Chile: flag, capital, currency and history

Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in South America, the Americas. Its capital is Santiago. The currency is the Chilean peso. Languages spoken include Spanish.

Quick facts about Chile

Official name: Republic of Chile
Capital: Santiago
Region: Americas, South America
Currency: Chilean peso (CLP, $)
Languages: Spanish
Calling code: +56
Internet domain: .cl
Area: 756,102 km² (291,932 sq mi)
Land borders: Argentina, Bolivia, Peru
Demonym: Chilean
National day: Independence Day, September 18

Flag of Chile

Download the flag of Chile as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇨🇱.

SVG (vector)

History of Chile

Before European contact, the Mapuche lived in the centre and south, while northern areas fell under Inca influence. Spanish forces led by Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541, and Chile became a captaincy general within the Spanish Empire. A first national government formed in 1810, and independence was declared in 1818 after campaigns led by Bernardo O'Higgins and Jose de San Martin. Chile gained northern territory in the War of the Pacific in the late 1800s. A military government ruled from 1973 to 1990, after which democracy was restored. Chile is a unitary republic.

Key dates

1541Pedro de Valdivia founds Santiago.
1810A first national government is established, beginning the independence movement.
1818Independence from Spain is formally declared.
1879The War of the Pacific begins against Peru and Bolivia.
1973A military coup removes the elected government.
1990Civilian democratic government is restored.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.