festivites
Sure! Here are some of the major festivities and holidays celebrated in Chile:
1. Fiestas Patrias (National Holidays): Celebrated on September 18th and 19th, these are the biggest celebrations in Chile, akin to Independence Day in the USA. On the 18th, people celebrate with parades, traditional dances like the cueca, and large outdoor barbecues called "asados". The 19th is a day for rest and reflection on Chilean identity.
2. Carnaval de Rapa Nui (Easter Island Carnival): This carnival takes place on Easter Island around February or March each year, and celebrates the island's unique culture and history. There are traditional dances and music performances, as well as competitions like canoe races and bodyboarding contests.
3. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd throughout Latin America, this holiday honors deceased loved ones. In Chile, families visit cemeteries and decorate graves with flowers and candles, and share food and drink with one another.
4. Semana Santa (Holy Week): This week leading up to Easter Sunday is celebrated throughout Chile with religious processions and church services. In some parts of the country, there are also carnivals and other secular celebrations.
5. Inti Raymi (Sun Festival): This festival is celebrated by indigenous peoples in the northern regions of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, typically on June 24th. It honors the winter solstice and the sun god Inti, and includes traditional dances and offerings of food and drink.
These are just a few examples of the many festivals and holidays celebrated in Chile. Each region and community has its own unique traditions and celebrations, making Chile a vibrant and diverse country.
seasons
In Chile, the tourist seasons can be broadly classified into three categories:
1. High Season: This season generally runs from December to February, which is summer in Chile. The high season is characterized by warm weather and long days, making it an ideal time for beach vacations, outdoor activities, and exploring the cities. However, prices tend to be higher, and popular destinations can be crowded.
2. Shoulder Season: The shoulder season falls between March to May and September to November. During this time, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists, making it a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and save money on accommodations and activities. It's also a great time to see the autumn foliage in the Lake District.
3. Low Season: The low season occurs during the winter months of June to August. While the weather can be cold and rainy, this is an excellent time to visit if you're interested in skiing or snowboarding in the Andes Mountains. Prices are generally lower during this period, and there are fewer tourists overall.
Overall, recommendations would depend on your interests, budget, and travel preferences. If you prefer hot weather and don't mind crowds, then the high season may be best. If you prefer milder weather and want to save some money, the shoulder season could be a great choice. Finally, if you love winter sports or want to experience Chile in its quietest state, the low season may be the way to go.
visa
Some special VISA rules for visiting Chile based on citizenship include:
1. Australia, Canada, and the United States citizens do not need a visa to enter Chile for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days.
2. Citizens of certain countries may be required to obtain a tourist visa prior to arrival in Chile. This includes citizens of China, India, and Russia.
3. Citizens of some countries may also be required to pay a reciprocity fee upon arrival in Chile. For example, US citizens must pay a fee of $160 USD, while Australian citizens are charged $117 USD.
4. Some travelers may be required to present proof of yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic.
The cost of obtaining a tourist visa for Chile varies depending on the country of origin and the length of stay. In general, the cost ranges from $30 to $60 USD. The cost of the reciprocity fee also varies depending on the country of origin.
souvenirs
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from Chile, along with their average prices and recommended places to purchase them:
1. Lapis Lazuli Jewelry - prices vary depending on the size and quality of the stone, but a small pendant can cost around $15-20 USD. Look for reputable jewelry stores in Santiago or the town of Ovalle, where many lapis mines are located.
2. Alpaca Wool Products - prices vary based on the item, but expect to pay around $30-40 USD for a high-quality scarf or sweater. You can find these items at markets throughout Chile, but the best selection is in cities like Santiago or Valparaiso.
3. Wine - prices range from $10-50 USD per bottle depending on the brand and vintage. There are many wineries throughout Chile that offer tours and tastings, or you can purchase wine at specialty shops or supermarkets.
4. Copper Crafts - prices vary, but a small copper figurine can cost around $10-15 USD. Look for artisanal shops in towns like San Pedro de Atacama or Valparaiso.
5. Mapuche Handicrafts - prices vary depending on the item, but expect to pay around $20-30 USD for a woven basket or textile. Look for indigenous markets or craft fairs in cities like Temuco or Puerto Montt.
Note that prices may vary depending on location and timing, so it's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
If you have 1 week
🔒CLASSIC: Chile is a country with a diverse range of landscapes and activities to experience. Here's a suggested one-week itinerary for you:
Day 1-2: Santiago
Start your trip in Chile's capital city, Santiago. Visit the historic center, including Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, and San Francisco Church. Take a funicular up Cerro San Cristobal for a panoramic view of the city, and visit the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood for its colorful street art and lively nightlife.
Day 3-4: Valparaiso and Viña del Mar
Head to the coast and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valparaiso, known for its colorful houses and hillside elevators or "ascensores." Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour of the harbor or stroll along Paseo Yugoslavo. Continue to next-door Viña del Mar, a popular resort town with beautiful beaches and elegant architecture from its early 20th-century heyday.
Day 5-6: Atacama Desert
Fly north to Calama and then drive or take a shuttle to San Pedro de Atacama, gateway to the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Marvel at the salt flats of Salar de Atacama, hike the Moon Valley, or visit the natural hot springs of Puritama. Stargazers will love the clear skies and world-class observatories nearby.
Day 7: Wine Country
Return to Santiago and spend your last day exploring the wine country surrounding the city. Take a tour of the vineyards in Maipo Valley or Casablanca Valley, sample some of Chile's famous reds and whites, and enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the vines before heading back to the city.
🔓JAILBREAK: Whoa, Chile! You're in for a treat with this one-week itinerary. First up, immerse yourself in Santiago's vibrant street art scene by taking part in a graffiti tour. You'll see the city's walls come alive with color and creativity from local artists. Then, get your adrenaline pumping by going paragliding over the Andes Mountains. You'll have breathtaking views of the landscape below and feel like you're flying!
Next, head to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar for a unique experience - llama trekking! These furry animals are friendly and docile, making them perfect companions as you hike through the scenic hills and beaches of the region. Don't forget to take plenty of selfies with your new llama friends.
For the ultimate adventure, spend a few days exploring the Atacama Desert. Rent a dune buggy and go sandboarding on the otherworldly terrain, or try your hand at kiteboarding on the nearby coastline. When night falls, take a dip in one of the natural hot springs and stargaze under the clear skies.
Finally, end your trip on a high note by hopping aboard a vintage train through Chile's wine country. Sip on some of the region's finest wines and indulge in delicious cuisine while enjoying the scenery of vineyards and rolling hills. Cheers to an unforgettable week in Chile!
If you have 2 weeks
🔒CLASSIC: Chile is a beautiful country with many exciting places to visit. Here is a suggested two-week itinerary:
Week 1:
- Santiago: Start your trip in the vibrant capital city of Santiago, where you can explore historical landmarks such as La Moneda Palace, the central market, and the Plaza de Armas. You can also take a cable car ride up to the top of Cerro San Cristobal for panoramic views of the city.
- Valparaiso: Head to the colorful coastal town of Valparaiso, known for its street art and bohemian vibe. Take a funicular up to the top of one of the many hills to get a bird's eye view of the city and explore the winding streets lined with brightly painted houses.
- Atacama Desert: Journey to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. Here you can explore the lunar-like landscapes, stargaze at some of the clearest skies in the world, and visit natural wonders such as the Valle de la Luna.
Week 2:
- Lake District: Make your way south to the Lake District, a region of lush green valleys, snow-capped volcanoes, and pristine lakes. Explore charming towns such as Puerto Varas and Frutillar, go kayaking or fishing on Lake Llanquihue, and visit the stunning Petrohue Falls.
- Torres del Paine National Park: Finish off your trip by visiting one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world - Torres del Paine. Hike through awe-inspiring landscapes of towering granite peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, and even pumas.
🔓JAILBREAK: Wow, there are so many incredible places to explore in Chile! Here are some suggestions that might not be on the typical tourist itinerary, but will provide unforgettable experiences:
Week 1:
- Chiloe Island: Take a ferry to the mystical Chiloe Island, with its misty forests, colorful palafitos (houses built on stilts), and unique mythology. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castro and its distinctive wooden churches, and try some of the local seafood dishes.
- Elqui Valley: Head north to the Elqui Valley, known for its clear skies and production of pisco (a grape brandy). Go stargazing at one of the many observatories in the area, visit a pisco distillery, and explore the quaint town of Vicuna.
- Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve: Journey to the southern part of Chile to visit the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, a private conservation area that is home to pristine Patagonian forests, waterfalls, and even a suspended bridge. Stay in a unique lodging such as the Magic Mountain Lodge or Nothofagus Hotel & Spa.
Week 2:
- Pucón: Explore the adventure capital of Chile - Pucón. Hike up Villarrica Volcano for incredible views, go white-water rafting on the Trancura River, and relax in natural hot springs such as Termas Geometricas.
- Rapa Nui (Easter Island): Finish off your trip by visiting one of the most isolated places on Earth - Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. This mysterious island is famous for its giant stone statues called moai, created by the Rapa Nui people. Learn about their fascinating culture, explore the stunning coastline, and hike up to the crater of the Rano Kau volcano for breathtaking views.
Culture
From the period between early agricultural settlements and up to the late pre-Columbian period, northern Chile was a region of Andean culture that was influenced by altiplano traditions spreading to the coastal valleys of the north, while southern regions were areas of Mapuche cultural activities. Throughout the colonial period following the conquest, and during the early Republican period, the country's culture was dominated by the Spanish. Other European influences, primarily English, French, and German began in the 19th century and have continued to this day. German migrants influenced the Bavarian style rural architecture and cuisine in the south of Chile in cities such as Valdivia, Frutillar, Puerto Varas, Osorno, Temuco, Puerto Octay, Llanquihue, Faja Maisan, Pitrufquén, Victoria, Pucón and Puerto Montt.
Music in Chile ranges from folkloric, popular and classical music. Its large geography generates different musical styles in the north, center and south of the country, including also Easter Island and Mapuche music. The national dance is the cueca. Another form of traditional Chilean song, though not a dance, is the tonada. Arising from music imported by the Spanish colonists, it is distinguished from the cueca by an intermediate melodic section and a more prominent melody.
Between 1950 and 1970 appears a rebirth in folk music leading by groups such as Los de Ramón, Los Cuatro Huasos and Los Huasos Quincheros, among others with composers such as Raúl de Ramón, Violeta Parra and others. In the mid-1960s native musical forms were revitalized by the Parra family with the Nueva canción Chilena, which was associated with political activists and reformers such as Víctor Jara, Inti-Illimani, and Quilapayún. Other important folk singer and researcher on folklore and Chilean ethnography, is Margot Loyola. Also, many Chilean rock bands like Los Jaivas, Los Prisioneros, La Ley, and Los Tres have reached international success. In February, annual music festivals are held in Viña del Mar.
Chile is a country of poets. Gabriela Mistral was the first Latin American to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature (1945). Chile's most famous poet is Pablo Neruda, who received the Nobel Prize for Literature (1971) and is world-renowned for his extensive library of works on romance, nature, and politics. His three highly personalized homes in Isla Negra, Santiago and Valparaíso are popular tourist destinations.
Among the list of other Chilean poets are Carlos Pezoa Véliz, Vicente Huidobro, Gonzalo Rojas, Pablo de Rokha, Nicanor Parra, Ivonne Coñuecar and Raúl Zurita. Isabel Allende is the best-selling Chilean novelist, with 51 million of her novels sold worldwide. Novelist José Donoso's novel The Obscene Bird of Night is considered by critic Harold Bloom to be one of the canonical works of 20th-century Western literature. Another internationally recognized Chilean novelist and poet is Roberto Bolaño whose translations into English have had an excellent reception from the critics.
Chilean cuisine is a reflection of the country's topographical variety, featuring an assortment of seafood, beef, fruits, and vegetables. Traditional recipes include asado, cazuela, empanadas, humitas, pastel de choclo, pastel de papas, curanto, and sopaipillas. Crudos is an example of the mixture of culinary contributions from the various ethnic influences in Chile. The raw minced llama, heavy use of shellfish, and rice bread were taken from native Quechua Andean cuisine, (although beef, brought to Chile by Europeans, is also used in place of the llama meat), lemon and onions were brought by the Spanish colonists, and the use of mayonnaise and yogurt was introduced by German immigrants, as was beer.
The folklore of Chile, cultural and demographic characteristics of the country, is the result of the mixture of Spanish and Amerindian elements that occurred during the colonial period. Due to cultural and historical reasons, they are classified and distinguished four major areas in the country: northern areas, central, southern and south. Most of the traditions of the culture of Chile have a festive purpose, but some, such as dances and ceremonies, have religious components.
Chilean mythology is the mythology and beliefs of the Folklore of Chile. This includes Chilote mythology, Rapa Nui mythology and Mapuche mythology.
Chile's most popular sport is association football. Chile has appeared in nine FIFA World Cups which includes hosting the 1962 FIFA World Cup where the national football team finished third. Other results achieved by the national football team include two Copa América titles (2015 and 2016), two runners-up positions, one silver and two bronze medals at the Pan American Games, a bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics and two third places finishes in the FIFA under-17 and under-20 youth tournaments. The top league in the Chilean football league system is the Chilean Primera División, which is named by the IFFHS as the ninth strongest national football league in the world.
The main football clubs are Colo-Colo, Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica. Colo-Colo is the country's most successful football club, having both the most national and international championships, including the coveted Copa Libertadores South American club tournament. Universidad de Chile was the last international champion (Copa Sudamericana 2011).
Tennis is Chile's most successful sport. Its national team won the World Team Cup clay tournament twice (2003 & 2004), and played the Davis Cup final against Italy in 1976. At the 2004 Summer Olympics the country captured gold and bronze in men's singles and gold in men's doubles (Nicolás Massú obtained two gold medals). Marcelo Ríos became the first Latin American man to reach the number one spot in the ATP singles rankings in 1998. Anita Lizana won the US Open in 1937, becoming the first woman from Latin America to win a Grand Slam tournament. Luis Ayala was twice a runner-up at the French Open and both Ríos and Fernando González reached the Australian Open men's singles finals. González also won a silver medal in singles at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
At the Summer Olympic Games Chile boasts a total of two gold medals (tennis), seven silver medals (athletics, equestrian, boxing, shooting and tennis) and four bronze medals (tennis, boxing and football). In 2012, Chile won its first Paralympic Games medal (gold in Athletics).
Rodeo is the country's national sport and is practiced in the more rural areas of the nation. A sport similar to hockey called chueca was played by the Mapuche people during the Spanish conquest. Skiing and snowboarding are practiced at ski centers located in the Central Andes, and in southern ski centers near to cities as Osorno, Puerto Varas, Temuco and Punta Arenas. Surfing is popular at some coastal towns. Polo is professionally practiced within Chile, with the country achieving top prize in the 2008 and 2015 World Polo Championship.
Basketball is a popular sport in which Chile earned a bronze medal in the first men's FIBA World Championship held in 1950 and won a second bronze medal when Chile hosted the 1959 FIBA World Championship. Chile hosted the first FIBA World Championship for Women in 1953 finishing the tournament with the silver medal. San Pedro de Atacama is host to the annual "Atacama Crossing", a six-stage, 250 km footrace which annually attracts about 150 competitors from 35 countries. The Dakar Rally off-road automobile race has been held in both Chile and Argentina since 2009.
The cultural heritage of Chile consists, first, of its intangible heritage, composed of various cultural events and activities, such as visual arts, crafts, dances, holidays, cuisine, games, music and traditions. Secondly, its tangible heritage consists of those buildings, objects and sites of archaeological, architectural, traditional, artistic, ethnographic, folkloric, historical, religious or technological significance scattered through Chilean territory. Among them, some are declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage of 1972, ratified by Chile in 1980. These cultural sites are the Rapa Nui National Park (1995), the Churches of Chiloé (2000), the historical district of the port city of Valparaíso (2003), Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (2005) and the mining city Sewell (2006).
In 1999 Cultural Heritage Day was established as a way to honour and commemorate Chile's cultural heritage. It is an official national event celebrated in May every year.
Religion
, 66.6% of Chilean population over 15 years of age claimed to adhere to the Roman Catholic church, a decrease from the 70% reported in the 2002 census. In the same census of 2012, 17% of Chileans reported adherence to an Evangelical church ("Evangelical" in the census referred to all Christian denominations other than the Roman Catholic and Orthodox—Greek, Persian, Serbian, Ukrainian, and Armenian—churches, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists, and Jehovah's Witnesses: essentially, those denominations generally still termed "Protestant" in most English-speaking lands, although Adventism is often considered an Evangelical denomination as well). Approximately 90% of Evangelical Christians are Pentecostal. but Wesleyan, Lutheran, Anglican, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, other Reformed, Baptist, and Methodist churches also are present amongst Chilean Evangelical churches. Irreligious people, atheists, and agnostics account for around 12% of the population.
By 2015, the major religion in Chile remained Christianity (68%), with an estimated 55% of Chileans belonging to the Roman Catholic church, 13% to various Evangelical churches, and just 7% adhering to any other religion. Agnostics and atheist were estimated at 25% of the population.
Chile has a Baháʼí religious community, and is home to the Baháʼí mother temple, or continental House of Worship, for Latin America. Completed in 2016, it serves as a space for people of all religions and backgrounds to gather, meditate, reflect, and worship. It is formed from cast glass and translucent marble and has been described as innovative in its architectural style.
The Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion, and other laws and policies contribute to generally free religious practice. The law at all levels fully protects this right against abuse by either governmental or private actors. Church and state are officially separate in Chile. A 1999 law on religion prohibits religious discrimination. However, the Roman Catholic church for mostly historical and social reasons enjoys a privileged status and occasionally receives preferential treatment. Government officials attend Roman Catholic events as well as major Evangelical and Jewish ceremonies.
The Chilean government treats the religious holidays of Christmas, Good Friday, the Feast of the Virgin of Carmen, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the Feast of the Assumption, All Saints' Day, and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception as national holidays. Recently, the government declared 31 October, Reformation Day, to be an additional national holiday, in honor of the Evangelical churches of the country.
The patron saints of Chile are Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint James the Greater (Santiago). In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Alberto Hurtado, who became the country's second native Roman Catholic saint after Teresa de los Andes.
Demographics
Chile's 2017 census reported a population of 17,574,003. Its rate of population growth has been decreasing since 1990, due to a declining birth rate. By 2050 the population is expected to reach approximately 20.2 million people.
Mexican professor Francisco Lizcano, of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, estimated that 52.7% of Chileans were white, 39.3% were mestizo, and 8% were Amerindian.
In 1984, a study called Sociogenetic Reference Framework for Public Health Studies in Chile, from the Revista de Pediatría de Chile determined an ancestry of 67.9% European, and 32.1% Native American. In 1994, a biological study determined that the Chilean composition was 64% European and 35% Amerindian. The recent study in the Candela Project establishes that the genetic composition of Chile is 52% of European origin, with 44% of the genome coming from Native Americans (Amerindians), and 4% coming from Africa, making Chile a primarily mestizo country with traces of African descent present in half of the population. Another genetic study conducted by the University of Brasilia in several South American countries shows a similar genetic composition for Chile, with a European contribution of 51.6%, an Amerindian contribution of 42.1%, and an African contribution of 6.3%. In 2015 another study established genetic composition in 57% European, 38% Native American, and 2.5% African.
A public health booklet from the University of Chile states that 64% of the population is of Caucasian origin; "predominantly White" Mestizos are estimated to amount to a total of 35%, while Native Americans (Amerindians) comprise the remaining 5%.
Despite the genetic considerations, many Chileans, if asked, would self-identify as White. The 2011 Latinobarómetro survey asked respondents in Chile what race they considered themselves to belong to. Most answered "White" (59%), while 25% said "Mestizo" and 8% self-classified as "indigenous". A 2002 national poll revealed that a majority of Chileans believed they possessed some (43.4%) or much (8.3%) "indigenous blood", while 40.3% responded that they had none.
The 1907 census reported 101,118 Natives or 3.1% of the total population. Only those that practiced their native culture or spoke their native language were considered to be Natives, irrespective of their "racial purity". In 2002 a census took place, directly asking the public whether they considered themselves as part of any of the eight Chilean ethnic groups, regardless of whether or not they maintained their culture, traditions and language, and 4.6% of the population (692,192 people) fitted that description of indigenous peoples in Chile. Of that number, 87.3% declared themselves Mapuche. Most of the indigenous population shows varying degrees of mixed ancestry. Chile is one of 22 countries to have signed and ratified the only binding international law concerning indigenous peoples, the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989. It was adopted in 1989 as the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169. Chile ratified it in 2008. A Chilean court decision in November 2009, considered to be a landmark ruling on indigenous rights, made use of the convention. The Supreme Court decision on Aymara water rights upheld rulings by both the Pozo Almonte tribunal and the Iquique Court of Appeals and marks the first judicial application of ILO Convention 169 in Chile.
The earliest European immigrants were Spanish colonisers who arrived in the 16th century. The Amerindian population of central Chile was absorbed into the Spanish settler population in the beginning of the colonial period to form the large mestizo population that exists in Chile today; mestizos create modern middle and lower classes. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Basques came to Chile where they integrated into the existing elites of Castilian origin. Postcolonial Chile was never a particularly attractive destination for migrants, owing to its remoteness and distance from Europe. Europeans preferred to stay in countries closer to their homelands instead of taking the long journey through the Straits of Magellan or crossing the Andes. European migration did not result in a significant change in the ethnic composition of Chile, except in the region of Magellan. Spaniards were the only major European migrant group to Chile, and there was never large-scale immigration such as that to Argentina or Brazil. Between 1851 and 1924, Chile only received 0.5% of European immigration to Latin America, compared to 46% to Argentina, 33% to Brazil, 14% to Cuba, and 4% to Uruguay. However, it is undeniable that immigrants have played a significant role in Chilean society.
Most of the immigrants to Chile during the 19th and 20th centuries came from France, Great Britain, Germany, and Croatia, among others. Descendants of different European ethnic groups often intermarried in Chile. This intermarriage and mixture of cultures and races have helped to shape the present society and culture of the Chilean middle and upper classes. Also, roughly 500,000 of Chile's population is of full or partial Palestinian origin, and 800,000 Arab descents. Chile currently has 1.5 million of Latin American immigrants, mainly from Venezuela, Peru, Haiti, Colombia, Bolivia and Argentina; 8% of the total population in 2019, without counting descendants. According to the 2002 national census, Chile's foreign-born population has increased by 75% since 1992. As of November 2021, numbers of people entering Chile from elsewhere in Latin America have grown swiftly in the last decade, tripling in the last three years to 1.5 million, with arrivals stemming from humanitarian crises in Haiti (ca. 180,000) and Venezuela (ca 460,000).
About 85% of the country's population lives in urban areas, with 40% living in Greater Santiago. The largest agglomerations according to the 2002 census are Greater Santiago with 5.6 million people, Greater Concepción with 861,000 and Greater Valparaíso with 824,000.
, 66.6% of Chilean population over 15 years of age claimed to adhere to the Roman Catholic church, a decrease from the 70% reported in the 2002 census. In the same census of 2012, 17% of Chileans reported adherence to an Evangelical church ("Evangelical" in the census referred to all Christian denominations other than the Roman Catholic and Orthodox—Greek, Persian, Serbian, Ukrainian, and Armenian—churches, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists, and Jehovah's Witnesses: essentially, those denominations generally still termed "Protestant" in most English-speaking lands, although Adventism is often considered an Evangelical denomination as well). Approximately 90% of Evangelical Christians are Pentecostal. but Wesleyan, Lutheran, Anglican, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, other Reformed, Baptist, and Methodist churches also are present amongst Chilean Evangelical churches. Irreligious people, atheists, and agnostics account for around 12% of the population.
By 2015, the major religion in Chile remained Christianity (68%), with an estimated 55% of Chileans belonging to the Roman Catholic church, 13% to various Evangelical churches, and just 7% adhering to any other religion. Agnostics and atheist were estimated at 25% of the population.
Chile has a Baháʼí religious community, and is home to the Baháʼí mother temple, or continental House of Worship, for Latin America. Completed in 2016, it serves as a space for people of all religions and backgrounds to gather, meditate, reflect, and worship. It is formed from cast glass and translucent marble and has been described as innovative in its architectural style.
The Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion, and other laws and policies contribute to generally free religious practice. The law at all levels fully protects this right against abuse by either governmental or private actors. Church and state are officially separate in Chile. A 1999 law on religion prohibits religious discrimination. However, the Roman Catholic church for mostly historical and social reasons enjoys a privileged status and occasionally receives preferential treatment. Government officials attend Roman Catholic events as well as major Evangelical and Jewish ceremonies.
The Chilean government treats the religious holidays of Christmas, Good Friday, the Feast of the Virgin of Carmen, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the Feast of the Assumption, All Saints' Day, and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception as national holidays. Recently, the government declared 31 October, Reformation Day, to be an additional national holiday, in honor of the Evangelical churches of the country.
The patron saints of Chile are Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint James the Greater (Santiago). In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Alberto Hurtado, who became the country's second native Roman Catholic saint after Teresa de los Andes.
The Spanish spoken in Chile is distinctively accented and quite unlike that of neighboring South American countries because final syllables are often dropped, and some consonants have a soft pronunciation. Accent varies only very slightly from north to south; more noticeable are the differences in accent based on social class or whether one lives in the city or the country. That the Chilean population was largely formed in a small section at the center of the country and then migrated in modest numbers to the north and south helps explain this relative lack of differentiation, which was maintained by the national reach of radio, and now television, which also helps to diffuse and homogenize colloquial expressions.
There are several indigenous languages spoken in Chile: Mapudungun, Aymara, Rapa Nui, Chilean Sign Language and (barely surviving) Qawasqar and Yaghan, along with non-indigenous German, Italian, English, Greek and Quechua. After the Spanish conquest, Spanish took over as the lingua franca and the indigenous languages have become minority languages, with some now extinct or close to extinction.
German is still spoken to some extent in southern Chile, either in small countryside pockets or as a second language among the communities of larger cities.
Through initiatives such as the English Opens Doors Program, the government made English mandatory for students in fifth grade and above in public schools. Most private schools in Chile start teaching English from kindergarten. Common English words have been absorbed and appropriated into everyday Spanish speech.
The Ministry of Health (Minsal) is the cabinet-level administrative office in charge of planning, directing, coordinating, executing, controlling and informing the public health policies formulated by the President of Chile. The National Health Fund (Fonasa), created in 1979, is the financial entity entrusted to collect, manage and distribute state funds for health in Chile. It is funded by the public. All employees pay 7% of their monthly income to the fund.
Fonasa is part of the NHSS and has executive power through the Ministry of Health (Chile). Its headquarters are in Santiago and decentralized public service is conducted by various Regional Offices. More than 12 million beneficiaries benefit from Fonasa. Beneficiaries can also opt for more costly private insurance through Isapre.
In Chile, education begins with preschool until the age of 5. Primary school is provided for children between ages 6 and 13. Students then attend secondary school until graduation at age 17.
Secondary education is divided into two parts: During the first two years, students receive a general education. Then, they choose a branch: scientific humanistic education, artistic education, or technical and professional education. Secondary school ends two years later on the acquirement of a certificate (licencia de enseñanza media).
Chilean education is segregated by wealth in a three-tiered system – the quality of the schools reflects socioeconomic backgrounds:
* city schools (colegios municipales) that are mostly free and have the worst education results, mostly attended by poor students;
* subsidized schools that receive some money from the government which can be supplemented by fees paid by the student's family, which are attended by mid-income students and typically get mid-level results; and
* entirely private schools that consistently get the best results. Many private schools charge attendance fees of 0,5 to 1 median household income.
Upon successful graduation of secondary school, students may continue into higher education. The higher education schools in Chile consist of Chilean Traditional Universities and are divided into public universities or private universities. There are medical schools and both the Universidad de Chile and Universidad Diego Portales offer law schools in a partnership with Yale University.
Cities:
