Chile has a population of over 17 million.
National composition:
- Chileans (mestizo);
- other peoples (Indian tribes, French, Germans, Basques, Irish, Croats).
20 people live per 1 sq. Km, but the overwhelming majority of residents (90%) inhabit the central region (the population density in Santiago is 355 people per 1 sq. Km), and some areas in the south of the country are sparsely populated.
The main group of Indians are Mapuche, Aymara and Rapanui. Mapuche live in the south, Aymars in the north of the country, and Rapanui in Easter Island. As for the immigrants from Europe (Germans, Irish, French, Croats and others), they live in the southern regions of Chile.
The official language is Spanish, but English and German are also common languages.
Major cities: Santiago, Antofagasta, Puente Alto, Viña del Mar, Talcahuano, Valparaiso, San Bernardo, Temuco.
Chileans are Catholic and Protestant.
Life span
The female population lives on average up to 77, and the male population up to 70 years.
Among the countries of South America, these figures are quite high. This is largely due to the fact that health care in the country is allocated $ 3300 per year per person. In addition, Chileans smoke 3 times less than residents of the Balkan countries, Russia and Ukraine (Chile ranks 58th in the world in terms of cigarette consumption per capita) and consume 2 times less alcohol than Estonians, Czechs, Russians and French. But among residents there is a fairly high obesity rate - 25%.
Going to Chile? 2-3 weeks before the trip, it is advisable to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid fever.
Chilean traditions and customs
Chileans are friendly and very pleasant people, always ready to help.
The New Year traditions of the Chileans are of interest. The New Year's talisman is grapes: in order for the wish to come true, at midnight you need to pinch 12 grapes from the vine and eat them. And for the whole year to be accompanied by good luck in love, on New Year's, you must definitely wear red stockings, socks or garters. In addition, it is customary to burn a straw effigy on New Year's Day, which is a symbol of all the troubles of the outgoing year. And on New Year's Eve, Chileans go to the cemetery to celebrate this holiday with their deceased relatives.
When planning to visit Chile, you should read the following information:
- smoking and drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in the country (violation of the law will result in a fine);
- when communicating with Chileans, it is not recommended to talk about politics, the Pinochet regime and reforms;
- if you are invited to visit, know that it is bad form to answer a cell phone call while eating;
- Chileans value punctuality, so it is advisable to arrive on time for meetings.
