The diverse landscapes of Chile

Torres del Paine and Grey Glacier, Patagonia, Chile

  

A vineyard  and the desert of Central Valley    

   

 Sustainable farm fields and Sheep Farming              

Slavery

Indiginous slavery was relatively small compared to that of other countries such as Brazil. The Spanish that settled in Chile's Central Valley did not find any substantial amounts of gold or silver to exploit, and therefore saw no need for enslaving indigenous laborers. Spanish settlers were more interested in the positive agricultural aspect of the Chilean landscape. Since this area was closer to the Old Worlds seasons and far different from the northern semitropical regions, it required far less workers. Also, relatively few enslaved Africans were brought into Chile throughout the colonialization process.

Chile established its independence in 1818 and abolished slavery in 1823.

Some main facts about Chile

• The capitol is Santiago
• Borders Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.
• Has a population of over 16 million
• Official language is Spanish
• Governement = Democratic
• Religion is primarily Catholic
• Their independence from Spain is September 18, 1810
• Major exports are: copper, fruit, fish, paper, chemicals and wine
• Major imports are: petroleum, chemicals, electrical and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles and natural gases
• The climate is temperate with the north being desert, the central area is mediteranean and the south is cool/damp
• 88% of the population live in urban areas
• 77 is the average lifespan
• Current Enviornmental Issues: widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emmissions; water pollution from raw sewage.