CHILE

Chile is a long, narrow country stretching along South America's western edge, with more than
6,000km of Pacific Ocean coastline. Santiago, its capital, sits in a valley surrounded by the
Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains. Chilean culture has been a mix of Spanish colonial
elements with elements of indigenous mostly Mapuche culture, as well that of other immigrant
cultures.

The official language of Chile is Spanish (castellano as Chileans call it). The national flag and
the national anthem are the two most important symbols of national identity.