The towering Andes Mountains border most of Chile in the west. Long ago, a Native American tribe called the Inca ruled 10,000 miles of the Andes Mountains. They built roads, suspension bridges, and pontoon bridges to help them get around their territory easier. Their vast territory took most of Northern Chile, Southern Ecuador, and part of Argentina.
The people of Chile are very friendly. Their ancestors were mostly the Native American tribe, the Aracucanian. The Aracucanian tribe lived in the central valley located south of the Atacama Desert. More than two thirds of Chile's population are people whose ancestors were both Native American, and European. They are called mestizos. A few of the people in Chile are very poor and work on big farms called fundos. People are beginning to get more jobs and the number of poor people is going down. Mostly everyone in Chile can afford electricity and running water. 90% of the Chileans are Roman Catholic and have special Christian Holy days. The Chileans enjoy singing and they love to dance. Their national dance, the cueca, is an upbeat dance for couples.
One of Chile's most important industries is the production of fish. Chile also ships fruits to the USA when it is summer in Chile and winter in the USA. Chile exports 3,800 products to more than 172 countries. Chile exports petroleum, fish, fruit, consumer goods, copper, and lumber for paper products. Wine is another big export in Chile. It has very good quality and a low price. Chile sells it to companies in the USA for only $5! Chile mostly exports to the United States, Germany, and Japan.
For part 3 of this story, click
Chile part 3
Balestino.com Copyright 2007 sponsor
Apple LaserWriter Printer Toner Cartridge