There is a great range of climates in Chile that is determined by the latitude, its proximity to the sea and altitude. Generally, the country is crossed by two parallel mountain chains, the one of the Coast and the Andes, both divided by the Central Valley, which further to the south, at the Corcovado gulf sinks into the sea, generating an archipelago, peninsulas and fiords that culminate at the end of the continent with the Cape Horn.
The seasons vary according to each region:
The north of Chile practically does not present rainfalls throughout the year, except in the High Plateau; the central zones have a Mediterranean climate and further to the south the climate is definitely marked by cold and humidity.
Chile's 2002 census reported a population of 15,116,435 and is expected to reach approximately 20.2 million by 2050. About 85% of the country's population lives in urban areas, with 40% living in Greater Santiago (5.6 million people).
The copper is the main economic resource of Chile, generating more than a third of the world's production. Due to its dependence on the international market price, it triggers a direct influence at the Chilean currency value (peso). Also important actors of the economy are the sea products, fruits and wine.
Spanish is the official language. But there are also some native languages that are spoken in different areas of the country: Aymara (in the north and the High Plateau), Mapudungún (language from the Mapuches in the ninth region next to Temuco) and Rapa Nui (at Isla de Pascua).
Most of the year : GMT -4 hours.
Isla de Pascua: GMT -6 hours.
The official currency is the Chilean peso ($). The easiest way to exchange is using your credit card in any of the many banks that supply ATM services. Moreover you can exchange cash at the airport, malls, hotels or different official money exchange stores.
It is advised to bring variable clothes in order to face the variety of climates of the country. If you are planning a trip that considers visiting extreme nature, be sure to check before arriving, all the special requirements in terms of accessories and clothes.
No vaccines are required while entering the country. It is recommended to use sun protection, due to the strong solar radiations in Chile.
USA, Canadian and Australian citizens must pay a rate of reciprocity of US $45, US $70 and US $20 respectively to enter the country. US$18 will be charged while leaving the country. Usually, the price of the domestic flights includes the boarding taxes.
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