Although no one says no to a casual meander along its grand urban boulevards, travelers are drawn to this string bean of a country because of its spectacular Pacific coastline and Andean highlands, and because of the opportunities it offers for adventure sports. Chile's distinctive culture has survived the violence and repression of its recent history and is thriving once again thanks to a people noted for their warmth and resilience. Despite having the most European community in South America, indigenous traditions persist in the Andean foothills and in the southern plains, while some of South America's finest national parks draw trekkers and guanaco spotters alike.

Full country name: Republic of Chile
Area: 756,950 sq km (292,500 sq mi)
Population: 15 million (growth rate 1.2%)
Capital city: Santiago (pop 5,000,000)
People: 95% European descent and mestizo, 5% Indian
Language: Spanish and a handful of native languages, including Aymara, Mapuche and Rapa Nui
Religion: 89% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant, less than 1% Jewish
Government: Republic
President: Ricardo Lagos

GDP: US$184 billion
GDP per head: US$12,500
Annual growth: 3.5%
Inflation: 4.5%
Major industries: Copper, fishmeal, wine
Major trading partners: USA, Japan, Germany, UK

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