Chile is best understood as a land of ethnic diversity. The father of Chile, Bernardo O’Higgins, was the son of an Irish immigrant. The founder of Santiago, Pedro de Valdivia, was a Spaniard, and the spirit of Chile is derived from Lautaro, the Mapuche chief who defeated the Spaniards. Chileans are descendants of Mapuches, French, Germans, British, Italians, Scandinavians, and Asians. According to the US Department of State, the population of Chile is around 16 million. Santiago houses 40% of the total population and only 15% of the population lives in rural areas.

The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in prominent business environments.

 

Holidays

New Years Day  January 1  Good Friday  Variable  Easter  Variable  Labor Day  May 1  Battle of Iquique  May 21  St. Peter/St. Paul  June 29  Assumption Day  August 15  Independence Day  September 18  Army Day  September 19  Columbus Day  Variable (October 15)  All Saints Day  November 1  Immaculate Conception  December 8  Christmas  December 25