World Atlas -- Chile

Author: Wang Xiaoyan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: Chile is the world's most elongated country, known as the "beautiful skirt" of the Western Hemisphere. It is home to the " driest place on Earth" Atacama Desert, the magnificent Andes Mountains, the mysterious Easter Island and Tierra del Fuego, as well as the passionate and vibrant Cueca dance. Renowned as the "country of copper mines," it is also the only country in the world that produces natural nitrate. In 1541, it became a Spanish colony and gained independence in 1810. The modern social security system in contemporary Chile is highly distinctive, and its comprehensive open-door policy has made it one of the most active countries in economic and trade activities in South America.