Chile is a country in South America, occupying a narrow coastal strip between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. It borders Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Its area is 756,102 sq km. and its population is 20,206,953 inhabitants, according to an official estimate for 2025. The capital is Santiago, which is home to one third of the country's total population.

Before the arrival of Spanish colonists in the 16th century, northern Chile was under the control of the Incas, while the central and southern parts were inhabited by Mapuche people. In 1810, Chile declared itself an independent country and in 1818 it completely threw off Spanish rule.

Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is located in northern Chile. It is essentially an arid plain consisting of salt basins, sand, and dry lava, extending from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. It is 15 million years old and is 100 times drier than the second driest region on Earth, Death Valley in California, USA. In fact, it holds the world record for the longest drought, as it has recorded a period of 400 years without rain, until 1971.

Its total area is 181,300 square kilometers (larger than Greece) while the amount of rain is only 1 mm per year, on average. The spectacular landscape of some points has also been used as a model for simulating conditions on the soil of the planet Mars.

Lake Tsungara

Lake Tsungara is located in northern Chile, near the border with Bolivia, and is one of the highest lakes in the world, reaching 4,517 meters. It is surrounded by impressive volcanoes, such as Parinacota and Pomerape, offering a unique Andean landscape. The area around the lake is home to a rich fauna, including alpacas, llamas, vicuñas and various species of birds (such as flamingos).

Source: Wikipedia

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