Country Profile: Chile

Chile is a long and narrow country located in southern South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and flanked by Argentina and Peru. It has a population of over 19 million people, primarily concentrated in the central region around the capital, Santiago. The economy is export-driven, with copper as a leading commodity, while governance operates as a presidential republic with ongoing democratic processes. Despite challenges such as rising public debt and social inequality, Chile maintains a stable political environment and continues to pursue economic growth.

Geography

Chile is characterized by a unique geography that includes a long coastline of 6,435 km and the rugged Andes mountains to the east. Its climate varies from arid in the north to Mediterranean in the central region and cool in the south. The country is prone to natural hazards such as severe earthquakes and volcanic activity, with notable peaks like Nevado Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano in the world. Chile's total land area is 756,102 sq km, slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana.

90% of the population resides in the central region around Santiago.
14.4% of land is used for agriculture (2023).
Chile is the longest country by latitude, extending across 39 degrees.
24.5% of land is covered by forests (2023).
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest desert in the world.

People and Society

Chile has a diverse population of approximately 19 million, primarily composed of 88.9% White and non-Indigenous peoples. The country has a high literacy rate of 96.4% and a median age of 38.9 years. Public health indicators show a life expectancy of 80.3 years. Urbanization is significant, with about 88% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023. The majority of citizens identify as Catholic, followed by a growing Evangelical community.

8.81 births per 1,000 population (2025).
4.5 deaths per 1,000 live births (2025).
19.2% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
67.3% of the population is aged 15-64 years.
13.6% of the population is aged 65 and older (2024).
The net migration rate is 2.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025).

Economy

Chile's economy is robust and export-driven, heavily reliant on copper production. The country has shown resilience in recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, supported by economic reforms and significant public investment. However, challenges such as public debt and social inequality persist. The GDP per capita is estimated at $30,200 for 2024, highlighting a growing economy despite some socio-economic challenges.

GDP (PPP): $596.556 billion (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 9.1% (2024 est.).
Poverty rate: 6.5% of the population below the national poverty line (2022 est.).
Major industries include copper, lithium, and foodstuffs.
53% of GDP is generated from the services sector (2024 est.).

Government

Chile operates as a presidential republic with a structured government that features a bicameral legislature. The current President, Gabriel Boric, took office in March 2022. The country adheres to a civil law system and recognizes dual citizenship. Recent referendums for a new constitution have been defeated, thereby retaining the existing constitution since 1980.

Independence: 18 September 1810.
The National Congress consists of a Chamber of Deputies with 155 seats and a Senate with 50 seats.
Voting age is 18 years, and suffrage is universal.

Military and Security

Chile maintains a well-structured military composed of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, totaling around 70,000 active personnel. Military expenditures are estimated at 1.5% of GDP. The country is involved in various international peacekeeping efforts, highlighting its commitment to regional security.

Military personnel: approximately 70,000 active duty.
Carabineros: around 50,000 personnel in the national police.
Chile has a significant number of foreign-sourced military equipment.

Energy

Chile has achieved 100% electrification of its population, with a growing focus on renewable energy sources. Electricity generation includes a mix of hydroelectric, solar, and fossil fuel sources. The total installed generating capacity reaches about 39.238 million kW.

Energy consumption per capita is 71.42 million Btu (2023).
Solar and wind together account for over 31% of total installed capacity (2023).

Environment

Chile faces various environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, along with deforestation. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 83.058 million metric tonnes (2023 est.).
Municipal solid waste recycling rate is around 1% (2022).

Transportation

Chile boasts an extensive transportation network, with 379 airports and over 7,281 km of railroads. The country has a significant presence in maritime transportation with 249 vessels in its merchant marine.

Airports: 379 (2025).
Total railways: 7,281.5 km (2014).

Communications

With a high rate of connectivity, approximately 95% of the population uses the internet, and mobile subscriptions are robust. The broadcast media landscape is diverse, featuring numerous national and private channels.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 26.2 million (2024).
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 4.52 million (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	19,091,343 (2025 est.)
Area	756,102 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$596.556 billion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	71.42 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	8.81 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	9.1% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	80.3 years (2024 est.)