Chile

Along the western side of South America runs Chile, a long narrow country that borders the Pacific Ocean. The coastline is over 4,000 miles long, but less than 70 miles wide. You can drive across the entire country of Chile in a few hours. The Andes Mountains border Chile on the east, and most of the country is made up of mountains.

Chile, a country in South America, has a rich history and diverse culture. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Atacama Desert, the Andes Mountains, and the Chilean Patagonia. Chile is also famous for its wine production, with vineyards spread across the country. The economy of Chile is primarily based on exports, particularly copper. The country has made significant progress in terms of human development and is considered one of the most stable and prosperous nations in Latin America.

Chile Facts For Kids

• Chile is a long, narrow country in South America.
• The capital of Chile is Santiago.
• The official language is Spanish.
• The Andes Mountains run along Chile’s eastern border.
• The Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the driest places on Earth.
• The Chilean flag has a star, a white stripe, and a red stripe.
• Chile has 36 national parks for wildlife.
• Soccer is the most popular sport in Chile.
• Chile exports copper, fruits, and wine.
• Chile’s traditional dance is called the ‘Cueca’.

History of Chile

Dating back thousands of years, Chile holds an intriguing history filled with richness and diversity. Originally inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Inca and the Mapuche, it was not until the 16th century that the Spanish arrived and the famed conquistador Pedro de Valdivia established Santiago, the present-day capital, in 1540.

The country underwent significant change after a prolonged and violent fight for independence, eventually breaking free from Spanish rule in 1818. The subsequent centuries saw a dynamic political landscape with phases of democracy, dictatorship, and military rule. However, modern-day Chile stands as a democratic republic, recognized for its political stability and a strong economy.

Educating children about Chile’s historical journey is vital as it provides a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, traditions, and people, all shaped by its past.

Chilean Geography

Stretching along the western edge of South America, Chile, one of the world’s longest north-south countries, presents a remarkable diversity in geographical landscapes that offers a rich learning experience for kids.

Spanning approximately 4,300 kilometers in length, but merely 350 kilometers at its widest point, this slender country boasts a plethora of geographical features. From the towering Andes Mountains in the east and the vast Pacific Ocean in the west to the world’s driest desert, the Atacama, in the north, and the lush fertile vineyards of the Central Valley, Chile’s geography is incredibly varied.

The southern region of the country further enhances its geographical richness with its stunning fjords, inlets, and glaciers. Such a diverse geographical landscape makes Chile an incredibly intriguing country for kids to explore and discover.

Chilean Culture and Traditions

The vibrant Chilean culture and traditions are a compelling fusion of indigenous and European influences, providing a unique and fascinating blend. A notable tradition is the annual Fiestas Patrias, or Chilean Independence Day, celebrated in September with traditional festivities such as dancing, music, food, and rodeos.

The national dance, Cueca, is a highlight, where partners elegantly wave handkerchiefs in the air while dancing. Integral to Chilean culture is its cuisine, featuring dishes like empanadas, the hearty cazuela stew, and asado barbeque. Family and religion, particularly Catholicism, significantly underpin Chilean society, reinforcing its cultural richness.

The nation’s folklore, literature, and visual arts are globally recognized, boasting famous figures like the Nobel laureate poet, Pablo Neruda.

Chilean Politics and Government

The political structure of Chile, established in 1980, is a democratic system where the president serves dual roles as the head of state and government. The country is segmented into 16 regions, each managed by a government-appointed official known as an ‘Intendente.’

The Chilean government is recognized for its stability and transparency, characterized by a bicameral Congress that legislates with a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies. Elections occur quadrennially, with mandatory voting for all citizens aged 18 and above. A robust judiciary system functions to enforce laws and safeguard the rights of citizens, further reinforcing Chile’s commitment to democratic principles.

Economy of Chile

As one of South America’s most robust economies, Chile boasts a flourishing financial landscape primarily fueled by its massive copper exports, a precious natural resource that has positioned it as the world’s largest copper producer.

This sector substantially contributes to the nation’s income, alongside other key industries such as agriculture – particularly fruit cultivation like apples, grapes, and peaches, and fishing. The service sector, inclusive of tourism, also plays a significant role in shaping Chile’s economy.

Nevertheless, the country grapples with challenges such as income inequality, which the government is proactively strategizing to mitigate.

Chilean Cuisine

Chilean cuisine, renowned for its dynamic fusion of flavors and ingredients, offers an exhilarating culinary adventure for young food enthusiasts. Indigenous crops such as corn and potatoes form the cornerstone of many Chilean dishes, including the popular ‘pastel de choclo,’ a meat-filled corn pie garnished with olives and hard-boiled eggs.

Given Chile’s expansive coastline, seafood plays a significant role in the country’s gastronomy, often appearing in dishes like ’empanadas de mariscos,’ seafood-stuffed pastries that children may find appealing. The culinary journey extends to delectable desserts such as ‘alfajores,’ cookies brimming with ‘manjar,’ a sweet, caramel-like sauce.

To round out the dining experience, the traditional Chilean beverage, ‘mote con huesillo,’ made from wheat and peaches, serves as the perfect thirst quencher after a day of exploration.

Indigenous Peoples of Chile

Home to various indigenous groups that have thrived for millennia, Chile boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The Mapuche, the largest of these groups, primarily reside in the south-central region, while the Aymara inhabit the northern areas near the Peruvian and Bolivian borders.

The remote Easter Island is home to the Rapa Nui community. Despite enduring numerous challenges since the Spanish arrival in the 16th century, these communities have not only preserved their unique identities but also continue to greatly contribute to Chilean society.

Their rich cultures, traditions, and languages play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s diverse heritage.

Chilean Wildlife and Ecology

The diversity and uniqueness of Chile’s wildlife and ecosystems are absolutely remarkable. In the freezing Antarctic region, it serves as a habitat for penguins, seals, and whales, while the harsh Atacama Desert sustains hardy cacti and uncommon desert foxes.

The country’s Southern rainforests, teeming with a variety of bird species, are home to the majestic Andean condor, which is also the national bird of Chile. To preserve its diverse ecology, Chile boasts several protected areas including national parks and reserves.

For instance, the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, known for its breathtaking mountain peaks, provides a habitat for pumas, guanacos, and over 100 bird species. Chile’s wildlife and ecology, ranging from the towering Andes mountains to the deep Pacific Ocean, embody an immense diversity and fascinating uniqueness.

Tourism in Chile

Chile, with its diverse landscapes and wildlife, provides a captivating exploration journey for young adventurers. The country’s geographical features range from the stark, arid expanses of the northern Atacama Desert, reputed as the world’s driest region, to the icy chill of southern Patagonia’s glaciers.

Central Chile offers an attractive contrast with its scenic beaches and lakes. The renowned archaeological site, Easter Island, sitting within Chile’s territory, allows kids to marvel at the gigantic moai stone statues. Santiago, the bustling capital city, caters to the younger crowd with its assortment of child-friendly museums, parks, and a zoo.

Chile’s outdoor pursuits, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife observation, are sure to fascinate adventurous young minds. Additionally, a taste of the traditional Chilean empanadas, scrumptious pastries filled with meat or cheese, is a must for every visitor.

Chilean Education System

Chile boasts a leading education system in South America, comprised of four main stages – pre-school, primary, secondary, and higher education. All children between the ages of 6 and 18 are legally required to attend school, a mandate that encompasses primary and secondary education.

To facilitate this, the Chilean government offers free education to all students, although there are private schools available for those who prefer them. The academic year runs from March to December, focusing on key areas such as science, mathematics, language, and social studies.

Of particular interest is the compulsory learning of English in Chilean schools from an early age, a practice that has positioned Chile among the Latin American countries with the highest English proficiency.

The country has had many terrible earthquakes over the years, including one in 2010 that ranked 8.8 in magnitude. Tsunamis often come with the earthquakes. This small country hosts a rich variety of animal life. Penguins, sea lions and pelicans live in or near the ocean. Whales migrate through the waters off of Chile on their way to feeding and breeding grounds. You’ll also find pumas, flamingos, alpacas, foxes and many other animals living in Chile.

The Easter Islands, which lie 2,300 miles to the west, belong to Chile. Few people live on this remote island, but tourists like to visit to see the huge human-like statues called moai. Incas and other native people lived in Chile before the Spanish came in the 1500s. The Spaniards ruled Chile until 1810. From 1810 until 1973, the country enjoyed peace. A bloody war, followed by several years of oppression, ended in 1989, when dictator, General Augusto Pinochet, was overthrown.

Many people in Chile live in or near the city of Santiago. Children living in rural areas have to ride the bus for as much as two hours each way to go to school. They get up very early. When they’re not doing homework or helping with chores, children in Chile like to play soccer.

Fun Facts about Chile for Kids

• Over 16,136,000 people live in Chile.
• The capital of Chile is Santiago.
• The president of Chile is Sebastian Pinera (data 2018).
• Chile has 291,930 square miles of land.
• At 6,891 m Ojos del Salado is the tallest mountain in Chile. It is also a volcanic mountain.
• The Loa River is the longest river in Chile covering a distance of 440 km.
• Spanish is the official language of Chile.
• Most people are Roman Catholic or Protestant.
• People in Chile can expect to live 76 years.
• 96 percent of adults can read.

Chile Vocabulary

1. Coastline:  Boundary or shape of a coast
2. Magnitude:  Measure of the energy released by an earthquake
3. Migrate:  To relocate periodically from one region to another
4. Remote:  Distant or otherwise inaccessible
5. Overthrown:  Removed by force or threat of force
6. Rural:  Less populated areas

All about Chile Video for Kids

Watch this awesome Chile video for kids:

A video documentary of the geography and facts about Chile.

Chile Q&A

Question: Does Chile reach to the bottom of South America?

Answer: Yes, at the very bottom of South America sits a narrow point of land called Cape Horn. For many years, ships traveled around Cape Horn until the Panama Canal was built. Cape Horn is a dangerous place, with fierce winds and high waters.

Map of Chile

Here’s a map of the country of Chile and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around Chile! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities of Chile, as though you are actually there!