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