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ECONOMY

Chile is today considered the most economically stable country in South America. In spite of a disastrous economic history and a bloody dictatorship that lasted more than 15 years, Chile has become the “role model” of the region, the only one who succeeded, for example, in reducing poverty by half in the past 15 years (which explains its nickname, the “jaguar” of South America).

Chile has a strong mining tradition and is the world’s largest producer and exporter of copper (38 % of the copper of the planet). Copper mining represents the country’s main source of revenue (40 %) and is fast-growing in the north. The mine of Chuquicamata is the largest open pit copper mine in the world. However, we must no forget the lapis lazuli stones (the world’s second leading exporter), used in the manufacturing of artisanal jewelry, as well as salmon (also world’s second exporter, after Norway).

For a few years, Chile has been exporting in large quantities: wine, fruits, meat, seafood, wood…

A critical aspect of Chile’s economy is its heavy reliance on energy resources. The country has to import large amounts of oil and gas to fuel its economy.

Although its economy seems healthy, Chile is still one of the most unequal countries in the world. 10 % of the most well-off Chileans share half of the country’s wealth while 20 % of the population continues to live below the poverty line.

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