On a global scale, each country's territory takes on a unique shape, full of interest and diversity. For example, the territory of the continent is like a rooster, but there are other countries whose territory is very special, especially when printing maps, and this country is the narrowest country in the world, Chile.
The Republic of Chile is located in the southwest of South America, bordered by the Argentine Andes to the east, Peru and Bolivia to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Antarctica to the south by the Drake Strait. The total area of the region is about 760,000 square kilometers, ranking seventh among countries in South America.
Chile stretches from north to south in a long strip, like a bamboo pole and a brush, which stretches 4,352 kilometers from north to south, about 97 kilometers at its narrowest point from east to west, and about 362 kilometers at its widest point. This is equivalent to stretching from the northern part of the mainland Heilongjiang to the Paracel Islands, Chile's average width reaches 180 kilometers, equivalent to the distance from Hangzhou to Shanghai, and its length is 24 times the width of the region, which can be described as the narrowest country in the world. Making such a unique map has always been a tricky puzzle that requires superb printing skills. So, how did Chile's long and narrow terrain come about?
Between Chile and Argentina, there is a stretch of mountains called the Andes, which is the natural dividing line between the two countries. However, due to the Andes, the traffic between Chile and Argentina faces great challenges, which brings great difficulties to the transportation between the two places. The Spaniards who first settled here did not originate from Argentina, but arrived in Chile via northern Peru. Thus, Chile has long been under the jurisdiction of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
In 1778, the Spanish government established the Viceroyalty of Chile, which formally separated Chile from the jurisdiction of the Viceroyalty of Peru and laid a solid foundation for its future independence. In 1810, indigenous white Chile staged an uprising that overthrew their colonial rule and established a government composed of voters. However, soon after, he was hanged by the Spanish colonists. In 1817, Chile successfully defeated the Spanish colonial army. In February 1818, Chile officially declared its independence and the Republic of Chile was born.
At the beginning of Chile's founding, its territory had not yet shown such a narrow form, and the length of the north-south direction was only one-third of today's. Between 1879 and 1883, Chile successfully occupied Bolivia's access to the sea and the province of Tarapaca in southern Peru through its expansion northward through the South American Pacific War, resulting in a considerable northward expansion of the country's territorial scope.
Chile's territory not only expanded north, but also south along the Andes Mountains and eventually to Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost island of the American continent, demonstrating its strategic prowess. At this moment, our geographical location takes on a narrow pattern of north and south.
Chile, as one of the more economically developed countries in South America, currently has a stable political environment and a prosperous economy. The total GDP in 2021 reached $317 billion, with GDP per capita being $16,502. Backed by mining, forestry, fishing and agriculture, Chile is rich in mineral resources, including copper. Chile ranks first in the world in copper reserves, production and exports, so it is known as the "Kingdom of Copper Mines".
Chile has a total population of about 19.68 million, about 87% of the urban population, about 89% of whites and Indo-European people, and about 11% of Indians. Major cities include Santiago, Concepción, Valparaíso and Iquique, which play an important role in urban development.
Santiago, a city in central Chile, is the political, economic, cultural and transportation center of Chile, with a population of 7.31 million. The city is famous for its unique natural scenery, long and splendid history and civilization, and colorful cultural landscapes. The year 1541 saw the birth of Santiago, a city known for its colorful cityscape and seasonal palm scene, dry and mild summers and cool, rainy and foggy winters.
It is worth mentioning that 3,600 kilometers from the west coast of Chile, the distant Easter Island also belongs to Chile, this mysterious island is isolated from the outside world and is famous for hundreds of giant stone statues full of mystery, there are about 1,000 huge stone statues on the island, they vary in size and weigh between 30-90 tons, and some even weigh up to 10 tons with a hat. They present a unique image, with a solemn demeanor, facing the raging sea, what seems to be waiting for? There has been a lot of controversy about the origin of these stone statues, and even the local aborigines know nothing about them. So far, it has remained an unsolved mystery.