Chile - Background and Current Events

(Map of Chile, courtesy Google Images)

Chile is a narrow strip of land on the far western side of South America. Its population is approximately 17.3 million, and it sprawls for about 270,000 square miles. Chile's geography is unique not only because of its shape, but also that most of it is surrounded by the Andes mountain range on one side, and ocean on the other. To the north is the driest desert on earth, the Atacama Desert. It also boasts the southernmost city in the world (Punta Arenas). (source:  infoplease.com)

Originally, Chile was ruled by native Inca and Araucano groups until Spain took over control. Chile finally declared independence from Spain in 1818 but then fell under the rule of dictator after dictator.

Today, the Chilean government is one of only 22 countries - as of 2014 - to have a democratically-elected female president (according to jjmmccullough.com), who is socialist. Not until recent years has Chile been under a somewhat Marxist government; corrupt dictatorships ultimately led to a series of government overthrows, which has eventually transformed it into the two-party system of government it is today.

Economically, Chile has close ties with Cuba, the People's Republic of China, the United States, and other neighboring countries. Its main exports are petroleum, chemicals and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, natural gas; paper products, and foods like fish and fruit. Notably, Chile entered a contract with the United States in 2004 to free up trading, appropriately called the United States - Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA). (ustr.gov)

Culturally, football (soccer) is very popular. It is also rich in the arts, with an increasingly booming film industry; it's also home to several reputable writers. There is a big mixture of music, from traditional folk to modern pop.

Today, Chile faces a variety of economic and social issues. One of the most controversial topics right now is the debate concerning abortion laws. Chile is only one of six countries worldwide that outlaws termination of pregnancy in all cases (according to theguardian.com). President Michelle Bachlet made abortion law reform one of he main platforms when running for her second term of office in 2013, and the issue is becoming more and more talked about and challenged. A bill considering termination in exceptional cases went to congress in August. Abortion was legal in Chile up until 1989, when the Pinochet government ruled supreme.

(Women demonstrating for the advocation of abortion law reformation, August 2015 - Photo courtesy of The Guardian)

Chile is still technically considered a more conservative nation when it comes to government, due largely in part to the prominence of Catholicism and Christianity intertwined with political parties. However, things are changing:  This year, laws allowing gay marriage were passed, the nation is continuously developing a medical marijuana program, and an estimated 70% of Chilean citizens support abortion in specific circumstances.

In other recent news, Chile has been becoming more involved in the Syrian refugee crisis. According to recent reports, Chile has hosted over 100 families during the past few weeks. Latin American countries in general have been known to be gracious to immigrants and refugees in need, especially Chile.