Country
Countries A-Z
Chile
Republic of Chile
República de Chile
Political Status: Independent republic since 1818; present constitution approved September 11, 1980 (in effect from March 11, 1981), partially superseding military regime instituted in 1973; fully effective as of March 11, 1990.
Area: 292, 256 sq. mi. (756, 945 sq. km.).
Population: 15, 116, 435 (2002C); 17, 094, 000 (2010E). The 2002 figure lacks an adjustment for underenumeration.
Major Urban Centers (2005E): SANTIAGO (4, 771, 000), Puente Alto (602, 000), Antofagasta (306, 000), Viña del Mar (288, 000), Valparaíso (260, 000), Concepción (215, 000).
Official Language: Spanish.
Monetary Unit: Peso (market rate November 1, 2010: 493.25 pesos = $1US).
President: Sebastián PIÑERA Echenique (Coalition for Change–National Renovation); elected in runoff balloting on January 17, 2010, and inaugurated on March 11 for a four-year term, succeeding Michelle BACHELET ...