Motto: Por la razón o la fuerza
“By right or might”
Anthem: Himno Nacional de Chile
Capital Santiago
Official languages Spanish
Demonym Chilean
Government Democratic republic
Independence from Spain / September 18, 1810 / Declared February 12, 1818 / Recognized April 25, 1844
Area 756,950 km² (38th) / 292,183 sq mi
Population June 2007 estimate 16,598,074 (60th)
Currency Peso (CLP)
Culture
Through the colonial period following the conquest, and during the early Republican period, the country’s culture was dominated by the Spanish. Other European influences, primarily English, French, and German began in the 19th century and have continued to this day. German migrants influenced the Bavarian style rural architecture and cuisine in the south of Chile in cities such as Valdivia and Puerto Montt. The national dance is the cueca. A traditional Chilean song, though not a dance, is the tonada. Arising from music imported by the Spanish colonists. In the mid-1960s native musical forms were revitalized by the Parra family with the Nueva Canción Chilena, which was associated with political activists and reformers. Chileans call their country país de poetas—country of poets. Chilean cuisine is a reflection of the country’s topographical variety, featuring an assortment of seafood, beef, fruits, and vegetables. Traditional recipes include cazuela, empanadas, humitas, and curanto a stew that includes fish, chicken, shellfish, lamb, pork, beef and potato made with white wine.
*Content gathered from Wikipedia