Chile
30 00 S, 71 00 W
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m
total: 6,339 km
border countries: Argentina 5,308 km, Bolivia 860 km, Peru 171 km
severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis
copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower
arable land: 2.62%
permanent crops: 0.43%
other: 96.95% (2005)
widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage
Ranges from hot and arid in the north to very cold in the far south. The central areas have a mild Mediterranean climate with a wet season (May to August). Beyond Puerto Montt in the south is one of the wettest and stormiest areas in the world.
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens in northern and central areas. Rainwear is advised during rainy seasons. Mediumweights and waterproofing are needed in the south.
time difference: UTC-4
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in October; ends second Sunday in March
