Chile in a Snapshot

Population

18,187,269


Climate

The Atacama Desert in the north reaches a maximum of 32°C (90°F) and can drop to -2°C (28°F). Chile’s central region has a Mediterranean feel, while it is usually always cool and damp in the south.


Terrain

Chile is a long, mountainous country.


When to go

As a general rule, the seasons run as follows: Summer (December to February), Autumn (March to May), Winter (June to August) and Spring (September to November).


National Food

Pastel de choclo: a layered pie made with chopped beef, chicken, olives and a hard-boiled egg, topped with a mixture of ground fresh corn and basil, and baked in the oven.


Fact File

Chile’s flag is a red, white and blue banner with a white star. The blue square in the canton region of the flag represents the sky, the white stripe represents the snow of the Andes mountains, and the red symbolizes the blood that was spilled fighting for freedom.