Chile explained to kids

Chile is a long and thin country located in southern South America. Chile is bordered by Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far south. Chile also claims a part of Antarctica called the Chilean Antarctic Territory. Chile has a total area of 756,096 square kilometers (291,930 square miles). The capital of Chile is Santiago. Chile's official language is Spanish. Chile is a republic. The current president of Chile is Sebastián Piñera. Chile's currency is the Chilean peso. Chile is divided into 15 regions. The largest and most populous city in Chile is Santiago. Other major cities include Concepción, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Talca. Chile is home to a variety of landscapes. There are the Andes Mountains in the east, the Atacama Desert in the north, and the Chilean Coast Range and the Central Valley in the center. Chile also has a long coastline on the Pacific Ocean. Chile's climate varies depending on the region. The north is generally dry and desert-like, while the center and south have a more temperate climate. Chile is a relatively prosperous country. It has a strong economy and is one of the wealthiest countries in South America. Chile is also an important producer of copper.