World Happiness Report for Chile 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Chile: 38
- Happiness Score Chile:6.360
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Chile. CL.
Chile is a South American country known for its stable democratic political structure and a strong economy, with a focus on copper mining and agricultural exports.
- Chile is home to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth.
- The country is famous for its wine production, particularly in the central region.
- Chile has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous Mapuche and Spanish colonial traditions.
Chile – Overview
Early History
The territory of present-day Chile was initially inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Mapuche, Diaguita, and Atacameño peoples. Archaeological evidence suggests human presence in the region dating back over 10,000 years.
Kingdoms and Empires
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the Inca Empire had extended its control over the northern regions of present-day Chile. The Mapuche people, however, fiercely resisted the Inca expansion and maintained their independence in the central and southern territories.
Colonial Period
In 1541, the Spanish explorer Pedro de Valdivia led the first European expedition into Chile and established the colonial settlement of Santiago. The Spanish colonial rule lasted for nearly 300 years, during which time the native populations faced subjugation and cultural suppression.
Independence and Modern Era
Chile achieved independence from Spanish rule in 1818 after a series of battles led by Bernardo O’Higgins and José de San Martín. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chile experienced political instability, wars with neighboring countries, and internal conflicts, including the Saltpeter War and the Chilean Civil War. The country transitioned to a democratic republic in the late 20th century, but experienced a military dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990.
Current Political Situation
Chile is a unitary semi-presidential republic with a democratically elected president and a bicameral legislature. The current president is Gabriel Boric, who took office in 2022. Chile is considered one of the most stable and prosperous nations in South America.
International Relations
Chile maintains friendly relations with most countries and is an active member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Pacific Alliance. The country has experienced border disputes with neighboring countries, most notably the Beagle Conflict with Argentina.
Human Development and Economy
Chile has a high-income economy driven by exports of copper, fruits, and other natural resources. The country has made significant strides in reducing poverty and improving human development indicators. However, income inequality remains a challenge.
Cultural Highlights
Chile’s cultural heritage is a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. The country is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, such as cueca and la tirana. The literature of authors like Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral has gained global acclaim. Chile’s diverse geography, from the Atacama Desert to the Torres del Paine National Park, offers stunning natural landscapes.
Challenges and Opportunities
Some of the pressing challenges facing Chile include environmental concerns, such as water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, as well as social inequality. Opportunities lie in further diversifying the economy, promoting sustainable development, and addressing issues related to education and healthcare.
Travel Tips for Chile
– Best Time to Visit: The summer months between December and March offer the warmest and driest weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s diverse landscapes.
– Cultural Etiquette: Chileans generally have a relaxed attitude, but it’s important to dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Greet people with a handshake or a light kiss on the cheek for close acquaintances.
– Safety Precautions: Chile is generally safe for travelers, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night, especially in major cities. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables.
Main facts
Location
Chile is a long, narrow country situated along the western coast of South America. It extends from the borders of Peru and Bolivia in the north down to Cape Horn in the south, with a Pacific Ocean coastline of over 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles). The country is bordered by Peru to the north, Bolivia and Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far south.
Map References
Chile is located in the southwestern region of South America, along the Pacific Ocean.
Area – Comparative
With a total land area of approximately 756,102 square kilometers (291,930 square miles), Chile is slightly smaller than twice the size of the U.S. state of Montana.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
The total land boundary length of Chile is 6,339 kilometers (3,939 miles). The countries bordering Chile are:
- Argentina – 5,308 kilometers (3,297 miles)
- Bolivia – 942 kilometers (585 miles)
- Peru – 169 kilometers (105 miles)
Coastline (if applicable)
Chile has a total coastline length of 6,435 kilometers (4,000 miles) along the Pacific Ocean. Notable features of the coastal area include numerous bays, inlets, and channels, as well as several archipelagos and islands offshore.
Maritime Claims
Chile claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200/350 nautical miles
Climate
Chile has a diverse range of climates due to its considerable length and varying topography. The northern Atacama Desert region is one of the driest places on Earth, while central Chile enjoys a Mediterranean climate with cool, humid winters and hot, dry summers. The far south experiences a subpolar, oceanic climate with cool temperatures and high precipitation.
Terrain
Chile’s terrain is dominated by the towering Andes Mountains, which run along the entire eastern length of the country. The coastal regions feature low coastal mountains, while the central region comprises fertile valleys and the Atacama Desert in the north. The south is characterized by glaciers, fjords, and rugged islands.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Chile is the summit of Ojos del Salado, an active stratovolcano located on the Atacama Plateau near the Bolivian border, with an elevation of 6,893 meters (22,614 feet). The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean, at sea level.
Natural Resources
Chile’s major natural resources include copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower, and lithium.
Major Bodies of Water
Notable bodies of water in Chile include the Pacific Ocean, the Strait of Magellan (shared with Argentina), the Chilean Inland Sea, and several large lakes such as Llanquihue and General Carrera (shared with Argentina).
Natural Hazards
Chile is susceptible to a range of natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, floods, and landslides. The country lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic and volcanic activity.
Geography – Notes
Due to its unique geography, Chile is considered a “tri-continental” country, with territory spanning South America, Antarctica, and several Pacific Ocean islands. The country’s diverse landscapes, including deserts, glaciers, and volcanoes, make it a renowned destination for ecotourism and adventure travel.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 24.30%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 85,822. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 21.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: -35.675147-71.542969.
- Capital: The capital of Chile is Santiago
- Major Cities:
- Santiago – Population: 6,310,000
- Puente Alto – Population: 568,100
- Antofagasta – Population: 348,200
- Viña del Mar – Population: 330,700
- Valparaíso – Population: 284,900
- Population: 18,952,038
- Area(Km2): 756096
- Population Density( P/Km²):26. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:56
- Official Language(s):Chile is Spanish (99.5%).
- Currency: CLP
Main Economic Indicators
Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade and a reputation for strong financial institutions. Chile’s economic freedom score is 76.1, making its economy the 18th freest in the 2023 Index. Its total population of 19.1 million people produces a GDP of $319.2 billion (2022 estimate). The Chilean government has responded to the challenges posed by rising inflation, social unrest, and economic stagnation by introducing new fiscal policies and subsidies.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
– 10.8% (2022 estimate)
– 7.2% (2021)
Source: World Bank
Credit Ratings
– Fitch: A (Stable)
– Moody’s: A1 (Stable)
– Standard & Poor’s: A (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
– Agriculture: 3.9%
– Industry: 25.3%
– Services: 70.8%
(2022 estimates)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Grapes, apples, blueberries, avocados, walnuts, salmon, wine
Industrial Products: Copper, lithium, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles
Labor Force
– Total Labor Force: 9.2 million (2022 estimate)
– Country Comparison to the World: 59
Current Account Balance
– $-11.77 billion (2022 estimate)
– Country Comparison to the World: 191
Exports and Imports
Exports: $103.3 billion (2022 estimate)
– Partners: China 36%, US 14%, Japan 8%, South Korea 6%, Brazil 5% (2019)
– Commodities: Copper, fruit, fish fillets, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine
Imports: $99.3 billion (2022 estimate)
– Partners: China 28%, US 18%, Brazil 8%, Mexico 5%, Germany 4% (2019)
– Commodities: Petroleum and petroleum products, telecommunications equipment, vehicles, industrial machinery, natural gas
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
– $38.25 billion (31 December 2022 estimate)
- GDP (Current US$):$282,318,159,745. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 18.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 34.00%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.03. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $2.00. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 7.09%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
Nationality (noun): Chilean(s)
Nationality (adjective): Chilean
Ethnic Groups
- White and Non-Indigenous (88.9%)
- Mapuche (9.1%)
- Aymara (0.7%)
- Other Indigenous groups (1.3%)
Religions
- Christian (66.7%)
- Roman Catholic (45%)
- Protestant or Evangelical (16.7%)
- Other Christian (5%)
- None (25.1%)
- Other (8.2%)
Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 19.77%
- 15-64 years: 67.24%
- 65 years and over: 12.99%
Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 48.7%
Youth Dependency Ratio: 29.4%
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 19.3%
Median Age
Total: 35.1 years
Male: 33.9 years
Female: 36.4 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 34.4% of the adult population is obese
Alcohol Consumption: 9.3 liters of pure alcohol consumed per capita per year
Tobacco Use: 37% of adults smoke tobacco products
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 80. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 95.7%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:12.43. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.65. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 76.3%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 16,610,135. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):32.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Chilean military consists of three main branches: the Army, Navy (including the Marine Corps), and Air Force. The Chilean Army also has specialized units like the Cazadores (Light Infantry Brigade), Fuerzas Especiales, and the Paracaidistas Brigade. The Carabineros de Chile, a national police force, is responsible for maintaining public order and internal security.
Military Expenditures
Chile’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.8%
- 2021: 1.9%
- 2020: 1.9%
- 2019: 1.9%
- 2018: 1.9%
Chile ranks 51st globally in terms of military spending.
Personnel Strengths
The Chilean military has approximately 82,000 active-duty personnel, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 45,000
- Navy: 25,000
- Air Force: 12,000
The Carabineros de Chile has an additional 55,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Chile’s military equipment includes domestically produced and imported hardware, such as:
- Main Battle Tanks: Leopard 2A4, Leopard 1V
- Armored Personnel Carriers: M113, Mowag Piranha
- Artillery: M101, M114, G6 Howitzers
- Combat Aircraft: F-16, F-5, and various transport and training aircraft
- Naval Vessels: Frigates, Submarines, Patrol Boats
Notable future acquisitions include the purchase of additional F-16 fighter jets and the development of a domestic anti-aircraft defense system.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Chile is voluntary, with the following age requirements:
- Army and Air Force: 18-24 years old
- Navy: 18-22 years old
Chile has various programs to attract voluntary enlistments, including education and job training incentives.
Military Deployments
Chile currently has 590 personnel deployed overseas, primarily as part of United Nations peacekeeping missions in:
Chile also contributes naval assets to counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Strategic Military Notes
Chile’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a modern, well-equipped military capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, with a particular emphasis on maritime security and the protection of its extensive coastline and exclusive economic zone.
Chile is an active participant in international peacekeeping efforts and has strong military ties with its regional partners through organizations like the Inter-American Defense Board and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). Chile is also a member of the Rio Treaty collective defense alliance.
- Armed Forces Size: 77000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.59
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 62.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.