Mediterranean climate in the centre, to a snow-prone Alpine climate in the south. Travellers can enjoy the country’s abundant fauna and flora and spectacular scenery consisting of huge glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, blue lakes and numerous national parks where trekking is a very popular activity amongst tourists.

756,096 sq km (291,930 sq miles).

16 million (2006 estimate).

21 per sq km.

Santiago (de Chile). Population: 5.5 million (UN estimate 2003).

Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1810.

Spanish (official), Rapanui (Easter Island) and Aymara.

Christian, of which the majority are Roman Catholic.

Mainland and Juan Fernández Islands: GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March).
Easter Island: GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March).

Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Most Chileans use a double surname and only the first part should be used in addressing them. Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting local people. It is very common to entertain at home and it is acceptable for invitees to give small presents as a token of thanks.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two circular metal pins are used.

President Michelle Bachelet since January 2006.