Country explorer: Chile
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
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Overview
Chile is a volcanic, high-income country in South America with a medium-sized population. Its economy has grown stably in recent decades, and is based on copper mining, agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Chile boasts the driest desert in the world, the Atacama Desert.
Economy
Chile has demonstrated relative economic stability and consistent growth in GDP per capita, a decrease in population living below various poverty thresholds, along with stable unemployment and inflation rates, marking it as a standout performer in economic management and poverty reduction in Latin America.
Demographics
Chile has experienced significant demographic changes characterized by a steady increase in population, a notable surge in net migration, a gradual decline in fertility rates, and a consistent improvement in life expectancy, reflecting trends common among high-income countries and distinguishing it from its regional peers with its particularly sharp increase in net migration.
Basic needs
Chile has showcased exceptional performance in enhancing basic needs, such as achieving universal access to clean cooking fuels, electricity, and marked improvements in safely managed drinking water and sanitation facilities, distinguishing itself as a leader among Latin American countries in providing these essentials.
Human development
Chile has shown significant human development progress, characterized by a marked increase in the Human Development Index, a notable decline in child mortality, consistently high literacy rates, and substantial improvement in average learning-adjusted years of schooling, positioning it as a leader in human development metrics among its Latin American peers.
Environment & energy
Chile has demonstrated a significant commitment to sustainable energy and environmental conservation, marked by a consistent increase in forest area and a notable shift towards renewable energy sources, contrasting with varied trends in CO2 emissions and freshwater resources per capita which reflect broader global and regional environmental challenges.
Technology & innovation
Chile has significantly enhanced its digital infrastructure, displayed by the notably high internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, a rise in research and development spending, and a commendable increase in scientific publications, demonstrating its progress in harmonizing with global technological advancements while outpacing many of its regional peers in innovation and technology adoption.
Culture & society
Chile has experienced a significant rise in the percentage of its population born abroad, improved self-reported life satisfaction and reduced gender inequalities, alongside a gradually increasing age dependency ratio; these changes mirror broader societal transformations that align with trends observed in high-income countries, yet with distinctive progress in social inclusion and quality of life.
Governance
Chile has consistently outperformed its regional peers in governance indicators such as rule of law, corruption perception, political civil liberties, and press freedom, showcasing its distinct commitment to democratic values and institutional integrity.