Fact 1: The South American Star
Chile has the unusual distinction of being the longest north-south country in the world. Stretching for more than 4,300 kilometers (approximately 2,672 miles), but only averaging 177 kilometers east to west, this country boasts a diverse range of geological landscapes and climate zones.
Fact 2: A Land of Over a Thousand Pies
Chile has the mind-boggling total of 2,000 volcanoes, the second-largest number worldwide after Indonesia. What makes it even more impressive is that 50 to 60 of them are still active today, with the Villarrica, Llaima, and Osorno being some of the most famous ones.
Fact 3: The World’s Largest Swimming Pool
The world’s largest swimming pool is in Chile. That's right! The San Alfonso del Mar resort hosts a pool that is over 1,000 yards long, covers 20 acres, and contains 66 million gallons of water. It's also in the Guinness World Record for being the deepest in the world, at 115-feet.
Fact 4: The Oldest Mummy is Chilean
Long before the Egyptians practiced the method of mummification, the Chinchorro people of Northern Chile were already perfecting it. The oldest mummy ever discovered was male and dates back to 5050 BC. This ancient civilization maintained their mummification tradition for over 4,000 years.
Fact 5: A National Dance Called Cueca
Chile has its own traditional dance called the Cueca. During the dance, couples wave handkerchiefs in the air and mimic the courting behavior of roosters and hens. It's widely demonstrated during Chile's National Day on September 18th.
Fact 6: Home to the Southernmost City in the World
Puerto Williams in Chile is considered the southernmost city in the world, putting Ushuaia, Argentina's claim as the "Fin del Mundo" or "End of the World", to the test. Puerto Williams is situated on Navarino Island facing the Beagle Channel in the southernmost region of Chilean Patagonia.
Fact 7: Wild Puma Populations
Chile is home to the largest puma populations in the world. This big cat species is common in the Torres Del Paine National Park in Southern Patagonia, where guided tours offer visitors chances to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Fact 8: Word Guiness Record for Most Participants in a Wine Tasting Event
In 2019, Chile broke the Guinness World Record for most participants in a wine-tasting event. The event, held at the Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida in Santiago, saw the participation of 5,489 wine lovers.
Fact 9: It has a UFO Trail
Chile has an official 30-kilometer-long UFO trail. In the town of San Clemente, Chile, the government has established a tourist trail through areas where UFO sightings have frequently occurred. This is driven by the belief that this area is a 'UFO hotspot'.
Fact 10: Largest Exporter of Salmon
Chile is the second-largest exporter of salmon in the world, behind Norway. Aquaculture in the pure, cold waters of Patagonia has allowed Chile to amass this global ranking.
Fact 11: Lives They Call "Fantasilandia”
Chile is home to the most significant amusement park in South America, Fantasilandia. Located in the heart of Santiago, the park offers over 40 rides and attractions.
Fact 12: A Paradise for Star Gazers
Chile's Atacama Desert is a paradise for star gazers. It is the driest place on earth and has clear, unpolluted skies. Due to these conditions, several international space organizations have set up observatories here.
Fact 13: The Chilean Andean Condor
The Andean Condor, which is the national bird and the symbol of Chile, is the bird with the largest wingspan in the world, able to reach a remarkable 10.5 feet.
Fact 14: Oldest Vineyard in South America
Chile houses the oldest vineyard in South America. The vineyard, Viña Carmen, was established in 1850 and still operates today, producing renowned Chilean wines.
Fact 15: Stray Dogs in Santiago
Santiago, the capital city of Chile, is famous for its pet-loving residents and has a distinctive feature – a large population of stray dogs. These dogs are well treated and cared for by city residents and are considered part of the city's charm.
Fact 16: Moai Statues of Easter Island
Chile is home to the mysterious Easter Island, known for its 887 Moai statues created by the early Rapa Nui people. This remote volcanic island is an archaeological marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fact 17: Land of Poets
Chile is sometimes referred to as “the land of poets.” Two of the country’s poets Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral, have won the Nobel Prize for Literature, showcasing Chile's strong literary tradition.
Fact 18: The Chilean Sea Bass
The Chilean sea bass isn't a bass. That's indeed a fishy fact! Its real name is Patagonian toothfish, but marketers found that 'Chilean Sea Bass' made it more appealing.
Fact 19: The White Strawberry
Chile is the only country that grows a unique variety of strawberries that are white in color. Surprisingly, these white strawberries are sweeter than their red counterparts, and have a taste reminiscent of pineapple.
Fact 20: Doors are Always Open
In much of rural Chile, you'll notice houses are built with their doors always open. This traditional practice is a symbolic gesture that reveals the warm and welcoming nature of the Chilean people. Visitors are usually invited in for a chat and a cup of tea.