Chile is a long, narrow country located along the western edge of South America, between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its diverse landscapes, it stretches approximately 2,700 miles (4,300 km) from its border with Peru to Cape Horn. Chile is famous for its striking geographic contrasts, including the arid Atacama Desert in the north and the glacier-filled Patagonia region in the south. The country also holds sovereignty over Easter Island and other islands in the South Pacific.
Chile's capital and largest city is Santiago. Key attractions include Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Patagonia known for its mountains, glaciers, lakes and wildlife. Other popular destinations include the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, offering stargazing and surreal landscapes, and the Lake District, with its volcanoes and forests. As of February 2026, the population of Chile is estimated to be around 19.9 million. The economy is supported by copper exports, agriculture, and service industries like finance and tourism.
Recent developments in Chile include a shift in political leadership, with José Antonio Kast elected as president. Kast's administration is expected to focus on security and economic issues, including cutting public spending and cracking down on immigration. Chile is also working on a new constitutional process after previous drafts were rejected. The country is addressing economic challenges, social demands, and security concerns.