News: India and Chile have agreed to initiate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Key Facts about Chile
- Chile is a country located along the western coast of South America.
- Due to its geographical proximity to Antarctica, Chile is often referred to as the “Gateway to Antarctica.”
- The Loa River, originating from the Andes, is the longest river in Chile.
- It shares borders with Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
- In addition to its mainland, Chile also has sovereignty over Easter Island, the Juan Fernández Archipelago, and several other Pacific islands.
- The country’s landscape is dominated by the Andes Mountains, which form the longest mountain range in the world.
- Northern Chile is home to the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert on Earth.
- The highest peak in Chile is Ojos del Salado (6,893 m), an active stratovolcano located in the Atacama region.
- Due to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Chile frequently experiences earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
Economic Importance
- Copper Mining: Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper which is a crucial metal used in electronics, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles.
- Lithium Reserves: The country is part of the “Lithium Triangle” (along with Argentina and Bolivia), a region essential for global battery production due to its vast lithium deposits.
