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#CARD:Chile:Background Notes
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE BACKGROUND NOTES:  Chile

May 1992
Official Name:  Republic of Chile

PROFILE
Geography
Area:  756,945 sq. km. (302,778 sq. mi.); nearly twice the size of
California.  Cities:  Capital--Santiago (metropolitan area est. 5.3
million).  Other cities--Vina del Mar-Valparaiso (600,000);
Concepcion-Talcahuano (550,000) Temuco (230,000); Antofagasta (220,000).
 Terrain:  Desert in north; fertile central valley; volcanoes and lakes
toward the south, giving way to rugged and complex coastline; Andes
Mountains on the eastern border.  Climate:  Arid in north, like the
Mediterranean in center, cool and damp in south.

People
Nationality:  Noun and adjective--Chilean(s).  Population (1991): 13.3
million.  Annual growth rate: 1.6%.  Ethnic groups:  Spanish-Indian
(Mestizo), European, Indian.  Religions: Roman Catholic 89%; Protestant
11% , small Jewish population.  Language: Spanish.  Education (1990):
Years compulsory--8.  Attendance--3 million.  Literacy--96%.  Health
(1991):  Infant mortality rate--18/1,000.  Life expectancy--68 years
male, 75 years female.  Work force (4.8 million): Industry and
commerce--34%. Services (including government)--30%. Agriculture,
forestry, and fishing--19%. Construction--7%. Mining--2%
.
Government
Type:  Republic.  Independence: September 18, 1810.  Constitution:
Approved in a 1980 national referendum.
Branches:  Executive--president. Legislative--bicameral legislature.
Judicial--Supreme Court, courts of appeal, military courts.
Administrative subdivisions:  12 numbered regions, plus Santiago
metropolitan region, administered by intendentes; regions are divided
into provinces, administered by governors; and provinces into
municipalities, administered by mayors.
Political parties:  Major parties include the Christian Democratic
Party, the National Renewal Party, the Socialist Party, Party for
Democracy, Radical Party, Independent Democratic Union. The communist
party was proscribed by law under the previous military regime but
initiated proceedings to register as a legal party after the civilian
government assumed power in March 1990.  It now has legal status.
Suffrage:  Universal at 18, including foreigners legally resident for
more than 5 years.
Flag:  Upper left blue with a white star; upper right white; lower half
red.

Economy
GDP (1991):  $29.2 billion.  Annual real growth rate (1991):  5%. Per
capita GDP (1991):  $2,200.  Inflation rate (1991):  19%.
Natural resources: Copper, timber, fish, iron ore, nitrates, precious
metals, and molybdenum.
Agriculture and fisheries (9% of GDP):  Products--wheat, potatoes, corn,
sugar beets, onions, beans, fruits, livestock.  Arable land--7%.
Cultivated land--3%.
Industry (21% of GDP):  Types--mineral refining, metal manufacturing,
food processing, fish processing, paper and wood products, finished
textiles.
Trade (1990):  Exports--$8.3 billion: copper, molybdenum, iron ore,
paper products, fishmeal, fruits, wood products.  Major markets--Japan
18%, US 18%, Japan 18%, Germany 8%, Brazil 5%, UK 4.5%.  Imports--$7
billion: petroleum, sugar, capital goods, vehicles, electronic
equipment, consumer durables, machinery.  Major suppliers--US 20%,
Brazil 9%, Japan 8%, Argentina 7%, Germany 6.5%.
Fiscal year:  Calendar year.
Exchange rate (1991 average):  350 pesos/US$1.
Economic aid received (grants and loans, 1949-85):  $3.5 billion, of
which only small amounts in recent years.

PEOPLE
 About 83% of Chile's population live in urban centers; 40% live in
greater Santiago. The largest population group is of Spanish ancestry,
but a small, yet influential, number of Irish and English immigrants
came to Chile during the colonial period. German immigration began in
1848 and lasted for 90 years; the southern provinces of Valdivia,
Llanquihue, and Osorno have a strong German imprint. Other significant
immigrant groups are Italian, Yugoslav, French, and Arab. About 400,000
persons of predominantly aboriginal descent, mostly of the Mapuche
tribe, reside in the south-central area, around Temuco.
 Northern Chile is desert and contains great mineral wealth, primarily
copper and nitrates. The relatively small central area dominates the
country in terms of population and agricultural resources. This is also
the historical center from which Chile expanded until the late 19th
century, when it incorporated its northern and southern extremes.
Southern Chile is rich in forests and grazing lands and has a string of
volcanoes and lakes. The southern extreme of this region is a labyrinth
of fjords, inlets, canals, twisting peninsulas, and islands. It has
modest but rapidly declining petroleum reserves, supplying only 13% of
Chile's domestic requirements during 1991.

HISTORY
 Chile's human history apparently began about 10,000 years ago, when
migrating Indians followed the line of the Andes and settled in fertile
valleys and along the coast.  The Incas briefly extended their empire
into the north, but the area's remoteness prevented significant impact.
In 1541, the Spanish, under Pedro de Valdivia, encountered about 1
million Indians from various cultures who supported themselves
principally through slash-and-burn agriculture and hunting.  Although
the Spaniards did not find the gold and silver they sought there, they
recognized the agricultural potential of Chile's central valley, and
Chile became part of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
 Chilean colonial society was heavily influenced by the latifundio
system of large landholdings, kinship politics, the Roman Catholic
Church, and an aggressive frontier attitude stemming from Indian wars.
 The drive for independence from Spain was precipitated by usurpation of
the Spanish throne by Napolean's brother Joseph. A national junta in the
name of Ferdinand--heir to the deposed king--was formed on September 18,
1810. Spanish attempts to reimpose arbitrary rule during the Reconquista
led to a prolonged struggle under Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's most
renowned patriot.  Chilean independence was formally proclaimed on
February 12, 1818.
 The political revolution brought little social change, however, and
19th-century Chilean society preserved the essence of the stratified
colonial social structure.  The system of presidential absolutism
eventually predominated, but the wealthy landowners continued to control
Chile.
 Toward the end of the 19th century, Chile consolidated its position in
the south by suppressing the Mapuche Indians.  In 1881, it signed a
treaty with Argentina confirming Chilean sovereignty over the Strait of
Magellan.  As a result of the War of the Pacific against Peru and
Bolivia (1879-83), Chile expanded its territory northward by almost
one-third and acquired valuable nitrate deposits, the exploitation of
which led to an era of national affluence.
 Although Chile established a representative democracy in the early 20th
century, it soon became unstable and degenerated into a system
protecting the interests of the ruling oligarchy.  By the 1920s, the
newly emergent middle and working classes were powerful enough to elect
a reformist president, but his program was frustrated by a conservative
congress.  Continuing political and economic instability resulted in the
quasi-dictatorial rule of Gen. Carlos Ibanez (1924-32).
 When constitutional rule was restored in 1932, a strong middle-class
party, the Radicals, formed. The Radical Party became the key force in
coalition governments for the next 20 years. The 1920s saw the emergence
of Marxist groups with strong popular support. During the period of
Radical Party dominance (1932-52), the state increased its role in the
economy.  However, presidents generally were more conservative than the
parties supporting them, and conservative political elements continued
to exert considerable power through their influence over the economy and
control of rural voters.
 The 1964 presidential election of Christian Democrat Eduardo Frei by an
absolute majority initiated a period of major reform.  Under the slogan
"Revolution in Liberty," the Frei Administration--the first Christian
Democratic government in Latin America--embarked on far-reaching social
and economic programs, particularly in education, housing, and agrarian
reform including rural unionization of agricultural workers. By 1967,
however, Frei was encountering increasing opposition from leftists, who
alleged his reforms were inadequate, and from conservatives, who found
them excessive.  At its term's end, the Frei Administration had
noteworthy accomplishments but had not achieved the party's ambitious
goals.
 The 1970 presidential election was won narrowly by Dr. Salvador
Allende, a Marxist and member of Chile's Socialist Party, who headed the
"Popular Unity" (UP) coalition of socialists, communists, radicals, and
dissident Christian Democrats.  His program included the takeover of
much of Chile's remaining private industries and banks, massive land
expropriation and collectivization, and the nationalization of US
interests in Chile's major copper mines.
 Elected with only 36% of the vote and by a plurality of only 36,000
votes, Allende never enjoyed majority support in the Chilean congress or
broad popular support for his policies.  By 1973, most domestic
production had declined, and severe shortages of consumer goods, food,
and manufactured products were widespread. There were mass
demonstrations against the government, recurring strikes, violence by
both government supporters and opponents, and widespread rural unrest.
Chilean society became polarized into hostile camps.
 These factors, plus public censure of the Allende Government by the
Chilean congress, judiciary, and comptroller general for many
abuses--including violations of the constitution--brought about a
military coup that overthrew Allende on September 11, 1973, after armed
forces bombarded and attacked the presidential palace.  Allende did not
survive the coup.  His death was reported officially as a suicide.
 The new military regime, led by Augusto Pinochet, severely repressed
perceived opponents, especially those it believed to be Marxists. The
congress was abolished, and all political parties were banned. Thousands
of Chileans were imprisoned or expelled from the country. About 700
others disappeared after arrest by security forces and are presumed
dead.
 During its 16 years in power, the military moved Chile away from
economic statism toward a largely free market economy, fostering an
increase in domestic and foreign private investment.  After years of
repression the government slowly reinstitutionalized political life and
permitted broad freedom of assembly, speech, and association, including
trade union activity.
 General Pinochet was denied another 8-year term as President in a
national plebiscite on October 5, 1988. On December 14, 1989, Christian
Democrat Patricio Aylwin, running as the candidate of a 17-party
coalition, was elected President. In addition, 38 senators and 120
deputies were elected, and 9 appointed senators were named in December.
The new government and congress took office in March 1990. General
Pinochet remained commander-in-chief of the army as permitted by the
1980 constitution.  President Aylwin asked the commander-in-chief of the
air force and the director general of the carabineros (police) to remain
in their posts.  The president also appoints regional administrators
(intendentes), provincial governors, and mayors.  The central government
selects state university rectors.

GOVERNMENT
 The constitution was approved in a September 1980 national plebiscite
by a two-thirds majority. It entered into force in March 1981.
Following discussions between the minister of interior, the leader of
the coalition parties opposing Pinochet, and the president of the
center-right National Renewal Party, a list of amendments to the
constitution was submitted to a plebiscite and endorsed by more than 85%
of the electorate.  Although critics of the 1980 constitution contended
the reforms were not sufficiently far-reaching, they eased provisions
for amending the constitution; increased the number of senators;
diminished the role of the national security council and equalized the
number of civilian and military members; and shortened the presidential
period beginning March 1990 to 4 years, although subsequent presidential
terms will be 8 years.
 The bicameral national congress is composed of 47 senators (38 elected
and 9 appointed) and 120 deputies.  Senators serve for 8 years, with
staggered terms.  Deputies are elected for 4 years.  The new congress
took office on March 11, 1990.  Current law provides for the location of
the congress in the port city of Valparaiso, about 140 kilometers (84
mi.) west of the capital, Santiago.
 Chile's congressional elections are governed by a unique binomial
majority system in which political parties or groupings form pacts and
permit slates (two candidates per slate) from which two senators and two
deputies are elected from each district.
 The political parties with the largest representation in the Chilean
congress are the center-left Christian Democrat Party followed by the
center-right National Renewal Party.  No communists were elected in
either chamber.  The center-left coalition supporting President Aylwin
captured about 60% of the elected seats in both the Senate and the
Chamber of Deputies.  However, with 9 designated senators, the
center-right has a 25-22 advantage in the Senate.

Principal Government Officials
President--Patricio Aylwin Azocar
Foreign Affairs--Enrique Silva Cimma
Ambassador to the United States--Patricio Silva Echenique
Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS)--Heraldo Munoz
Valenzuela
Ambassador to the United Nations--Juan Somavia Altamirano

 Chile maintains an embassy in the United States at 1732 Massachusetts
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036  (tel. [phone]).

ECONOMY
 Chile has a diversified free market economy and one of the better
educated work forces in Latin America.  Industry and commerce account
for 21% of GDP and employ 34% of the work force.  Non-copper exports
like fresh fruit, salmon, wood chips, and footwear continue to expand at
double-digit rates.  Even though only 2% of the labor force works in
mining, Chile remains the world's largest producer and exporter of
copper, with reserves estimated at 20% of the world  total.  Therefore,
international copper prices have a major effect on overall economic
performance.
 For most of this century, Chile experimented with various economic
philosophies, but the general trend until 1973 was toward increasing
state intervention and protecting or isolating Chileans from outside
competition.  The military government shifted course by opening and
deregulating the economy.  Under the democratic government which took
office in 1990, the pursuit of macro-economic stability within the
framework of a market economy has become a consensus view.
 From the late 1920s to the late 1950s, per capita income stagnated.
For a few years in the 1960s, rapid growth was achieved, in part from

high copper prices during the 1964-74 period.  In the early 1970s, the
Allende Government undertook a neo-Marxist experiment with
consumption-oriented state socialism.  Government policies created
enormous fiscal deficits, explosive money growth, consumption subsidies,
and gross price distortions.
 By 1973, real per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and wages had
fallen well below 1970 levels.  In addition, agricultural production had
dropped to the levels of the early 1960s, inflation reached an annual
rate above 1,000%, the deficit of the central government exceeded 20% of
the GDP, the black-market exchange rate had risen to more than 10 times
the official rate, and net international reserves were negative. This
situation set the stage for the coup of September 11, 1973.
 In 1975, in the face of a severe international recession, sharply lower
copper prices, the quadrupling of oil prices, and lingering damage from
Allende's policies, Chile turned to free market policies under the
management of the "Chicago Boys" (a group of young economists trained at
the University of Chicago) and began to open its economy up.
 Foreign investment was welcomed, and capital controls were liberalized.
 Hundreds of nationalized companies were resold to the private sector,
although the government retained key copper, oil, steel, and other
companies.  Most markets were freed from government controls, and prices
were allowed to float.  The peso was devalued, permitting an increase in
non-traditional exports.  With few exceptions, tariffs were reduced in
stages to a uniform level of 10%.
 Incentives for saving and investment were undertaken.  For example,
corporate and personal income taxes were indexed, capital gains taxation
and double taxation of dividends were eliminated, and a graduated sales
tax was replaced by a value-added tax.  A drastic budget-cutting program
ended chronic government deficits and the concomitant inflation and
balance-of-payments imbalance.  In 1981, the public social security
system was replaced by a private system of individual retirement
accounts.
 The reform package was to achieve growth, reduce inflation, increase
productivity, increase foreign investment, and diversify exports through
stimulating production in the mining, forestry, fishing, and
agricultural sectors, which were the traditional strengths of the
Chilean economy.
 Under this free market policy, from 1976 to 1981, GDP increased in real
terms by an annual average of more than 7%, inflation declined
dramatically, and significant improvements were registered in the
general health and welfare of the people.  By mid-1981, however, Chile
began to suffer the effects of the economic slowdown of its major
trading partners. Prices for Chile's exports, such as copper, forest
products, and fishmeal, declined sharply. The rise of international
interest rates, besides aggravating the worldwide recession,
substantially increased the cost of servicing Chile's large foreign
debt.
 In addition, Chile's fixing of the peso/dollar exchange rate--starting
in mid-1979--seriously eroded the competitiveness of Chilean products.
The exchange rate problem, plus mandatory indexation, caused Chilean
exports to be overpriced in the world market.  As a result, during 1981,
Chile experienced an exaggerated increase in imports that was reversed
only by a sharp decline in economic activity beginning in the latter
part of the year.
 By mid-1982, in the face of a serious decline in domestic production, a
sharp rise in unemployment, increasing bankruptcies, and financial
deterioration, the Chilean Government was compelled to devalue the peso
further.  Previously large external capital inflows dried up.  Total GDP
fell by 16% during the 1982-83 period.  Special regulatory relief was
offered to financial institutions; the network of social programs to
help the most needy was extended;  and a public-works program was
established to reduce unemployment.
 The economy began to recover in 1984 and grew at an average rate of 6%
until 1991.  This period was characterized by an ambitious privatization
of state-owned enterprises.
 In 1988 and 1989, before the plebiscite and the presidential election,
the military government phased out its austerity program and pursued
policies designed to boost economic activity.  In 1989, growth soared to
10%.  However, inflation almost doubled, to 21%,  and imports jumped to
30%.
 Since March 1990, Chile has become more integrated with the world
economy.  Chile rolled over its 1991-94 debt maturities on commercial
terms and successfully placed a $200 million Eurobond issue with 20 of
the world's most prominent banks.  The economy attracted $1.1 billion in
direct foreign investment and posted a trade surplus of $1.3 billion
with the dynamic economies of East Asia.  On the internal front, the new
government implemented an adjustment aimed at decelerating the economy.
As a result, Chile registered real GDP growth of 2% in 1990, the lowest
rate since 1983.  Inflation rose to 27%, the highest rate since 1980.
This result was heavily influenced by the rise in oil prices following
Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.
 During 1991, the economy regained its vigor without reigniting
inflation.  Highlights of the economy's performance include 6% real GDP
growth, a trade balance surplus of $1.6 billion (24% higher than 1990),
a current surplus of about 0.3% of GDP, and foreign direct investment
approvals totaling $3.3 billion.  Inflation in 1991 declined to 19%.
The uniform tariff level was lowered from 15% to 11%, and a free trade
agreement was signed with Mexico.  In June 1991, the US and Chile signed
an agreement to forgive a portion of Chile's PL 480 ("Food for Peace")
debt to the US under the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative.  Chile
also signed an environmental framework agreement tied to the debt
reduction to support environmental projects.  The government and
virtually all economic groups in Chile wish to conclude a free trade
agreement with the United States.

Agriculture
 Chile's gradual conversion to a free market, export-oriented economy
has permitted the agricultural and forestry sector to nearly double
production since 1980. The agricultural sector is particularly free
market-oriented, with limited government protection for wheat, sugar
beet, and oilseed producers.
 Only a tiny fraction of Chilean land is arable, nevertheless, there are
over 300,000 farms;  about 50% produce wheat.  The average farm size is
45 hectares.  The major agricultural production areas are located in the
central valley, which extends from 150 miles north of Santiago to Puerto
Montt, more than 600 miles south of the capital.  The northern
production areas normally require irrigation, and abundant rainfall is
available in the south.
 Although crop production is much more important in Chile than livestock
production, cattle production for beef and dairy is still significant.
However, the demand for beef substitutes has led to an explosive growth
of the highly integrated poultry and pork production sectors.  The
combined consumption of pork and poultry now exceeds per capita
consumption of beef.
 Chile is nearly self-sufficient in food production.  Imports meet
shortfalls in production where the planted area has been diverted to
produce crops for the export market.  Chilean agricultural exports in
1991 were more than $1.4 billion and are nearly four times greater than
imports.  Every year, the agricultural trade balance weighs more heavily
in favor of Chile as high-priced fresh and processed fruit exports
continue to expand at a rapid rate.  The combined value of table grapes
and apple exports make up about 40% of yearly agricultural exports.
Exports of kiwi fruits and stone fruits (plums, peaches, nectarines, and
apricots) will rapidly increase as trees mature.  Fruit varieties like
chirimoyas, tomatoes, sand pears, and berries will also increase the
value of exports.  Nevertheless, table grapes and apples continue to be
the principal fruit exports.
 The United States is Chile's main agricultural trading partner,
purchasing about half of its agricultural exports and providing about
one-third of its imports.

Minerals and Mining
 Mining continues to play a critical role in Chile's economy, despite
considerable diversification.  In 1991, minerals made up 49% of Chile's
exports, with a value of $4.4 billion.  Copper is by far the most
important.  In 1991, copper exports totaled $3.6 billion.  A 1991 world
price decline was offset partially by a 13% increase in copper
production.  In addition to copper, Chile is an important exporter of
gold, silver, molybdenum, iron ore, and non-metallic minerals such as
lithium and iodine.
 Chile is enjoying a major boom in direct foreign investment in its
mineral sector based upon its strong geological base (20% of world
copper reserves) and the favorable investment regime which the
government has maintained.  Major US, Canadian, British, and Japanese
natural resource firms have invested in large, new copper and gold
mines.  Several other projects are in advanced stages of planning.  At
the same time, CODELCO, the state copper enterprise and the world's
largest copper producer, has plans for major investment to make up for
declining production at its existing mines.  The government is seeking
to pass a law to allow CODELCO to associate with private firms in joint
ventures.
 Bituminous coal is mined in the Gulf of Arauca region, south of
Concepcion, and in the area around Valdivia.  These aging, underground
mines are facing painful retrenchments.  The government  has authorized
a temporary subsidy to the industry over the next 3 years.  A modern,
low-cost, open-pit coal mine exists north of the Strait of Magellan.
Chilean coal faces competition from coal imported from Colombia and
Venezuela.
 All of Chile's domestic petroleum production is  from the Strait of
Magellan and the island of Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of the
country. The state-owned petroleum company, ENAP, is the country's only
producer of crude oil and natural gas, although several foreign
petroleum firms have been granted exploration contracts. Domestic
petroleum production provided 13% of domestic petroleum consumption in
1991.

DEFENSE
 The armed forces are subject to civilian control exercised by the
president through the minister of defense. However, each service is
headed by a commander-in-chief.
 Army.  55,000 troops under Augusto Pinochet. The army is organized into
six divisions and one separate brigade.  There is an air wing.
 Navy.  Adm. Jorge Martinez Busch directs the 29,000 person navy.  The
Chilean marine corps, with a strength of 5,200, is an arm of the navy.
The Chilean fleet of 11 surface vessels and 4 submarines is based in
Valparaiso.  The navy operates its own aircraft.
 Air Force.  Air General Ramon Vega Hidalgo heads the air force of
12,000.  Air assets are distributed among four air brigades
headquartered in Iquique, Santiago, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas. The
Air Force also operates an airbase on King George Island, Antartica.
 After the military coup in September 1973, the Chilean national police
were incorporated into the defense ministry.  With return to democratic
government, the police were recently placed under the operational
control of the interior ministry. They are led by General Strange, who
directs a paramilitary force of 27,000 engaged in law enforcement,
traffic management, narcotics suppression, border control, and
counter-terrorist.  They maintain operational units throughout Chile.

FOREIGN RELATIONS
 The Chilean Government maintains diplomatic relations with more than 70
countries.  When the military regime came to power in 1973, the
communist countries, except for China and Romania, broke diplomatic
relations.  Mexico also severed relations with Chile.
 Relations with Argentina were strained by the boundary dispute at the
southern tip of the continent until 1985, when a peaceful settlement was
reached with Papal mediation.  The loss of territory by Peru and Bolivia
to Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879-83) continues to influence
some of its neighbors' national attitudes and policies.  Bolivia seeks
an outlet to the sea and severed relations with Chile in 1978, following
a breakdown in negotiations.  By treaty, any Bolivian-Chilean agreement
involving former Peruvian territory also would require Peru's agreement.

US-CHILEAN RELATIONS
 The 1976 car bomb assassination in Washington, DC, of Orlando Letelier,
a former Chilean Ambassador to the United States and a member of
President Allende's cabinet, and Ronni Moffitt, a US citizen, caused a
sharp deterioration in relations and led the US Congress to ban security
assistance and arms sales to Chile.
 In 1981, Congress enacted the Kennedy amendment sanctions, banning all
military sales to Chile until the President determined that Chile had
made significant human rights progress, was not aiding international
terrorism, and had taken appropriate steps to cooperate in bringing to
justice those indicted by a US grand jury in connection with the
assassination.  Responding to the Aylwin Administration's stated
commitment to respond to the case, President Bush issued such a finding
in late 1990, thus removing a significant barrier in bilateral
relations. The United States has continued to press for justice in the
Letelier/Moffitt case.  A Chilean judicial inquiry, headed by a special
investigating judge, continues.  Meanwhile, under the terms of the 1914
Bryan-Suarez treaty, the US and Chile agreed to submit the case to an
international commission to determine the size of an ex gratia payment
by the Government of Chile to the US Government for distribution to the
Letelier and Moffitt families.  In January 1992, after months of
consideration, the commission set the amount at just over $2.6 million.
 With the return to democracy and progress on the Letelier/Moffitt case,
 US-Chilean relations have improved and are generally satisfactory.  One
example of improving relations is that after a 9-year absence, the Peace
Corps returned to Chile, with an initial workforce of 28 volunteers.

Principal US Officials
Ambassador--Curtis W. Kamman
Deputy Chief of Mission--David N. Greenlee
Public Affairs Officer (USIS)--James T. Dandridge, II
Political Counselor--Alejandro D. Wolff
Economic Counselor--Richard W. Behrend
Administrative Counselor--F. Coleman Parrott
Chief, Consular Section--Laurence M. Kerr
Commercial Attache--Ricardo Villalobos
Defense Attache--Capt. Thomas H. Smith, USN
Agricultural Attache--Robert H. Curtis
Labor Attache--Joseph G. McLean
AID Representative--Paul W. Fritz

 The US Embassy in Santiago is located at Agustinas 1343 (tel.
671-0133). The consulate is at Merced 230 (tel. [phone]).  The mailing
address for both is Casilla 27-D, Santiago, Chile.  Address for US mail
is APO AA 34033.  Telex No. 240062 USA CI.  FAX No. [phone].

Travel Notes
 Customs:  A valid passport and a tourist card (issued by the carrier)
are required for entry.  Requirements for entry and exit by car are

numerous, and obtaining necessary documents can be time-consuming.
 Health:  Conditions are generally good in Santiago, except for
prevalent smog. Allergic conditions, especially those respiratory
related, will worsen in the city, particularly during the winter season.
Tapwater is potable, except for occasional winter floods. Do not eat
unwashed fruits and vegetables. Although no immunizations are required
for travel to Chile, typhoid, gamma globulin, and current tetanus
diphtheria toxoid vaccines are recommended.
 Telecommunications:  The telephone system in Santiago and elsewhere is
excellent.
 Time Zone: Chile is 1 hour ahead of eastern standard time.

Further Information
 Available from the Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC 20402:
 American University:  Area Handbook for Chile.

 For more information on  economic trends and other information on
commercial opportunities, trade regulations, and tariff rates, contact
the International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce,
Washington, DC 20230 or any Commerce Department district office.  (###


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