It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Argentina to the east, Peru to the north, and Bolivia to the northeast.
Story [ | ]
Santiago, 1779
The history of Chile begins with the settlement of the region about 13,000 years ago.
Period of Spanish colonization[ | ]
Before the invasion of the Spaniards, the Quechua and Aymara Indian peoples lived in the northern part of Chile, the Mapuche in the central part, and the Alakalufs, Yagans and she in the south.
At the end of the XIII - beginning of the XIV centuries, the northern part of Chile (up to the Maule River) was conquered by the Incas. South of the Maule River, the Mapuche tribes did not submit to the Incas, putting up fierce resistance to them.
By the beginning of colonization, about 1 million people lived in Chile, by 1590 the number of Indians had decreased to 549 thousand due to wars, diseases and slave labor.
The Spaniards did not find rich deposits of precious metals in Chile, and colonization took on an agricultural character, with an influx in the 17th-18th centuries of immigrants from the poorest Spanish province of Extremadura, as well as the Basques.
In the central part of Chile, the natural conditions were similar to those of the Mediterranean. Wheat, barley, hemp, grapes began to be cultivated there. The breeding of cattle and sheep also began.
Since the 18th century, copper mining has become of great importance. Thus, during the colonial era, the foundations of the modern economy of Chile were laid.
During this period, the process of miscegenation took place. By the beginning of the 19th century, mestizos made up about 80% of the population.
period of independence[ | ]
Bernardo O'Higgins
At the beginning of the 19th century (1810-1823), under the leadership of Bernardo O'Higgins and Manuel Rodriguez, the Chilean people won independence from the colonial power of Spain.
After the People's Unity bloc came to power (an association of left and center-left parties and organizations), headed by the elected (but not received an absolute majority) President Salvador Allende, in 1970-1972, a complex of socio-economic transformations of the left bloc was carried out in the country: nationalization enterprises and banks, agrarian reform, implementation of social programs, changes in labor legislation in the interests of employees. At this time, experiments were being carried out with computer control of the state economy (Project Cybersyn), which received mixed results due to slow feedback. Allende's policy faced growing resistance from conservative financial, industrial and latifundist circles within the country and pressure from foreign corporations. This led to economic difficulties, which then turned into an economic crisis. High inflation and commodity shortages caused social tensions to rise, accompanied by right-wing opposition-funded strikes, street riots, and a surge in right-wing terrorism. The number of victims of the regime and those killed in the riots is unknown.
The economic situation was further aggravated by the credit boycott of Chile by large American and international banks. President Allende was systematically subjected to pressure from the one side of the radical left, who demanded to speed up the reforms and move from the nationalization of industries resorting to sabotage to the complete expropriation of capitalist property; and on the other hand - the right, demanding to curtail the reforms and abandon the proclaimed social guarantees.
Percentage annual change in Chile's gross domestic product
The CIA funded the opposition media, politicians, and organizations, aiding the campaign to destabilize the country. The legislative initiatives of the Allende government were blocked by a parliamentary majority that did not belong to the "People's Unity". Parliamentary elections in March 1973 confirmed the trend towards polarization of society. On May 26, 1973, the Supreme Court accused the Allende regime of destroying the rule of law in the country. On August 22, 1973, the National Congress passed a resolution outlawing the government and accusing Allende of violating the constitution. In fact, the "Agreement" called on the armed forces to disobey the authorities until they "stand on the path of the rule of law." The opposition did not have the 2/3 votes needed to remove Allende from power. By September 1973, state power was paralyzed.
The country's top generals decided to organize a military coup. During the coup during the storming of the presidential palace, Salvador Allende was killed (according to outdated data) or committed suicide (confirmation of this version was obtained as a result of the exhumation of Allende's remains in 2011). The dictatorship of the Governmental Junta was established in the country, headed by General Augusto Pinochet.
In 2004, as a result of the work of the Commission for Political Prisoners and Torture, created by the decree of the President of Lagos, more than 28,000 persons who, in one way or another, suffered from illegal arrests and torture during the years of the military junta, received a life pension.
The destruction of opponents of the authorities was also carried out abroad. The operation "Condor" to eliminate political emigrants, carried out by the National Intelligence Agency (DINA), together with the intelligence services of other Latin American dictatorships, gained fame. For example, Operation Colombo led to the fact that 119 people "expelled from Chile" were actually killed. At the same time, the Pinochet regime interacted with the European far right for the same purposes.
Santiago, 2007
The implications of Pinochet's policies for the socio-economic well-being of the population are a matter of debate. According to the left, there was a significant rollback due to the neo-liberal counter-reforms initiated by the government (at the beginning of the reforms, prices rose in some cases by 18-20 times, and for such basic foodstuffs as bread, milk, meat - by 4-10 times), in as a result of which today about 20% (according to official data) of the population of Chile are below the poverty line, and the dictator himself, members of his family and other regime officials became the beneficiary of privatization.
According to analysts, at present Chile has taken the 1st position in terms of the integral indicator of competitiveness among Latin American countries (27th place in the world ranking), is in the third ten countries in the solvency rating; Standard & Poor's rating agency in the classification of risk countries assigned it the highest category A [ ] .
Politics [ | ]
Constitution [ | ]
Chile has a Constitution adopted on March 11, 1981 after a referendum. The constitution provided for the continuation of Pinochet's rule for another 8 years, and most of the constitutional norms were suspended until 1990.
In 1988, a referendum called for the continuation of Pinochet's rule. As a result, Pinochet was defeated and called new presidential elections in 1989.
executive branch[ | ]
Chilean ministers
The head of state is the president, he is also the head of government. Elected by the population for a 4-year term, without the right to re-election.
The President has the right to appoint ambassadors and members of the government, determine the composition of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, appoint the commanders of all branches of the armed forces and the head of the National Police. The president also has the right to initiate legislation and introduce bills to parliament.
Legislature[ | ]
supreme legislative body- Bicameral National Congress:
- Senate - 38 members elected by the population for an 8-year term (with half of the senators replaced every 4 years);
- Chamber of Deputies - 120 members (2 deputies from 60 electoral districts), elected by the population for a 4-year term.
The National Congress was moved in 1990 to decentralize power from Santiago to Valparaiso.
Judicial system[ | ]
The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court of Chile, to which the lower courts, including the Court of Appeal, are subordinate.
Political parties[ | ]
Economy [ | ]
The main industry of the country is mining (copper and other metals), Chile is the world's largest exporter of copper, which is mined and smelted by the national enterprise CODELCO. Among other industries - metallurgical, woodworking, food, textile. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, provides 7% of GNP (13% of employees), livestock breeding is developed, wheat, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, and fruits are grown. Chile is one of the largest exporters of fruits, as well as fish and wood products. GNP amounted to $97.7 billion in 1994 (GNP per capita - $7010), in 2008 GNP reached $169.6 billion (per capita - $14.9 thousand according to PPP).
Main trading partners: China, USA, Japan, Brazil. The monetary unit is the Chilean peso (1 Chilean peso (Ch$) is equal to 100 centavos). The total length of railways is 7,766 km, roads - 79,025 km, inland waterways - 725 km. The most important ports of the country: Iquique, Valparaiso.
In 2008 (estimate) budget revenues were $44.79 billion, expenditures were $35.09 billion.
Export 66.46 billion dollars (in 2008) - copper, fruits, fish, paper, chemical products, wine.
Santiago, 2013
Major buyers (2008): China - 14.2%, USA - 11.3%, Japan - 10.4%, Brazil - 5.9%, South Korea - 5.7%, Netherlands - 5.2%.
Imports 57.61 billion dollars (in 2008) - oil and oil products, chemicals, electronics, industrial products, cars, gas.
The main suppliers (in 2008): USA - 19.1%, China - 11.9%, Brazil - 9.3%, Argentina - 8.8%, South Korea - 5.6%, Japan - 4.6%.
Advantages: the world's largest copper producer. Fruit export. Economic growth driven by large foreign investment. The highest level of credit confidence due to the stability of the Chilean peso and financial markets, public debt amounted to only 5.2% of annual GDP (in 2008; in 2004 - 12.8%) - 121st place in the world. Developed winemaking and fish processing.
Weak sides: a large decline in copper prices on the world market sometimes brings up to 40% of export losses. Great dependence on external oil supplies (90% of all oil consumed). Dependence on American trading partners. Relatively weak currency (exchange rate 509 pesos to $1 in 2008, but 609 in 2004). Inflation 8.7% - 2008 estimate (4.4% in 2007).
Gini index - 54.9 in 2003 (14th in the world), 57.1 in 2000 Household consumption (2006): the poorest 10% consume 1.6%, and the richest 10% - 41 .7%. Poverty rate 18.2% (2005).
Since September 3, 2018, the minimum wage in Chile is 288,000 pesos per month (440.37 per month). . The average wage in Chile as of 2018 is 4761.92 pesos per hour (7.28 per hour).
Chile is a country nestled between the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges. Andes on the southwestern coast of South America. There are different options for where the name of this unique country came from. Even the Chileans themselves cannot choose a single generally accepted version. According to the first theory, the name comes from the language of the Aymaru tribe and means "the place where the earth ends." According to the second, in translation from the Quechua language, it means "cold". The material culture of the Chilean people is a combination of elements of Spanish culture and the culture of the indigenous population.
Chile is not only the narrowest and longest country on the planet, but also the southernmost, because it is located 900 km from Antarctica. It borders Argentina to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Magellan.
Chile has three climatic and geographical regions. Northern desert, rather cold south of the country and humid area Middle Chile, which is the most developed economically. Santiago- industrial and financial center, the capital of the country. Also major cities include Valparaiso, Antofagasta and Punta Arenas. The official language is Spanish and is spoken by most Chileans.
More than 80% of the population are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, but in Chile there are large groups of Protestants and followers of Judaism.
An important industry is mining. More than 80% of all minerals fall on copper mining, and the iron ore industry is in 2nd place.
Capital |
Santiago |
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Population |
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Population density |
22.81 people/km² |
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Spanish |
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Religion |
Catholics, Protestants |
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Form of government |
presidential republic |
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Chilean peso |
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Timezone |
UTC-4 (UTC-3 in summer) |
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International dialing code |
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Domain zone |
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Electricity |
Climate and weather
The climatic conditions of Chile are extremely diverse, and this is due to the great length of the country from north to south and the direct influence of the ocean. Average monthly temperatures can fluctuate considerably: from +12…+16 °С to +18…+22 °С. In the south of the country, the climate is subtropical, with a large amount of precipitation falling in the form of rain. The temperature here ranges from +3 °С to +14 °С. In the north, the climate is mostly dry and desert. The average temperature here is +12…+22 °С. The Mediterranean type of climate prevails in the center. There are four seasons characteristic of Chile: summer (December - February), autumn (March - May), spring (September - November), winter (June - August). The average Chilean winter temperature is about +3…+15 °С. During the summer in Chile, the weather is quite hot. The air temperature can reach +22 °С, but there is practically no sweltering heat here due to the cold current Humboldt.
Sea holidays in Chile are most favorable in the southern and middle parts of the country. The resort is considered the best place for a beach holiday. Viña del Mar next to the national botanical garden. In the highlands of the country, the climate is cool and characterized by temperatures that often do not rise above +3 °С. This makes ski holidays in Chile available all year round.
Nature
The territory of the country is a narrow strip of coastal plain, bounded from the east by mountain ranges. Andes, among which lies the Longitudinal (Central) Valley. Often mountain ranges break the cones of dormant and active volcanoes ( Llullaillaco, Ojos del Salado, Tupungato etc.), and in the area of the island of Tierra del Fuego go under water and form a system of fjords. The highest point in the country is Mt. Ojos del Salado(height - 6,880 meters).
The flora of Chile depends on the climate zone. In the north of the country, thorns and cacti grow - the flora of the desert. In the central valley of Chile, some types of cacti are common, you can find the Chilean pine. south of Valdivia jungle is located. There grow: magnolia, laurel, several types of coniferous trees and beech. The extreme south of the country is covered with steppes.
Representatives of the animal world that you can meet: alpaca, llama, vicuña, puma, guanaco.
Birds are quite widely represented, but only ostriches are found among large species.
Attractions
Attractions, both natural and man-made, in Chile can be found at almost every step. The most popular are: lakes Miscanti and Chungara, geysers El Tatio, volcano Parinacota, granite "towers" Torres del Paine, desert Atacama, Easter Island and Patagonia, archaeological sites Sapawira and Copaquilla.
Chile's most frequently visited attraction is the National Park. Lauka, located at an altitude of more than 4,500 kilometers above sea level, almost on the border with Bolivia.
This wonderful reserve has a huge collection of the rarest representatives of flora and fauna.
Another interesting attraction is the volcano. Maipo, still active today, one of the southernmost peaks of the Andes. It is located on the border with Argentina, 100 kilometers from the capital and 90 kilometers from Tupungato. Maipo gained popularity due to its unusual, almost perfectly symmetrical conical shape.
It cannot be said about Municipal Opera and Ballet Theater in Santiago, built in 1857, considered one of the best on the entire continent. In addition to attracting attention Museum of History and Weapons in Arica, the National Museum of Fine Arts, which is the oldest museum in Latin America.
Food
Chile is a country famous for its amazing seafood, which you can enjoy not only in good hotels, but also in most restaurants throughout the country. Especially delicious crabs and abalone shellfish. In addition to seafood, Chilean cuisine is famous for beef dishes, fresh vegetables and fruits. The country is associated with the name of hot pepper, and many mistakenly believe that the national cuisine is very spicy. This is not true. The local food is quite familiar to a European. Chileans eat a lot of meat, they love lamb very much. Prepared from beef asado- a common dish of fried meat.
Chicken is on most menus, although Chileans consider chicken to be second-rate meat. Popular Chilean dishes include:
- empanada de pino(patties with beef, raisins, onions, olives and eggs);
- Empanada de Queso(cheese in dough);
- Lomo a lo pobre(steak, fried eggs, fried potatoes);
- Cazuela de vacuno(soup with beef, potatoes, a piece of bread, pumpkin and rice), etc.
Chile is known for its wonderful wines, the most famous of which are red varieties. carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as white wine Casablanca. Among strong alcoholic drinks, pisco can be distinguished - grape brandy, on the basis of which various cocktails are prepared, such as Pisco Sour(Pisco with lemon juice and sugar).
The best and most popular restaurants are located in Santiago, in the districts Bellavista, Suesia, Las Condes where dinner for one guest costs about $30-55.
Accommodation
In Chile, you will have a wide variety of accommodation options - from cheap hostels, guest houses and small family hotels to upscale hotels from global chains such as Hyatt, Kempinski, Ritz, Sheraton etc. Cheap hotels are called Residential and is available in almost every city. Most of them work according to the well-known system All Inclusive("all inclusive").
Hotel prices are moderate for a European, but by Latin American standards they are high. In Santiago, a single room in the cheapest hotels costs from 7,000-8,000 Chilean pesos ($14-16) per day.
Average cost of a double room in a three-star hotel Santiago is $ 80-90 per day, in Valparaiso - $ 60-70, on Easter Island - $ 100-120. The price of a double room in a five-star hotel in Santiago is approximately $200.
If we talk about rental housing, then a 1-room apartment in the center Santiago will cost $300-500 per month, and a 3-room apartment will cost $600-900.
Entertainment and recreation
The country is known for its excellent ski resorts. One of the most popular is the resort Valle Nevado, located 60 kilometers from the capital. There are more than 30 well-equipped trails of different difficulty levels. The resort attracts attention Portillo, located 145 kilometers from Santiago, where there are many slopes that are suitable for skiers of any skill level.
Beach holidays are very common. Most of the beaches in Chile are free, except for those in the parks. The most popular beaches in the resorts Vilna del Mar, beach La Virgen in the bay English coast, beach playa blanca- in the park Llanos de Challe, beach Las Piscinas- near the cape El Morro, Anakena- on Easter Island, as well as the beach Los Piqueros located within the park sugar loaf.
Chile is famous for its bars, clubs and numerous restaurants that are scattered throughout the country. Most of them are concentrated in Santiago. The most famous of them are "Trampoline" and bar "Cathedral"(for rock fans), wine restaurant "Camino Real", "Casino Cumbre" and many others.
Like many other Latin American countries, Chile celebrates a huge number of different festivals and holidays. January in the city angol you can visit the Folklore Festival, in Valdivia— the most interesting Classical Music Festival, in ovalier- the festival del huaso, in San Bernardo– International Folklore Festival, festival Joronadas de Villarica- in Villarica, and this is not the whole list.
Purchases
When visiting another country, everyone wants to bring home gifts that reflect the local flavor and traditional culture. Chile is certainly not a country popular in the world of shopping, but the trip will not be considered complete if you do not bring souvenirs that symbolize this country.
Chile has the richest deposits of lapis lazuli, which is considered the national stone and has a special place in Chilean culture. Since lapis lazuli is mined in Chile, it can be bought much cheaper in the markets and in Chilean stores. It is worth paying attention to earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and many other jewelry with a special blue color.
Statues are another popular souvenir. moai. They can be purchased in any form: mini-statues for the table, key chains, earrings, beads, etc. Moai are expensive or cheap depending on the size, type of wood or type of stone. High-quality moai are quite expensive - they cost from $50 and up. Also cannot be overlooked mapuche poncho, indio picaro- wooden figurines with a broad smile of the Mapuche Indians, as well as a huge number of copper souvenirs.
Transport
If we talk about intercity buses, then this type of service is provided by several companies. Their branches are in all cities of Chile. These firms provide a high level of service and work according to a convenient schedule. The city bus is easily recognizable by its bright yellow and white color scheme. But during peak hours, this is not the best way to travel. Taxis are popular in the country, which are distinguished by yellow and black colors. Each car has a meter and a registration number. Politeness and courtesy are the hallmarks of Chilean taxi drivers. Smoking on public transport (including taxis) is strictly prohibited.
The state rail transport system (EFE) stretches from Santiago to the south of the country. It passes through most cities such as Rancagua, Chillan, Conception, Talca and to the final station Temuco.
Also in Santiago there is a subway, which is the standard of excellent service and cleanliness. It is a fast, cheap and safe mode of transport. The local metro has three lines: the Red Line runs from West to East through the city center, the Yellow Line runs from the city center to the South-West, and the Green Line runs from the center to the South-East.
Connection
Mobile communication (standard GSM 1900) is quite well developed in Chile. Operators Entel, Claro, Movistar and others almost completely cover the plains of Chile and the capital. In mountainous areas, patchy coverage, even along most of the main highways, the connection is not very stable. One minute of local cellular communication costs $0.2-0.4. The local telephone connection is well developed: there are telephone booths everywhere. It is advantageous to buy a phone card, because the rates for calls from hotels are very high.
International calls are very cheap. You can make a call from any phone. Use a public phone in hotel lobbies or call from phone booths outside. There are outlets in commercial and shopping centers
for international calls.
The Internet is widespread in Chile. Large hotels provide this service in their business centers. You can also use the Internet in an Internet cafe.
Safety
In Chile you can feel safe. Although, as elsewhere, you should beware of pickpockets on buses and the subway. In cafes and restaurants, especially those located on the street, you cannot leave your belongings unattended.
Keep your jewelry and passport in a safe (it is available in all hotels). Also take care of your migration cards and identity documents. If documents are lost, you must immediately report this to the police by calling 133 and to the consulate of your country.
As far as health is concerned, routine vaccinations against mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (DTP), and polio should be available. In addition, it is reasonable to check the vaccination requirements at the consular office of the host country itself.
In general, Chileans are very friendly and affable people, so a warm welcome awaits you everywhere, especially in small towns.
Business climate
Taxation in Chile is characterized by a small number of direct and indirect taxes and a minimum of tax incentives that are extended to exporters.
The Chilean income tax system includes: a tax on business income - 17%, a tax on the total income of individuals - from 0% to 40%, a tax on salaries and rewards, a tax on income of non-residents - 35%.
It is also interesting that Chile is a member of the American Free Trade Area ( FTAA - Free Trade Agreement of the Americas), which stretches from the fringes of South America to Alaska and is designed to stimulate the development of more lagging regions. In this regard, in two extreme regions (in the north, in the port Iquique, and in the south, in the city Punta Arenas) introduced a preferential taxation system. There is no sales tax, no percentage duty on the import of goods.
At present, a government program in Chile called Start Up Chile, created to attract entrepreneurs from all over the world to create start-ups in the country and use it as a platform to enter the global market. For program participants, the government of Chile allocates $40,000 to come to the country and start a business. The main goal of this program is to turn Chile into an innovative and entrepreneurial center of Latin America.
Real estate
Apartments in the capital and districts providencia and Las Condes(considered prestigious areas) of 50 "squares" of living space can be purchased at a price of $85,000. Housing with an area of 80-100 m 2 costs an average of $190,000-200,000. AT Viñe del Mar real estate is a bit cheaper.
Cottages with a fairly large plot (living space from 180 m 2 and a plot from 500 m 2) in the private sector cost from $ 160,000-80,000 and more. There are cheaper options, even for $70,000-80,000, but safety and comfort will be lower. In the north and south of Chile, housing is cheaper.
Rent an apartment in Santiago available for $500 (unfurnished, in a normal area). Furnished apartments are slightly more expensive. When renting, you need to add about another $ 400-600: this amount will cost the maintenance of the apartment (gas, water, electricity, Internet and television).
If we talk about business real estate, today it has become more difficult to find and rent commercial premises in an area good for business (coffee houses, restaurants, hairdressers, etc.). In good areas, there is a glut of the real estate market - there are practically no premises, and the remaining ones are quite expensive to rent.
In Chile, guides and hotel staff wait for tips. Their size will depend on the service and financial well-being of the guests of the country. The porter's tip is $1. The restaurant adds about 10% to the amount in the bill, but the tip may already be included in the price of the order.
Paying in Chile is better than pesos. In medium-sized large stores, you can use credit cards of all known banking systems.
On weekends, Chilean cities quiet down: many shops are closed, even stalls with newspapers and cigarettes.
Swimming in the ocean is allowed only in strictly designated areas.
As for customs rules, Chile does not limit the amount of foreign and national currency transported across the border. Amounts above $10,000 must be declared. Uncanned food, seedlings and plants, weapons, insects, parrots and wild animals are not allowed. It is forbidden to export cultural or architectural values of the country, rare representatives of animals and plants.
Visa Information
A visa to Chile is not required if you intend to visit the country as a tourist or guest (visiting relatives, friends) or if you are transiting the country. At the same time, the period of your stay in the country should not exceed 90 days within six months. If you plan to work or stay in Chile for more than the specified period, you must apply for a visa in advance at the Chilean consulates in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Vladivostok.
When crossing the border, you will need the following documents: passport, valid at the time of entry; confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds for the entire stay in Chile; a return ticket or a bank card with funds to purchase it; migration card, which is filled out in Spanish or English (valid for 90 days).
Address of the Consulate of Chile in Moscow: 121002, Moscow, Denezhny lane, house 7, building 1. Tel. 51, 241-43-11. The consulate is open every day from 10:00 to 13:00.
(with Spanish - “Mind or strength”)”
Chile(Spanish) Chile, official name - Republic of Chile(Spanish) Republic of Chile)) - a state in the southwest, occupying a long narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes.
In the west it is washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the east it borders with, in the north with, in the northeast with.
Chile has a coastline of 6435 km in length and has exclusive rights to the adjacent maritime area, called the Sea of Chile, which includes four areas: territorial waters (120,827 km), contiguous zone (131,669 km), exclusive economic zone (3,681 989 km), and the corresponding continental shelf (161,338 km).
Etymology
As historian José de Acosta pointed out, the word " Chile" in Quechua meant " cold" or " limit". According to another version, this was the name of the main valley in Chile.
The question of the grammatical gender of the name "Chile" deserves special attention. When referring to the state, the word Chile is neuter. If the country is meant (“Chile stretches in a narrow strip along the Pacific coast of South America ...”), then it is female.
Story
Santiago, 1779
The history of Chile begins with the settlement of the region about 13,000 years ago.
Period of Spanish colonization
Before the invasion of the Spaniards, the Quechua and Aymara Indian peoples lived in the northern part of Chile, the Mapuche in the central part, and the Alakalufs, Yagans and she in the south.
At the end of the XIII - beginning of the XIV centuries, the northern part of Chile (up to the Maule River) was conquered. South of the Maule River, the Mapuche tribes did not submit to the Incas, putting up fierce resistance to them.
The first part of the book "Chronicle of Peru", (1553)
In 1535-50, the Spanish conquistadors conquer the coast of Chile to about 40 ° S. sh. and found several cities:, Nueva Extremadura,. The northern regions, whose population was accustomed to obey the Incas, were easily conquered by the Spaniards. In the areas inhabited by the Mapuche, the advance of the Spaniards to the south was accompanied by hostilities.
Fernando de Santillan was the author of the famous tribute Santillana(Spanish) Tasa de Santillan), introduced in 1558 in Chile - these were the first laws that regulated relations between the Spaniards and the Mapuche. They were established due to the large decrease in population from migrations and the poor treatment of the Indians by the Spaniards.
By the beginning of colonization, about 1 million people lived in Chile, by 1590 the number of Indians had decreased to 549 thousand due to wars, diseases and slave labor.
Araucanian War
The Spaniards did not find rich deposits of precious metals in Chile, and colonization took on an agricultural character, with an influx of immigrants from the poorest Spanish province in the 17th-18th centuries, as well as the Basques.
In the central part of Chile, the natural conditions were similar to those of the Mediterranean. Wheat, barley, hemp, grapes began to be cultivated there. The breeding of cattle and sheep also began.
Since the 18th century, copper mining has become of great importance. Thus, during the colonial era, the foundations of the modern economy of Chile were laid.
During this period, the process of miscegenation took place. By the beginning of the 19th century, mestizos made up about 80% of the population.
period of independence
Bernardo O'Higgins
At the beginning of the 19th century (1810-1823), under the leadership of Bernardo O'Higgins and Manuel Rodriguez, the Chilean people won independence from the colonial power of Spain.
The development of Chile until the Second World War was predetermined first by the extraction of saltpeter and copper, then coal and silver began to be mined. Mining led to significant economic growth in Chile.
1927-1931 - dictatorship of Carlos Ibáñez. Ibáñez combined dictatorial methods of government with social demagoguery, presenting himself as a supporter of small people and an opponent of the oligarchy, he was called "Mycsolini of the New World."
1931 - restoration of democracy, presidential elections.
In June 1932, a junta of left-wing officers staged a coup, overthrew the democratically elected president, and proclaimed the creation of the Socialist Republic of Chile, which lasted only 12 days.
In October 1932 - the restoration of democracy, presidential elections. After that, more than 40 years - democratic development.
1938-1952 - Center-left governments are in power.
1952-1958 - the reign of the democratically elected president of the ex-dictator Ibáñez.
The 1964 presidential election was won by the leader of the Christian Democratic Party (CDA), Eduardo Frei Montalva, with the "Revolution in Freedom" reform program. Carrying out agrarian reform and "chillization" of copper (the state bought out 51% of the shares of copper mining enterprises).
The period of Allende's reforms and Pinochet's counter-reforms
The most controversial assessments are caused by the period of 1970-1988, associated with the activities of the government of President Salvador Allende and the reforms of the military junta by General Augusto Pinochet.
Salvador Allende on a GDR stamp
After the People's Unity bloc (an association of left and center-left parties and organizations) came to power, headed by the elected (but did not receive an absolute majority) President Salvador Allende, in 1970-1972, a complex of socio-economic transformations of the left bloc was carried out in the country: nationalization enterprises and banks, agrarian reform, implementation of social programs, changes in labor legislation in the interests of employees. At this time, experiments were being carried out with computer control of the state economy (Project Cybersyn), which received mixed results due to slow feedback. Allende's policy faced growing resistance from conservative financial, industrial and latifundist circles within the country and pressure from foreign corporations. This led to economic difficulties, which then turned into an economic crisis. High inflation and commodity shortages caused social tensions to rise, accompanied by right-wing opposition-funded strikes, street riots, and a surge in right-wing terrorism. The number of victims of the regime and those killed in the riots is unknown.
The economic situation was further aggravated by the credit boycott of Chile by large and international banks. President Allende was systematically subjected to pressure from the one side of the radical left, who demanded to speed up the reforms and move from the nationalization of industries resorting to sabotage to the complete expropriation of capitalist property; and on the other hand, the rightists, who demanded to curtail the reforms and abandon the proclaimed social guarantees.
Percentage annual change in Chile's gross domestic product
The CIA funded opposition media, politicians, and organizations to aid the campaign to destabilize the country. The legislative initiatives of the Allende government were blocked by a parliamentary majority that did not belong to the "People's Unity". Parliamentary elections in March 1973 confirmed the trend towards polarization of society. On May 26, 1973, the Supreme Court accused the Allende regime of destroying the rule of law in the country. On August 22, 1973, the National Congress passed a resolution outlawing the government and accusing Allende of violating the constitution. In fact, the "Agreement" called on the armed forces to disobey the authorities until they "stand on the path of the rule of law." The opposition did not have the 2/3 votes needed to remove Allende from power. By September 1973, state power was paralyzed.
The country's top generals decided to organize a military coup. During the coup during the storming of the presidential palace, Salvador Allende was killed (according to outdated data) or committed suicide (this version was confirmed by the exhumation of Allende's remains in 2011). The dictatorship of the Governmental Junta was established in the country, headed by General Augusto Pinochet.
Augusto Pinochet and Henry Kissinger, 1976
The constitution was abolished, the National Congress of Chile was dissolved, all left and center-left parties and organizations, both included in the Popular Unity and not, were outlawed, the United Trade Union Center of Workers (CUT) was banned and the Cybersyn project was destroyed, the activities of right-wing parties were declared "suspended ”, and in 1977 it was also completely banned. Later, new, military-controlled yellow trade unions were established.
Officially, the state of "state of siege" introduced during the coup lasted a month after 9/11. During this period, over 30,000 people were killed in Chile.
In 1990, in Chile - according to the methodology proposed - the "Commission of Truth and Reconciliation" was created, which operated for a year (and only according to the statements of the victims). The commission examined the cases of about 4,500 victims of the dictatorship. In addition to the Commission's year-limited term, the Commission was limited in its scope by the Amnesty Law passed by Pinochet in 1978, which made most of the crimes of the period of the coup beyond jurisdiction. For this, the Commission is still criticized by leftist, liberal, trade union and human rights organizations.
In 2004, as a result of the work of the Commission for Political Prisoners and Torture, created by the decree of the President of Lagos, more than 28,000 persons who, in one way or another, suffered from illegal arrests and torture during the years of the military junta, received a life pension.
The destruction of opponents of the authorities was also carried out abroad. Notorious was the operation "Condor" to eliminate political emigrants, carried out by the National Intelligence Agency (DINA), together with the intelligence services of other dictatorships in Latin America. For example, Operation Colombo led to the fact that 119 people "expelled from Chile" were actually killed. At the same time, the Pinochet regime engaged with the European far right for the same purpose.
The period of General Pinochet's rule in political terms was based on the restriction of civil and political rights, the harsh suppression of the opposition. Repressions, imprisonment, torture continued until the end of the dictatorship. One of the famous victims of the repression was the Chilean singer-songwriter Victor Jara.
Santiago, 2007
The implications of Pinochet's policies for the socio-economic well-being of the population are a matter of debate. According to the left, there was a significant rollback due to the neo-liberal counter-reforms initiated by the government (at the beginning of the reforms, prices rose in some cases by 18-20 times, and for such basic foodstuffs as bread, milk, meat - by 4-10 times), in as a result of which today about 20% (according to official data) of the population of Chile are below the poverty line, and the dictator himself, members of his family and other regime officials became the beneficiary of privatization.
This interpretation of events is disputed by right-wing and neo-liberal authors, and the significant economic successes achieved due to the economic policy pursued under the leadership of Pinochet are cited as evidence. Today, Chile has the most efficient economy in all of Latin America, ranking 44th in the Human Development Index and among countries with a very high level of human development. The country also has one of the lowest levels of corruption according to the Transparency International ranking - 20th in 2013.
Valparaiso, 2011
In 1978, censorship in the media was somewhat relaxed and, in limited cases, "live broadcast" on radio and television was allowed. In 1980, the country adopted a new constitution, but its full implementation was delayed until 1988. In 1988, as a result of the most massive domestic protests in the history of Chile and under pressure, Pinochet agreed to a plebiscite on the question of maintaining the dictatorship. On the eve of the plebiscite, the activities of right-wing parties were allowed (fascist parties de facto operated in Chile during the dictatorship, although the activities of all parties were formally banned). On October 5, 1988, Pinochet lost the plebiscite, and the National Security Council assembled by him rejected the dictator's proposal to refuse to recognize the results of the plebiscite and make a new coup. In 1989, Chile passed to democratic rule, elections were held, which were won by the coalition of parties for democracy, which was opposed to the dictatorship. In 1990, Christian Democrat bloc candidate Patricio Aylvin took over as president.
Experts assess the state structure of Chile based on the 1980 constitution as a compromise between democracy and dictatorship, since it contains mechanisms that limit the ability of the civil authorities to control the army and provide preferences to the figures of the former military regime.
According to analysts, at present Chile has taken the 1st position in terms of the integral indicator of competitiveness among Latin American countries (27th place in the world ranking), is in the third ten countries in the solvency rating; Standard & Poor's rating agency in the classification of risk countries assigned it the highest category A.
Politics
Constitution
Chile has a Constitution adopted on March 11, 1981 after a referendum. The constitution provided for the continuation of Pinochet's rule for another 8 years, and most of the constitutional norms were suspended until 1990.
In 1988, a referendum called for the continuation of Pinochet's rule. As a result, Pinochet was defeated and called new presidential elections in 1989.
executive branch
Chilean ministers
The head of state is the president, he is also the head of government. Elected by the population for a 4-year term, without the right to re-election.
The President has the right to appoint ambassadors and members of the government, determine the composition of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, appoint the commanders of all branches of the armed forces and the head of the National Police. The president also has the right to initiate legislation and introduce bills to parliament.
Legislature
supreme legislative body- Bicameral National Congress:
- Senate - 38 members elected by the population for an 8-year term (with half of the senators replaced every 4 years);
- Chamber of Deputies - 120 members (2 deputies from 60 electoral districts), elected by the population for a 4-year term.
The National Congress was moved in 1990 to decentralize power from Santiago to Valparaiso.
Judicial system
The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court of Chile, to which the lower courts, including the Court of Appeal, are subordinate.
Political parties
According to the results of the elections in November 2013:
"New majority" (center-left and left)- 21 senators and 67 deputies:
- Christian Democratic Party - 6 senators, 21 deputies
- Socialist Party - 6 senators, 15 deputies
- Party for Democracy - 6 senators, 15 deputies
- Radical Social Democratic Party - 6 deputies
- Communist Party - 6 deputies
- Broad social movement - 1 senator
- Left Civic Party of Chile - 1 MP
- Non-partisans - 2 senators, 4 deputies;
Alliance (center-right)- 16 senators and 49 deputies:
- Independent Democratic Union - 8 senators, 29 deputies
- National renewal - 8 senators, 19 deputies
- Non-partisan center-right - 1 deputy;
"If you want, Chile will change" (centrists and centre-left)- 1 deputy:
- Liberal Party - 1 deputy
- Progressive Party - 0 deputies;
Out of the blocks- 1 senator and 3 deputies;
Administrative division
Chile is divided into 15 regions, and those into 53 provinces and 346 communities.
Geographic data
Chile has access to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Chile has a length of 4630 km (2880 miles) from north to south and 430 km (265 miles) from west to east.
Chile's climate varies from tropical desert in the north to temperate oceanic in the south.
Average temperature:
- in the south from +3 °С to +16 °С
- in the north from +12 °С to +22 °С
The highest point is Mount Ojos del Salado, 6893 m.
Minerals - copper, iron, manganese ores, silver.
Economy
GDP per capita at PPP, 1950-2008. Latin America (excluding Cuba) - grey, Chile - blue (in 2000 US dollars)
The main industry of the country is mining (copper and other metals), Chile is the world's largest exporter of copper, which is mined and smelted by the national enterprise CODELCO. Among other industries - metallurgical, woodworking, food, textile. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, provides 7% of GNP (13% of employees), livestock breeding is developed, wheat, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, and fruits are grown. Chile is one of the largest exporters of fruits, as well as fish and wood products. GNP amounted to $97.7 billion in 1994 (GNP per capita - $7010), in 2008 GNP reached $169.6 billion (per capita - $14.9 thousand at PPP).
In terms of GDP per capita at PPP, Chile in the early 1990s exceeded the average Latin American level. The growth trend of this indicator continued in the future, in 2013 Chile has one of the highest per capita incomes in Latin America (along with).
Main trading partners: China, USA, Japan, Brazil. The monetary unit is the Chilean peso (1 Chilean peso (Ch$) is equal to 100 centavos). The total length of railways is 7,766 km, roads - 79,025 km, inland waterways - 725 km. The most important ports of the country:,.
In 2008 (estimate) budget revenues were $44.79 billion, expenditures were $35.09 billion.
Export 66.46 billion dollars (in 2008) - copper, fruits, fish, paper, chemical products, wine.
Santiago, 2013
Major buyers (2008): China - 14.2%, USA - 11.3%, Japan - 10.4%, Brazil - 5.9%, South Korea - 5.7%, Netherlands - 5.2%.
Imports 57.61 billion dollars (in 2008) - oil and oil products, chemicals, electronics, industrial products, cars, gas.
The main suppliers (in 2008): USA - 19.1%, China - 11.9%, Brazil - 9.3%, Argentina - 8.8%, South Korea - 5.6%, Japan - 4.6%.
Advantages: the world's largest copper producer. Fruit export. Economic growth driven by large foreign investment. The highest level of credit confidence due to the stability of the Chilean peso and financial markets, public debt amounted to only 5.2% of annual GDP (in 2008; in 2004 - 12.8%) - 121st place in the world. Developed winemaking and fish processing.
Weak sides: a large decline in copper prices on the world market sometimes brings up to 40% of export losses. Great dependence on external oil supplies (90% of all oil consumed). Dependence on American trading partners. Relatively weak currency (exchange rate 509 pesos to $1 in 2008, but 609 in 2004). Inflation 8.7% - 2008 estimate (4.4% in 2007).
Gini index - 54.9 in 2003 (14th in the world), 57.1 in 2000 Household consumption (2006): the poorest 10% consume 1.6%, and the richest 10% - 41 .7%. Poverty rate 18.2% (2005).
From 30 to 55% of Chileans belong to Caucasians. Mestizos - from 45 to 65%, Indians make up 5% of the population. The national composition of immigrants was and remains very diverse: immigrants from Spain (mainly Basques and Galicians), Italy, Germany, France, Croatia, and the British Isles predominate. 5 percent of the population is descended from Germans, Portuguese, Italians, French and South Slavs.
During the colonial period, between 100,000 and 150,000 Europeans, mostly Spaniards, arrived and settled in Chile. Then, in the 70-90s of the XIX century, about two tens of thousands of Germans arrived in the southern regions of the central part of the country. In the 1880s-1890s, 75,000 new citizens arrived in Chile, of which 44,000 were Spaniards, 19,000 Italians and French, 12,000 Swiss.
In the 20th century, the number of immigrants to Chile amounted to more than 600 thousand people, mainly Spaniards, Italians, Germans, Croats and Arabs. Today, over 800,000 foreign-born people live in Chile.
population
17,789,267 people (July 2017).
Ethnic composition
Santiago
- European origin - 30%
- mestizos - 65%
- Indians - 5%
Xenophobia
average life expectancy
- Men - 76 years.
- Women - 82 years.
The share of the urban population is 87.7%.
culture
Manuel Antonio Caro, Zamaqueca Dance, 1873
Religion
Church in Chile was separated from the state in accordance with the constitution of 1925, more than 80% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. Usually the church rarely interfered in the political life of the country, but since the late 1960s, following the instructions of the papal encyclicals on social issues, as well as under the influence of the social currents of European Catholicism, the Chilean church began to play an important role in carrying out social reforms in the country, and the number socially active clergy increased markedly. Some clergy contributed to the growth of the influence of the Christian Democratic Party.
In 1970, the Catholic Church of Chile officially declared its rejection of capitalism and renounced all securities it had, as well as profitable land and property that belonged to it. After 1973, the church condemned torture, murder, and kidnapping.
In addition to Catholics, in Chile there are influential groups of Protestants (according to the 1992 census, they make up 13% of the population) and adherents of Judaism. The significant influence of the Protestant Church is explained by strong support from Great Britain and the presence in the country of a number of educational institutions and social institutions founded by North American religious organizations.
mass media
State TV company - TVN (Television Nacional- “National Television”), includes the TV channel of the same name, created in 1969.
Festivities
Chile has 15 public holidays, nine of which are religious and six are secular. In addition, the days of the plebiscite, presidential or parliamentary elections, official population censuses are considered holidays.
| Non-working days in Chile | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| the date | name | Spanish | character | notes |
| 1st of January | New Year | Ano Nuevo | civil | Required. |
| -April | Good Friday |
Viernes Santo Sabado Santo |
religious | |
| Holy Saturday | ||||
| The 1 of May | Labor Day | Dia del Trabajo | civil | |
| May 21st | Chilean Navy Day | Dia de las Glorias Navales | civil | |
| June 29 | Peter and Paul Day | San Pedro and San Pablo | religious | |
| July 16 | Day of the Virgin of Carmen | Dia de la Virgen del Carmen | religious | |
| August 15 | Ascension of the Virgin Mary | Asuncion de la Virgen | religious | |
| September 18 | National holiday | Primera Junta Nacional de Gobierno | civil | obligatory holiday, the date does not change. |
| September 19 | Day of Grandeur of the Chilean Army | Dia de las Glorias del Ejército de Chile | obligatory holiday, the date does not change. | |
| October 12 | Columbus Day | Descubrimiento de Dos Mundos | civil | rescheduled to the next weekend if it falls between Tuesday and Friday. |
| October 31 | National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches | Día Nacional de las Iglesias Evangelicas y Protestantes | religious | |
| Nov. 1 | Cathedral of All Saints | Dia de Todos los Santos | religious | |
| December 8 | Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary | Inmaculada Conception | religious | |
| December 25 | Nativity | Navidad | religious | Required. |
By latitude, Chile is divided into three regions that differ sharply from each other in climate and relief: the Northern Desert (Atacama desert region), Central Chile (highlands Andes) and Southern Chile (a hilly zone of dense forests in the foothills of the Southern Andes and a labyrinth of narrow straits and mountainous islands in the far south). The country also includes Easter Island (Rapa Nui) 3700 km. west of the country's coast, and Juan Fernandez(700 km to the west). The total area is 756.9 thousand square meters. km.
Capital: Santiago
Climate
In the central valley (Santiago, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar) the climate is Mediterranean. In summer (January and February), the average temperature is + 28 C, in winter +10 C. It is cool in the evenings, it rains in winter, but mostly the weather is very pleasant. The coast is humid, cloudy and windy, it is colder here than inland. The lakes region has a temperate climate, but cool winds can blow. The mountains are cold and there is a lot of precipitation. AT Patagonia almost always cold, there are sharp and unpredictable weather changes. Even in summer, fogs, rains and strong winds are not uncommon.
Climate on Easter Island- subtropical. In July and August, the temperature is minimal, reaching 17.8 ° C, the warmest month is February with a temperature of 23.7 ° C. Variable rains fall all year round, but especially heavy - in May.
Time: Time difference with Moscow: minus 7 hours in summer, minus 6 hours in winter
Official language: Spanish
Currency
Chilean peso (Ch$), equal to 100 centavos. In circulation are notes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos, coins in 1, 3, 5, 10 and 50 centavos. It is possible to pay for goods and services in US dollars. In the central regions, large shops and hotels, credit cards of the world's leading systems and traveler's checks are accepted for payment, in the provinces this is often problematic. Tips are 10% of the bill, often they are already included in the total amount. Taxi drivers don't require tips, but it's a good idea to round the fare up for convenience. You can bargain in the markets and in private shops. Territory: 756,600 sq. km
National cuisine
Lunch is the main meal in Chile. In any restaurant, cheap lunches costing up to $ 2 are included in the menu. This includes a simple salad, hot soup with meat, or empanados(patties with meat, onion, boiled egg and a couple of olives. In summer, be sure to try humitas- spiced corn on the cob or pastel de choclo - corn casserole. Seafood is very popular in Chile. Especially tasty are crabs and lokos - abalone mollusk. The main course usually consists of specially prepared rice with chicken, meat or fried fish. Dessert is followed by a cup of instant coffee. In the evening, Chileans usually eat sandwiches.
Religion: Main religion: Catholicism
Electric voltage: 220 volt
Main Attractions
The most beautiful and famous sights of Chile - lake Chungara, volcano Parinacota, San Pedro de Atacama, geysers tatio, mountain lake miscanti, granite towers Torres del Paine, archaeological sites Copaquilla and Sapawira, as well as Patagonia- the southernmost region of the American continent.
Visa
Citizens of Russia do not need a visa to visit Chile - at the same time, they can stay in the country for up to 90 days, which is more than enough for the closest acquaintance with the riches of the country.
Customs regulations
It is forbidden to import milk and dairy products, including butter and cheese, fresh and dried fruits, meat and meat products, any plants, seedlings, soil, insects, snails, bacteria and fungi for scientific research, bees, honey and wax, veterinary biological drugs, narcotic substances, non-canned food. Duty-free import of any personal items that were in use, including television, radio and video equipment, portable electronic computers necessary for professional activities, as well as cigarettes - up to 400 pieces, or tobacco - 500 gr., or cigars - up to 50 pcs., alcoholic beverages - up to 2.5 liters. Non-commercial purchases are also permitted at the Airport Duty-Free Shop for up to $500 USD. When entering the country, the following are subject to declaration: home furniture, tableware, linen products (bed linen), paintings and decorations, new household appliances and spare parts for them, all new goods or goods imported for commercial purposes. It is forbidden to export, without special permission, objects and things of historical, artistic or archaeological value, as well as weapons and rare representatives of flora and fauna. It is allowed to export wool and leather products, jewelry, souvenirs within the limits of personal needs, while you need to present a receipt from the store where these products were purchased. Import and export of currency is not limited, but is subject to declaration.
It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Argentina to the east, Peru to the north, and Bolivia to the northeast.
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Santiago, 1779
The history of Chile begins with the settlement of the region about 13,000 years ago.
Period of Spanish colonization
Before the invasion of the Spaniards, the Quechua and Aymara Indian peoples lived in the northern part of Chile, the Mapuche in the central part, and the Alakalufs, Yagans and she in the south.
At the end of the XIII - beginning of the XIV centuries, the northern part of Chile (up to the Maule River) was conquered by the Incas. South of the Maule River, the Mapuche tribes did not submit to the Incas, putting up fierce resistance to them.
By the beginning of colonization, about 1 million people lived in Chile, by 1590 the number of Indians had decreased to 549 thousand due to wars, diseases and slave labor.
The Spaniards did not find rich deposits of precious metals in Chile, and colonization took on an agricultural character, with an influx in the 17th-18th centuries of immigrants from the poorest Spanish province of Extremadura, as well as the Basques.
In the central part of Chile, the natural conditions were similar to those of the Mediterranean. Wheat, barley, hemp, grapes began to be cultivated there. The breeding of cattle and sheep also began.
Since the 18th century, copper mining has become of great importance. Thus, during the colonial era, the foundations of the modern economy of Chile were laid.
During this period, the process of miscegenation took place. By the beginning of the 19th century, mestizos made up about 80% of the population.
period of independence
Bernardo O'Higgins
At the beginning of the 19th century (1810-1823), under the leadership of Bernardo O'Higgins and Manuel Rodriguez, the Chilean people won independence from the colonial power of Spain.
After the People's Unity bloc came to power (an association of left and center-left parties and organizations), headed by the elected (but not received an absolute majority) President Salvador Allende, in 1970-1972, a complex of socio-economic transformations of the left bloc was carried out in the country: nationalization enterprises and banks, agrarian reform, implementation of social programs, changes in labor legislation in the interests of employees. At this time, experiments were being carried out with computer control of the state economy (Project Cybersyn), which received mixed results due to slow feedback. Allende's policy faced growing resistance from conservative financial, industrial and latifundist circles within the country and pressure from foreign corporations. This led to economic difficulties, which then turned into an economic crisis. High inflation and commodity shortages caused social tensions to rise, accompanied by right-wing opposition-funded strikes, street riots, and a surge in right-wing terrorism. The number of victims of the regime and those killed in the riots is unknown.
The economic situation was further aggravated by the credit boycott of Chile by large American and international banks. President Allende was systematically subjected to pressure from the one side of the radical left, who demanded to speed up the reforms and move from the nationalization of industries resorting to sabotage to the complete expropriation of capitalist property; and on the other hand - the right, demanding to curtail the reforms and abandon the proclaimed social guarantees.
Percentage annual change in Chile's gross domestic product
The CIA funded the opposition media, politicians, and organizations, aiding the campaign to destabilize the country. The legislative initiatives of the Allende government were blocked by a parliamentary majority that did not belong to the "People's Unity". Parliamentary elections in March 1973 confirmed the trend towards polarization of society. On May 26, 1973, the Supreme Court accused the Allende regime of destroying the rule of law in the country. On August 22, 1973, the National Congress passed a resolution outlawing the government and accusing Allende of violating the constitution. In fact, the "Agreement" called on the armed forces to disobey the authorities until they "stand on the path of the rule of law." The opposition did not have the 2/3 votes needed to remove Allende from power. By September 1973, state power was paralyzed.
The country's top generals decided to organize a military coup. During the coup during the storming of the presidential palace, Salvador Allende was killed (according to outdated data) or committed suicide (confirmation of this version was obtained as a result of the exhumation of Allende's remains in 2011). The dictatorship of the Governmental Junta was established in the country, headed by General Augusto Pinochet.
In 2004, as a result of the work of the Commission for Political Prisoners and Torture, created by the decree of the President of Lagos, more than 28,000 persons who, in one way or another, suffered from illegal arrests and torture during the years of the military junta, received a life pension.
The destruction of opponents of the authorities was also carried out abroad. The operation "Condor" to eliminate political emigrants, carried out by the National Intelligence Agency (DINA), together with the intelligence services of other Latin American dictatorships, gained fame. For example, Operation Colombo led to the fact that 119 people "expelled from Chile" were actually killed. At the same time, the Pinochet regime interacted with the European far right for the same purposes.
Santiago, 2007
The implications of Pinochet's policies for the socio-economic well-being of the population are a matter of debate. According to the left, there was a significant rollback due to the neo-liberal counter-reforms initiated by the government (at the beginning of the reforms, prices rose in some cases by 18-20 times, and for such basic foodstuffs as bread, milk, meat - by 4-10 times), in as a result of which today about 20% (according to official data) of the population of Chile are below the poverty line, and the dictator himself, members of his family and other regime officials became the beneficiary of privatization.
According to analysts, at present Chile has taken the 1st position in terms of the integral indicator of competitiveness among Latin American countries (27th place in the world ranking), is in the third ten countries in the solvency rating; Standard & Poor's rating agency in the classification of risk countries assigned it the highest category A [ ] .
Politics
Constitution
Chile has a Constitution adopted on March 11, 1981 after a referendum. The constitution provided for the continuation of Pinochet's rule for another 8 years, and most of the constitutional norms were suspended until 1990.
In 1988, a referendum called for the continuation of Pinochet's rule. As a result, Pinochet was defeated and called new presidential elections in 1989.
executive branch
Chilean ministers
The head of state is the president, he is also the head of government. Elected by the population for a 4-year term, without the right to re-election.
The President has the right to appoint ambassadors and members of the government, determine the composition of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, appoint the commanders of all branches of the armed forces and the head of the National Police. The president also has the right to initiate legislation and introduce bills to parliament.
Legislature
supreme legislative body- Bicameral National Congress:
- Senate - 38 members elected by the population for an 8-year term (with half of the senators replaced every 4 years);
- Chamber of Deputies - 120 members (2 deputies from 60 electoral districts), elected by the population for a 4-year term.
The National Congress was moved in 1990 to decentralize power from Santiago to Valparaiso.
Judicial system
The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court of Chile, to which the lower courts, including the Court of Appeal, are subordinate.
Political parties
Economy
The main industry of the country is mining (copper and other metals), Chile is the world's largest exporter of copper, which is mined and smelted by the national enterprise CODELCO. Among other industries - metallurgical, woodworking, food, textile. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, provides 7% of GNP (13% of employees), livestock breeding is developed, wheat, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, and fruits are grown. Chile is one of the largest exporters of fruits, as well as fish and wood products. GNP amounted to $97.7 billion in 1994 (GNP per capita - $7010), in 2008 GNP reached $169.6 billion (per capita - $14.9 thousand according to PPP).
Main trading partners: China, USA, Japan, Brazil. The monetary unit is the Chilean peso (1 Chilean peso (Ch$) is equal to 100 centavos). The total length of railways is 7,766 km, roads - 79,025 km, inland waterways - 725 km. The most important ports of the country: Iquique, Valparaiso.
In 2008 (estimate) budget revenues were $44.79 billion, expenditures were $35.09 billion.
Export 66.46 billion dollars (in 2008) - copper, fruits, fish, paper, chemical products, wine.
Santiago, 2013
Major buyers (2008): China - 14.2%, USA - 11.3%, Japan - 10.4%, Brazil - 5.9%, South Korea - 5.7%, Netherlands - 5.2%.
Imports 57.61 billion dollars (in 2008) - oil and oil products, chemicals, electronics, industrial products, cars, gas.
