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Programs Offered:
WISE Abroad offers study
abroad programs in Santiago and Valparaiso, and
internships in Santiago.
Chile has become a popular destination for students and
international visitors across the globe because of its rich
culture, diverse geography, and politically stable environment.
About Chile, Santiago, and Valparaiso:
Chile's Capital, Santiago de Chile, is a modern metropolis
of almost 5 million people and one of South America's most
dynamic economies.
It is most importantly a city of
commerce, but visitors will find much to enjoy in the city and
its surroundings including museums, many universities, theatres,
parks, excellent restaurants, modern transportation, and vibrant
city life which makes it a popular place for young people.
Not more than an hour away from the city center are world-class
ski resorts and white-water rafting opportunities, famous
beaches and the colorful port city of Valparaíso. Valparaiso
is Chile's second largest and main port city, boasting of
fantastic ocean views and modern architectural landmarks.
Given its great extension, one of Chile's main characteristics
is its awesome variety of landscapes. Legend has it that when
God finished Creation, he took leftovers of desert, pampa,
jungle and mountains, and with these he created the patchwork
that is Chile. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean - the planet's
largest ocean - and the Andes - the world's longest mountain
range -, Chile's coast extends for more than 2 thousand miles.
The Andes mountain range defines the territory, with peaks that
exceed 3000 miles, greater than any European mountain and
the highest in the South Western Hemisphere. Parallel to the
Andes, on the western seacoast, runs the coastal mountain range.
Within this framework made by the mountains and the sea, are
found the world's most arid desert, fields of fruits and
beautiful beaches; volcanoes, lakes, woods and the world's
second largest rain forest, plus fyords and canals, pampas and
glaciers. A whole mosaic that culminates with Easter Island -
the Earth's most isolated island - in the middle of the great
Pacific Ocean.
Chile offers a world where nature and adventure are within
your reach, where you can ski on the slopes of active volcanoes,
climb mountains or sail through thousand year old icebergs. You
can also camp as if you were on the surface of the moon or
practice rafting in rivers wilder than those of Alaska. A
country where you can see the planet's oldest mummies, admire
hieroglyphs of stunning beauty, enjoy the amazing geysers, bathe
in thermal waters or look on in awe by the "moais" of Easter
Island.
Location:
Southern South America, bordering the South
Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru
Population
15,823,957 (July 2004 est.)
Religion
Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish
NEGL% Language
Spanish Government Type
Republic
Economy:
Chile has a market-oriented economy
characterized by a high level of foreign trade. During the early
1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform
was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio
AYLWIN - which took over from the military in 1990 - deepened
the economic reform initiated by the military government. Growth
in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell to half that
level in 1998 because of tight monetary policies implemented to
keep the current account deficit in check and because of lower
export earnings - the latter a product of the global financial
crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the recession in 1999,
reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls and
electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic
growth for the first time in more than 15 years. Despite the
effects of the recession, Chile maintained its reputation for
strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given
it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. By the
end of 1999, exports and economic activity had begun to recover,
and growth rebounded to 4.2% in 2000. Growth fell back to 3.1%
in 2001 and 2.1% in 2002, largely due to lackluster global
growth and the devaluation of the Argentine peso, but recovered
to 3.2% in 2003. Unemployment, although declining over the past
year, remains stubbornly high, putting pressure on President
LAGOS to improve living standards. One bright spot was the
signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect
on 1 January 2004. In 2004, GDP growth is set to accelerate to
more than 4% as copper prices rise, export earnings grow, and
foreign direct investment picks up.
NOTE: Please visit the CIA World
FactBook for more country facts at:
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
Source: CIA World Factbook |
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