CHILE – PEOPLE
Chile’s population is mostly made up of people of European descent, with the rest being Mestizos and a smaller percentage being indigenous. The native Mapuche people, who are mostly concentrated in the southern regions, make up about 5% of the total population.
Most people in Chile speak Spanish, though it has a distinct form with pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary that varies by region. Several indigenous languages, including Mapudungun (spoken by the Mapuche) and Yaghan, are still used in some communities.
Chilean culture is diverse, featuring a wide variety of customs and traditions that reflect Andean, European, and indigenous influences.
Around 40% of Chileans live in the area surrounding the capital, Santiago. Education here follows a three-tiered system, with the best schools usually being private. Similarly, healthcare is mostly funded publicly, while private hospitals generally offer higher-quality services.