Chile

In the north is the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. Moving south, Chile’s terrain begins to resemble the Californian countryside, lined with vineyards and farms. Below is the lake region, then majestic Patagonia and, ultimately, Antarctica.

While on this journey from north to south you’ll discover endless coastal towns, cities, and the capital, Santiago, which is located in the center of the country.

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, Chile was inhabited by the Inca in the north and the Mapuche in the center and the south. Chile declared its independence from the Spanish in 1810, however, the Spanish were not fully defeated until 1818.

Chile is now a democratic republic, but it hasn’t been an easy journey. After a series of elected governments since its founding, Chile experienced a horrific military dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet which lasted 17 years.

Although Pinochet’s dictatorship was dark and violent, one of the positive things he established was the country’s free-market economy that has allowed Chile to develop into the economic leader of Latin America it is today.

Starting in 2019, a series of protests across the country against the increased cost of living, privatization, and economic inequality has led to a revamp of the country’s constitution, which should be complete by 2023.

Chile is experiencing an incredible economic and cultural transformation, making right now an especially exciting time to consider living here.