Some interesting facts

Here are some random interesting facts about Chile (stuff worth reading more about if you have interest...)

1.) Divorce was just legalized here in 2004 and today Chile remains one of two countries in Latin America (the other being El Salvador) in which abortion is illegal even when the mother's life is in danger.

2.) Chile's economy is based on copper, wood, and a little bit of hydroelectric power. However, it does not have a stable energy supply. Ten years ago Chile began purchasing all of its natural gas from Agrentina, but after the peso crisis in Argentina the demand for gas has surpassed supply. Today Chile finds itself in a big crisis: Aregentina continues to cut its supply to Chile. They predict that by next year Chile will have to impose restrictions on gas which means cold showers and problems cooking.

3.) Trans-Santiago Sucks: In February Santiago completely overhauled its public transportation system and it is a raging disaster. The change was made in order to consolidate the numerous private bus companies under one government subsidized program, but the choas only got worse. Today there are ridiculously long lines, crowded buses and the metro now has to deal with twice as many passengers daily. The central government spends millions and millions but people are complaining the money has not been spent wisely. I read that Chile spends 6x on transportation on Santiago as they spend on the rest of the country as a whole. (To be fair, 1/3 of Chile's population lives in Santiago).

4.) Bolivia and Peru still have horrible relations with Chile stemming from the War of the Pacific in 1870. During this war Chile acquired its northern region, which means Chile took Bolivia's only access to the coast. More than a centurty later, Bolivia still demands its territory back.

5.) Pinochet created a constiution in the 1980 granting far more power to the executive branch. Though it has been amended since, the constitution still remains, further signaling that the skeleton of the dictatorship is still present today.