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Chile

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I Love Chile News|

Chile's economy is highly dependent on international trade. In 2004, exports accounted for about 34% of GDP. Chile has traditionally been dependent upon copper exports; the state-owned firm CODELCO is the world's largest copper-producing company. Nontraditional exports have grown faster than those of copper and other minerals. In 1975, non-mineral exports made up just over 30% of total exports, whereas now they account for about 60%. The most important non-mineral exports are forestry and wood products, fresh fruit and processed food, fishmeal and seafood, and wine. The trade balance for 2004 showed a historic surplus $9 billion, considerably higher than 2003. Total exports in 2004 were $32 billion, a 52.1% increase from $20.4 billion in 2003. Chile's export markets are fairly balanced among Europe (25.1%), Asia (33.1%), Latin America (15.7%), and North America (19%). The U.S., the largest national market, takes in 17.3% of Chile's exports. Asia has been the fastest-growing export market in recent years.|

Check out the Chile travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.|

Chilean imports increased 30% in 2004, to $23 billion, reflecting a positive change in consumer demand and economic recovery. Capital goods made up about 66% of total imports. The United States represented 14.6% of Chilean imports in 2004. As a bloc, the EU in 2004 supplied 16.3% of Chile's imports, while Argentina contributed 16%. Chile unilaterally lowered its across-the-board import tariff--for all countries with which it does not have a trade agreement--to 6% in 2003.|

The producer in charge of Megadeth in Chile commented that the campaign was a success and the band has accepted the request of his fans.|

Chileans descended from non-Spanish European nationalities are not too numerous, but include a small yet influential number of Irish and English immigrants that arrived in Chile during the Spanish colonial period. Government-sponsored immigration from Germany began in 1848, and in time, changed the cultural makeup of the southern provinces of , Llanquihue, and , which still show a strong German influence. Other historically significant immigrant groups include people of Italian (), Croatian ( and ), French, and Middle Eastern backgrounds (actually there is the second largest colony outside Middle East).|

Chile extends along the Pacific Coast of South America, and is bordered to the north by Peru and to the east by Bolivia and Argentina. Chile declared its independence from Spain in 1810, but it was not until 1818 that it achieved full independence. The country was defined for decades by the dictatorial regime of , who took power in a military coup that overthrew the left-wing government of on September 11, 1973. While Pinochet led the country into an era of robust economic growth, his regime repressed and reshaped Chile and became a notorious symbol of human rights abuse and corruption.|

Snaking its way along South America’s western coast, Chile flows across parched deserts and glacial plains, collecting all the hallmarks of this remarkable continent on its way. From smooth Santiago to remote southern lands, the world’s longest country has an even longer list of essential experiences.|

Saturday Profile of Tomas Cassella, former Uruguayan Army colonel who was extradited to Chile in 2006; he has become a reiki master, but is living in legal limbo as he appeals his case.|

Visit South America and travel through Bolivia, Argentina and Chile from La Paz to Santiago. Visit Potosi, Salar de...|

Chilean Judge Jorge Zepeda orders the arrest of eight retired police and military officers in connection with the kidnapping and disappearance of Boris Weisfeiler, an American university professor who disappeared while hiking in Chile in 1985 during the dictatorship of Gen Augusto Pinochet.|

SANTIAGO – Daniel Boyle, one of the I Love Chile editing team appeared last week in Chilean newspaper El Mercurio’s . The magazine selected some of the leading expat experts to share their favorite hidden locations throughout Chile. Joining Daniel in giving their secrets away were Rob Woodward from , from the blog, from the and editor .|

Go hiking & trekking on your vacation. Enjoy the outdoors, get some fresh air and view the beautiful scenery on our hiking trips in Chile. Our trekking tours are a great way to see the natural landscape. Guided hiking trips are a fun activity for people of all ages and abilities. Experienced guides will help you identify the native plants and animals in the area on our hiking tours in Chile. Our trekking trips are great for backpacking adventures. Hike through the forest with a small group on our guided treks and meet people who share the same interest in activities. Browse our hiking and trekking in Chile and plan your adventure today!|

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