Chile is one of the largest countries in South America. It has about 17 million people and is about twice the size of Texas. Following are some interesting facts about this country.

Geography: Chile is an oddly shaped nation. It is 2,700 miles long and only averages 100 miles wide. Chile is the longest north to south country in the world. It is also one of the smallest east to west countries. If you were to walk 24 hours a day, you would be able to walk the width of the country in a little over one day. It would take you more than one month to walk its length.

Did you know that: Chile is one of the top wine producing nations in the world? About one third of the world’s copper comes from Chile? The Atacama Desert in the northern part of the country is the driest area in the world? Chile has some of the best grazing lands in the world and is a leading producer of cattle and sheep? The country has 357 airports, more than India which has 100 times the population?

Economy: Chile is the wealthiest country in South America. It leads all of Latin America in Gross Domestic Product, education, freedom of the press and also has the lowest poverty rates.

Mas A Tierra Island: This small Chilean island is located about 400 miles off the coast of Chile. In 1704, a Scottish sailor was marooned on this island and spent 4 years living alone on it. This sailor was the inspiration for William Dafoe’s classic novel, The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. In 1966, the Chilean government changed the name of the island to Robinson Crusoe Island in honor of the book.

Sports: Chileans love their soccer. Although Chile has never won the World Cup, the Chilean national soccer team is generally highly ranked. Other popular sports include tennis, basketball and rodeo.

Military: Chile maintains a small but effective military force. It is one of the few countries in the world to have never lost a war. The English translation of Chile’s military motto is Always Victorious and Never Defeated. The last time Chile fought in a major war was in 1891. However, at the end of world war 2, Chile declared war on Japan, but did not participate militarily.

Population: Almost one half of Chile’s population lives in its capital city of Santiago. Most of the people are at least partially descended from Europeans.

International relations: In 1945, Chile was one of the 50 founding members of the United Nations. It is one of the most diplomatically active nations in Latin America.

Chile is one of the most stable and wealthiest nations in the Americas (after only the US and Canada). It has many beautiful tourist attractions including glaciers, mountains, beachfronts, and ski resorts. The country boasts of many national parks and resorts. Chile has quickly become a favorite tourist destination for many Americans and even Japanese and other Asians.

Sources: Wikipedia, CIA factbook, gosouthamerica.com