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About Chile
Chile is a land of extraordinary extremes and stunning natural beauty. The country boasts over 2700 miles (4,300km) of coastline and encompasses a wide variety of geography. It is bounded by the Andes Mountains to the east, the Atacama Desert to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Patagonia region to the south. Journeying from the lush vineyards of central Chile to the icy polar region in the south, you’ll find it hard to believe that all this variety—and all this beauty—can be found in one place.
Against this striking natural backdrop exists one of the most stable economies in South America. Chile has one of the lowest rates of unemployment on the continent, and in recent years has negotiated free-trade agreements with nations worldwide. The Chilean people pride themselves on their dependable financial system, reliable government, and modern facilities, as well as on their welcoming receptivity to foreigners.
About Santiago
At the heart of it all is the nation’s capital, Santiago. Nestled in a valley at the foot of the picturesque Andes, the bustling metropolis is an interesting blend of contrasts: colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, lively street scenes and quiet parks, elegant shopping and local street markets. In Santiago, you will find the charm and culture of Latin America with all the amenities of the first world. The city is clean, safe and efficient, and its six million residents are very friendly and hospitable to foreigners.
In addition, the city is ideally located in the center of the country. This makes it a nearly perfect base from which to visit northern and southern Chile, as well as to see the sights of the central region. In less than an hour and a half in either direction, you can be strolling on the coast of the Pacific Ocean or skiing in the snowcapped Andes. With plenty of recreational options, striking natural beauty, and the conveniences of a modern capital city, Santiago makes a great location to study Spanish abroad.
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