Average temperature in chili. Relief, climate and flora of Chile

Chile is one of the most developed and richest countries in Latin America. It is characterized by varied climatic and environmental conditions. It has wide access to the Pacific Ocean, and in the twenty-first century, this is one of the key factors for rapid economic development.

Chile is one of the largest cherry producers in southern hemisphere. This country contains the southernmost continental portion of land on the planet outside of .

Geographical position. Chile is located in the southwestern part of South America. Covers an area of ​​756,626 sq. km. There are specific forms in the country. It occupies a narrow but long strip of land between and the Pacific Ocean. At its widest, the country extends for no more than 360
km, but from north to south it extends for 4300 km. It has wide access to the Pacific Ocean. It borders on three countries - in the north, in the northeast and in the east with Argentina. The border with Argentina follows the ridge of the longest mountain range in the world - the Andes. The country is located between 17 and 56° southern latitude and its northern parts intersect the southern tropical circle - the Tropic of Capricorn. The southernmost parts of the country are located at Cape Horn on the island Tierra del Fuego. The island is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Magellan, which is notorious for dramatically deteriorating weather and terrible storms.

Climate. Climatic conditions Chiles are very diverse. The country falls within the boundaries of three climatic zones - , and . Since the country extends over 4,300 kilometers, conditions are very
different. In the northernmost part of Chile, which fall in tropical zone climate, the weather is dry and hot throughout the year, but near the coast the temperature is significantly lower than typical for the tropics. In January the most hot weather, and in July it is the coolest. The city of Iquique is a typical city of the tropics of Chile. Located on the Pacific Ocean. Because of the cold ocean currents, which run along the coast, the temperature is not too high, unlike areas more distant from the ocean. Here is the most hot month January, with daytime temperatures from 25°C in the shade, and the coldest July, when daytime temperatures are around +18°C. Night temperatures are 13°C in July and 19-20 in January. South of the thirtieth parallel is an area with a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Summer here is long, dry and hot, and winter is short and
rainy. Conditions are very similar to those along Mediterranean Sea And . Viña del Mar, which is one of the largest and most important cities in Chile, has a typical Mediterranean climate. The hottest weather is in January, when thermometers show around 25°C during the day in the shade. The most cold weather in July, when temperatures are around 15°C. Eight months of the year the temperature is above 18°C. This is one of the places with the most pleasant and healthy climate in the world. South of the 40th parallel there is a temperate climate zone. Its characteristic feature is four seasons - winter, spring, summer and autumn. Summers are warm, even hot, and winters are relatively cold. However, it should be noted that there is a huge difference between the temperate climate near the subtropics and the temperate climate as far south as Cape Horn. The city of Puerto Montt has a typical oceanic temperate
climate with heavy rainfall. The weather is very similar to that in the UK. Summers are wet and fresh with temperatures around 20°C during the day, while winters are mild and even rainier. There is about 100 to about 230 mm of precipitation per month. The further south you go, the colder the winters and colder the summers become. For example, in Punta Arenas, which is located in the southernmost part of Chile, summers are quite cool. The temperature, even at midday in January, rarely exceeds 15°C. In winter, nights are usually below zero (-1) to (-5)°C, and days are around 2-3°C. Precipitation is moderate in quantity and is most abundant in autumn. Winter precipitation is almost entirely snow, and summer precipitation is, of course, rain. Here the weather is harsh and changeable and sometimes even summers bring surprises. In addition to the three climatic zones in which Chile falls, there is an additional one - a mountain climatic zone. It covers the higher parts of the Andes, which are not particularly affected by geography.

Relief. Chile is a country with a predominantly mountainous climate. It occupies the western slopes of the Andes. The highest peak in Chile is Ojos de Salado. It is located in the northeastern part of the country near the border with Argentina. It rises to a height of 6908 meters. The only areas of the country where there is flat terrain are the Atacama Desert and the plains from Talka to Puerto Montt. The coastline of Chile is weakly dissected in the northern parts. In the south, however, the coast is of the fiord type and strongly resembles that in Western, and. There are many bays, peninsulas and islands. The largest island of the country is Tierra del Fuego, but it belongs entirely to Chile, since Argentina also has territories here.

Nature. Chile has varied and picturesque nature. In the tropical regions of the country in the north
Some of the driest, hottest and most water-scarce regions in the world are located. Desert landscapes dominate here. In the heart of the Chilean tropics lies the Atacama Desert. In some parts of it it is assumed that it never rained. The subtropical climate zone contains the most fertile areas of the country. Mediterranean vegetation grows here. There is a wide variety of evergreen trees and shrubs. There are palm trees, citrus trees, flowers and much more. Here are also the main agricultural areas of the country. To the south of the subtropics lie temperate latitudes with their colder climate and vegetation, represented mainly by deciduous species. The nature here is not much different from that which can be seen in and. The temperate latitudes of Chile, with their dissected coastline and dense forests, are strikingly reminiscent of the Atlantic coast
Scandinavia and the Pacific coast of British Columbia in Canada. The high parts of the Andes are covered with snow and ice throughout the year. There are many glaciers in Chile, especially in the southern regions of the country, where they descend almost to the very ocean shore. It is important to note for Chile that it is among the most volcanic and seismic countries in the world. There are hundreds of volcanoes here, many of them active. Chile is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire - a volcanic area that covers the Pacific coast of North and South America, as well as many islands of Oceania, such as New Zealand. The earthquakes that frequently strike the country are strong and destructive. Quite often, tremors cause tsunami waves, which are dangerous not only for Chile, but also for other countries that are located on the Pacific coast, since one tsunami wave can travel thousands of kilometers and flood the shores even for opposite side Pacific Ocean. The last strong earthquake in Chile occurred on February 27, 2010.
90 kilometers from the city of Concepcion. It caused numerous casualties and severe material damage. The earthquake was 8.8 on the Richter scale.

Populations and settlements. Chile's population is about 16 million people. About 7,000,000 of them live in the country's largest city, the capital Santiago. The reason is that the city enjoys the most favorable climatic conditions in the country. The other two major cities in Chile are also in the subtropics, not far from Santiago, but this time on the Pacific coast. These are the cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. These are Mediterranean towns with a great climate and the most beautiful beach in Chile. They are leaders in tourism in Chile. Viña del Mar has a population of about 900 thousand inhabitants, and Valparaiso has about 300,000 inhabitants. Except Santiago, Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, in areas with Mediterranean
Many other points are also located due to their climate. More than half of Chile's population is concentrated in this part of the country. There are few large cities in the northern tropical regions of Chile. The most important are Iquique, Arica and Antofagasta. IN temperate latitudes terrain is the biggest obstacle to construction and development settlements. The most big cities in the temperate climate zone these are Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas, which are located on the Strait of Magellan. In terms of ethnic composition, Chile's population consists of European immigrants, mainly from.

Economy. Chile's economy is multifaceted. The country is developing high technology, engineering, tourism, agriculture and mining. The central parts of Chile are very fertile and many types of subtropical fruits are grown here, such as citrus fruits. In temperate latitudes
grown a large number of cherries. Chile is one of the world's largest producers of cherries outside of Europe. The cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso are among the most beautiful cities on the Pacific coast of South America. With their Mediterranean charm, warm climate and beautiful beaches, they attract many tourists from the region and the world. The country has mined a number of minerals that it exports abroad. One of the most valuable is called Chilean silitra, which is found only here.

Story. Chile was discovered by Spanish colonialists in the 16th century. In 1520 Ferdinand Magellan circles South America from the south and passes through the Strait of Magellan, giving his name. He was the first European to reach what is now Chile. In 1818 he achieved his independence from Spain after 8 years of war. From 1973 to 1990. Chile is under the military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. The country is then governed very strictly, and the rights of citizens are limited to a minimum. Augusto Pinochet did not live to see the trial because he died of a heart attack in 2006. Many people are grateful to him, despite his repressive policies, which he pursued, since it is believed that he saved Chile from the communist regime. Modern Chile enjoys unprecedented prosperity, low crime rates and high quality life in the region is known for poverty and social contrasts. Currently, Chile and its major cities have a modern European appearance.

The most suitable period for tourism in Chile varies depending on where you plan to travel and where to stay. Santiago, Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, for example, are best for tourism from November to April. Although the winter here is not cold, in the summer you will still see these cities in their better light. The best period for tourism in the Puerto Montt area is December - March. If you go to the southern part of the country and Punta Arenas, it is better to limit yourself to the most
Warm months are January and February, when summer is in full swing and you avoid the vagaries of local weather. If you are adventurers who have decided to live an unforgettable adventure and travel to the Atacama Desert region, you cannot go wrong if you choose the coldest months of July and August, because then the weather is most bearable with temperatures around 20-21° during the day. Although summer temperatures here are not too high, due to the cooling influence of the cold Peruvian Current, however, do not forget that the sun in tropical areas is very strong and in the Atacama Desert it is not so easy to find shade, not to say impossible.

The climate in Chile is very diverse due to the fact that the length of the South American country is about four thousand kilometers (from north to south). For example, northern Chile has a desert climate with minimal rainfall ( average temperature around 15-20 degrees). But in the south of the country, precipitation falls tens of times more, while the air temperature is on average ten degrees lower.

The geographical location of Chile directly affects the fact that the fauna here is not very rich (after all, the Andes mountains are a kind of barrier to animal migration). The country is home to wolves, deer, chinchilla, llama and other animals. As for the flora, in the south you can see grassy steppes, a little to the north the jungle begins, where laurel grows, coniferous trees and magnolia. The north of the country is a desert, where there is nothing but cacti and thorns.

Climate of Chile by month:

Spring (Chilean autumn)

When spring awakens in the Northern Hemisphere, autumn begins in Chile. Even though autumn in Chile is very similar to spring, there are some differences between the two seasons. For example, in the south and north of the country it can be completely different weather: in the northern part of the country, people wear light clothes because it is quite warm, but at the same time in the southern part, residents try to dress warmer.

Separately, it is worth mentioning Easter Island, which literally all tourists want to visit. In April and May there is a large amount of rainfall here, while in other months this is not observed. There are few holidays in Chile at this time, but Navy Day (May 21) is widely celebrated.

Summer (Chilean winter)

In Chile warm winter- the air temperature at this time of year is 5-10 degrees Celsius. Feature winters have a lot of precipitation, several times more than in other seasons. On south coast In winter there is another feature: foggy weather, which can last for a very long time, but the air temperature does not drop much.

In winter, there are practically no tourists in Chile, also due to the fact that there are few holidays in the country at this time of year. We can only note two dates: the Assumption (celebrated on August 15) and the Day of Saints Peter and Paul, which is celebrated at the very end of June.

Autumn (Chilean spring)

Spring in the country begins in September and ends in November. The climatic conditions in autumn and spring in Chile are almost identical: for example, the average air temperature in September is 20 degrees, in October - 20-24, in November - 21-26.

Spring in Chile is eagerly awaited by both local residents and resort guests, because in winter there is a lot of rainfall, and already in September it becomes noticeably less. At this time of year, the country celebrates many holidays, among which are Military Forces Day, All Saints' Day and, of course, Independence Day.

Winter (Chilean summer)

Since the country is located in the Southern Hemisphere, summer here begins in December. At this time of year in Chile the air temperature is around 25 degrees, and heatwave- a great rarity (except for the north of the country). Therefore, this weather attracts many tourists who seek to visit Chile in January and February. Dry and sunny summer has cool evenings, when the air temperature drops significantly when compared with the daytime.

In summer, the water temperature in the ocean is around 18 degrees, which allows tourists to enjoy swimming and have a good time. On December 8, Chileans celebrate the Day of the Immaculate Conception, December 25 - Christmas, January 1 - New Year. Separately, it is worth noting the wide variety of various festivals that are held in the country: for example, a folklore or classical music festival.

By latitude, Chile is divided into three regions, sharply different from each other in climate and topography: Northern Desert (Atacama desert region), Central Chile (highlands Andes) and Southern Chile (a hilly zone of dense forests in the foothills of the Southern Andes and a labyrinth of narrow straits and mountainous islands in the far south). The country also includes Easter Island (Rapa Nui), 3,700 km away. west of the country's coast, and Juan Fernandez(700 km to the west). Total area - 756.9 thousand square meters. km.

Capital: Santiago

Climate
In the central valley (Santiago, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar) the climate is Mediterranean. In summer (January and February) the average temperature is + 28 C, in winter +10 C. The evenings are cool, it rains in winter, but generally the weather is very pleasant. The coast is humid, cloudy and windy, and colder here than inland. In the lakes area temperate climate, but cool winds may blow. It is cold in the mountains and there is a lot of precipitation. IN Patagonia It is almost always cold, and there are sudden and unpredictable weather changes. Even in summer there are frequent fogs, rains and strong winds.

Climate on Easter Island- subtropical. In July and August the temperature is minimal, reaching 17.8° C, the warmest month is February with a temperature of 23.7° C. Variable rains occur all year round, but especially strong in May.

Time: Time difference with Moscow: minus 7 hours in summer period, minus 6 hours - in winter

Official language: Spanish

Currency
Chilean Peso (Ch$), equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos, coins in 1, 3, 5, 10 and 50 centavos. It is possible to pay for goods and services in US dollars. IN central regions, large stores and hotels accept payment credit cards leading world systems and traveler's checks, in the provinces this is often problematic. Tips make up 10% of the bill, often already included in the total amount. Taxi drivers do not require tips, but it is advisable to round up the fare for convenience. You can bargain at markets and private shops. Territory: 756,600 sq. km

National cuisine
Lunch is the main meal in Chile. In any restaurant, the menu includes cheap lunches costing up to $2. This includes a simple salad, hot soup with meat or empanados(pies with meat, onions, boiled egg and a couple of olives. Be sure to try it in summer humitas- spiced corn on the cob or pastel de choclo - corn casserole. Seafood is very popular in Chile. The crabs and locos are especially tasty. The main course usually consists of specially prepared rice with chicken, meat or fried fish. After dessert, be sure to have a cup of instant coffee. In the evening, Chileans usually eat sandwiches.

Religion: Main religion: Catholicism

Electrical voltage: 220 volt

Main attractions
The most beautiful and famous sights of Chile - lake Chungara, volcano Parinacota, San Pedro de Atacama, geysers Tatio, mountain Lake Miskanti, granite towers Torres del Paine, archaeological sites Copacilla And Sapauira, and Patagonia- the southernmost region of the American continent.

Visa
Russian citizens do not require a visa to visit Chile; however, they can stay in the country for up to 90 days, which is more than enough to get a closer look at the country’s riches.

Customs regulations
It is prohibited to import milk and dairy products, including butter and cheese, fresh and dried fruits, meat and meat products, any plants, seedlings, soil, insects, snails, bacteria and fungi for scientific research, bees, honey and wax, veterinary biological drugs, narcotic substances, uncanned food. Duty-free import of any used personal items is allowed, including television, radio and video equipment, portable electronic computing equipment necessary for professional activity, as well as cigarettes - up to 400 pcs., or tobacco - 500 g., or cigars - up to 50 pcs., alcoholic drinks- up to 2.5 l. Non-commercial purchases of up to $500 worth of goods at an airport duty-free store are also permitted. The following must be declared upon entry into the country: household furniture, tableware, linen products (bed linen), paintings and jewelry, new Appliances and spare parts therefor, all new goods or goods imported for commercial purposes. The export of objects and things of historical, artistic or archaeological value, as well as weapons and rare representatives of flora and fauna, is prohibited without special permission. The export of wool and leather products, jewelry, and souvenirs is allowed within the limits of personal needs, but you must present a receipt from the store where these products were purchased. The import and export of currency is not limited, but is subject to declaration.

Chile occupies a narrow strip along the Pacific coast of continental South America from the Atacama Desert (17° S) to Cape Froward (54° S). Chile also includes the Tierra del Fuego archipelago (the main island is shared with Argentina), the Juan Fernandez Archipelago and Easter Island with Sala y Gomez. Chile also lays claim to a sector in Antarctica.

Territory of Chile (excluding Easter Island and Chilean Antarctica) - 756,950 sq. km, of which water - 8,150 sq. km. The area of ​​Easter Island is 163.6 square meters. km, Chilean Antarctica - about 1.25 million square meters. km. The area of ​​Chile's main territory is approximately 22.5 times smaller than Russia, but exceeds the territory of any European state. The length of the coastline is 6435 km, the land border is 6171 km (Argentina - 5150 km, Bolivia - 861 km, Peru - 160 km).

Chile is divided into three geographical and climatic areas. The northern desert and the cold south of the country have not yet been fully developed, while the humid (subhumid) region of Central Chile is the most economically developed territory, where approximately 75% of the country's population is concentrated.

Relief of Chile

In the relief of Chile there are three meridional zones: Andes mountain ranges stretching along the border with Argentina and Bolivia; structural depression of the Central, or Longitudinal, valley, divided by the spurs of the Andes into separate depressions; and a series of geologically more ancient plateaus ending in steep ledges towards the Pacific coast. By latitude, Chile is divided into three regions, which differ sharply from each other in climate: Central Chile, Northern Desert and Southern Chile. Andes. In the central part of the country, along the 800 km between the cities of Coquimbo and Concepcion, approximately a third of the area is occupied by the Andean highlands. The Andes form a single chain, albeit of a complex structure; above it rise the volcanoes Tupungato (6570 m) and Maipo (5290 m), and further to the north are the Llullaillaco volcano (6739 m) and the second highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Ojos del Salado (6893 m). Mountains above 4500 m in the north (at 20° S) and above 3500 m at the latitude of the city of Concepción (36° S) are constantly covered with snow. South of the city Cones of active volcanoes stand out to the west of the main ridge of the Andes.

Coastal plateaus. Another third in area is the coastal zone. It includes flat remnants of an ancient denudation surface, or peneplain, with heights ranging from 2150 m in the north to 600 m in the south and dissected by steep valleys of small rivers originating on the eastern slope of the Andes. More large rivers, also flowing from the Andes, such as the Bio-Bio and Maule, form wide valleys with a bottom lined with alluvium and reach the Pacific Ocean. The coast is mostly steep, and only in a few places there are convenient harbors protected by rocky headlands.

Central, or Longitudinal, valley. Structural depression separating the Andes from coastal zone, is divided by remnant hills and mountain spurs into separate depressions, each of which is drained by one or more rivers flowing from the Andes. These rivers carry large amounts of debris and discharge it into the Central Valley in the form of alluvial fans; the westward sloping surface of these cones provides excellent arable land. In the area between the cities of Santiago and Concepción, the mountain spurs jutting into the territory of the depression are low, the individual depressions between them merge into a common low surface, but further to the north a mountain range up to 790 m high separates the valley of the Aconcagua River (part of the Central Valley) from Santiago. Even further north, the spurs of the Andes reach the coastal plateau zone, and the Central Valley narrows and disappears. The valley floor has a general slope to the south, decreasing from 600 m near Santiago to 120 m near the city of Concepcion. In vast fields bordered by poplars and weeping willows, grains are grown, for irrigation of which water from rivers flowing from the Andes is diverted.

Statistical indicators of Chile
(as of 2012)

Northern Chile. Along the western coast of the continent from 4° S. to 27° S the desert region extends. Within Chile it is called Atacama and stretches for almost 1300 km. The entire area between the cities of Copiapó in the south and Arica in the north is a dismal series of dry depressions, pebble fans and salt marshes, the monotony of which is broken by rare oases and rivers, the largest of which is Loa. The ocean coast is equally rugged, bordered by hills whose rounded peaks rise up to 750 m.

The cities of Caldera, Antofagasta and Iquique are located on narrow, raised sea terraces at the base of the mountain slopes. Each of these port cities is approached railways– they climb steep slopes and connect cities with mining operations in the interior of the country. Main natural wealth The area consists of deposits of copper ores in the Andes, as well as those mined in the foothill depressions salt, sodium nitrate and iodine salts. South of the city of Copiapó, the chain of oases in the foothill depressions continues further south, into the territory of Central Chile; they are located on the rivers Huasco, Elqui, Limari and Copiapo.

Southern Chile. South of the Bio Bio River, the open landscapes of Central Chile give way to dense forests, among which there are occasional farms; this one is poorly developed agriculture the territory continues south to 41° S. (city of Puerto Montt). In Southern Chile, the Central Valley has a dissected topography, complicated in the eastern part by hills and ridges of glacial moraines; Behind the ridges there are often dammed lakes. Near Puerto Montt, the bottom of the Central Valley drops below ocean level, and then, for more than 1000 km, mountain peaks rise above the surface of the water, separated by an intricate labyrinth of narrow straits; the system of mountainous islands and narrow winding straits continues further south, along the shores of Tierra del Fuego.

Andes. The altitude of the Southern Andes between the cities of Concepción and Puerto Montt averages approx. 3000 m; It is home to mountain peaks, glacial valleys, lakes and waterfalls that are among the most beautiful in the world. At the latitude of the city of Valdivia (approx. 40° S), the limit of eternal snow is at an altitude of 1500 m, and further to the south the eternal snow and ice caps drop to 700 m above sea level, and some glaciers reach the tops of narrow bays – fjords and form icebergs.

Coastal plateaus. Within Southern Chile, the height of the coastal plateaus is 1500 m in the area of ​​​​the city of Valdivia and gradually decreases to the south; on o. The surface of the Chiloe plateau drops almost to sea level.

Climate and flora

The climatic conditions of Chile are very diverse, which is explained by the large extent of the country from north to south, the direct influence of the ocean and the cold Peruvian Current (Humboldt Current) passing near the coast, as well as the existence of a Pacific zone of high atmospheric pressure in the area of ​​25° S.

Middle part of Chile. This area is characterized by mild winters and dry, warm summers. In Concepción, 760 mm of precipitation falls annually, mainly in the form of winter downpours that accompany the intrusion of humid masses of Antarctic air. The northern annual precipitation rate drops to 360 mm in Santiago and 100 mm in Coquimbo, with rain occurring exclusively in winter. In summer, their occurrence is prevented by an anticyclone that forms in the Pacific center of the barometric maximum. Average winter temperatures are 11°C in Valparaiso, 8°C in Santiago and 12°C in Coquimbo, average summer temperatures are 18, 21 and 18°C, respectively. Along the coast, the cold waters of the Peruvian Current narrow the range of their seasonal differences, but in the interior of the country in winter the temperature can drop to –1° C, and in summer the heat reaches 31° C. On the coast, the dominant type of vegetation is fragmented evergreen broad-leaved open forests of xerophytic trees, shrubs and turf grasses. Further south, high rainfall favors the development of a sparse deciduous forest of southern beech (Nothofagus), once distributed from the coastal plateaus (900 m above sea level) to 2150 m above sea level. on the slopes of the Andes. Currently, this forest is mostly cut down.

Atacama Desert. An almost complete absence of precipitation is observed from the ocean itself to the line of eternal snow, starting at an altitude of approx. 4600 m above sea level In Iquique, over 20 years of observations, the total amount of atmospheric moisture that fell was only 28 mm. However, constant dense fogs rising from cold coastal waters maintain an average relative humidity 81% and comparatively low temperature winter and summer (16 and 21° C). The interior of the Atacama is drier, with temperatures often approaching freezing in the winter, accompanied by the formation of dense caps of fog on the ground in the pre-dawn hours. A significant part of the Atacama is completely devoid of vegetation. Ephemeral grasses and resinous perennials of the coastal plateaus feed on moisture obtained only from fog and dew. In the range of 2400–3000 m above sea level. The slopes of the Andes are covered with a belt of sparse tola vegetation, consisting of feather grass, lepidophyllum bush and Azorella, which provide the local population with a small amount of fodder and fuel.

South of Chile. Western winds prevail here, showers are frequent, and there is a large (sometimes excessive) amount of precipitation. Winters are unusually mild for these latitudes - the average temperature is 8°C in Valdivia and Puerto Montt, dropping to 2°C in Punta Arenas. The average summer temperatures of these cities are 17, 16 and 11 ° C. Snow often falls south of Puerto Montt, and the Chilean archipelago is one of the rainiest and wettest places on the planet. On the open slopes it receives approx. 5100 mm of precipitation, and only 51 days a year the sun faintly peeks through the leaden clouds. In Valdivia the annual rainfall is 2600 mm, in Puerto Montt 2200 mm, and in sheltered Punta Arenas - only 480 mm. The vegetation cover is dense forest moderate type of southern beech (nothofagus), conifers and laurel trees with a well-developed shrubby undergrowth. Swampy areas occupied by the coniferous species Fitzroya patagonica, and higher on the slopes grows mainly Araucaria imbricata. The further south you go, the lower the trees. In the Strait of Magellan zone and on the island of Tierra del Fuego, strong winds and low rainfall allow only grass-heather heaths with turf grasses, forbs: ferns, mosses and dwarf trees to develop.

Wildlife of Chile

The fauna of Chile is as diverse as climatic zones. The highland areas are characterized by llamas, chinchillas, pumas, and birds - condors and black partridges. In semi-deserts there are rodents (curoro, tuco-tuco), marsupials (Chilean opossum). In the forests of the Patagonian Andes - deer, skunks, otters, nutria, pumas. There are parrots and hummingbirds. In the steppes of Patagonia there are guanaco llamas, rhea ostriches, flamingos and swans on the ponds. On the Pacific coast there are seals, leopard seals, and penguins.

Chile is a country that has become unique due to its borders. Outwardly, it resembles an elongated strip, which is incredibly narrow and very long. For this reason, the climate of Chile is so diverse, because the territory of the state covers desert zones, tropics, continental regions and tundras. Let's take a trip to this country and learn more about it.

Looking for Chile on the world map

The geography of any country begins with its position on the map. Chile is a country located in the southwest of South America, taking into its possession the same extensive Andes mountain range as itself. The western shores of the state are washed by Pacific Ocean, in the east the country borders with Argentina and Bolivia, and in the north with Peru. Southern Chile is part of natural complex called Patagonia and is washed by the cold current of the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to the mountain complex, the country has a huge one. It is considered the driest in the world, its relief consists not of sand, but of soil and rocks, but even despite this harsh conditions, plants are found here. It is worth saying that in many ways the climate of Chile was formed directly due to the features of the relief.

Climate

Chile is a country located in South America. If we look at the map we will see the following climatic zones, which have sharp differences:

• Desert. The Atacama territory covers the entire north of the state. Precipitation falls here once every four years, and during the rest of the time the strongest winds blow and the maximum daily temperature changes on the planet can be traced. Climate change there are no seasons.
• The Chilean Andes are mountains with pronounced altitudinal zone. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are insignificant, but daily temperature fluctuations make themselves felt. In the north of the country the ridge crosses tropical zone, but at the same time borders on the desert. Due to this, the western part of the mountains suffers from drought, while in the east precipitation is very heavy. In the Southern Andes region, Chile's climate becomes more moderate, and the amount of rain increases and becomes uniform. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are pronounced.
• The central part of the state is a subtropical zone. Plants here include shrubs and herbs, and rare groups of small trees.
• A small area of ​​the country from the center to the south is covered with evergreen forests.
• Patagonia, or the far south, is home to Antarctic glaciers. It is always cold here, in summer there is a polar night, and in winter there is a polar day.

What are the forecasts for Chile?

The weather in this country, as we have seen, is more than varied. In Atacama, the air warms up to 18-20 degrees during the day, and at night the temperature drops to 3-0. The central subtropical regions are the most favorable place in Chile. The weather from December to February is very hot - up to +32, and from June to August it is rarely cooler than +15. To the south the climate changes to continental. Winters are warm, but not hot - no more than +20, and summers are cool and humid - within +7 degrees, with up to 5600 mm of precipitation.

Time zone of Chile

This amazing state stretches from north to south and crosses numerous climatic zones. But the small width makes it possible for all residents of Chile to live according to the same time. So, the country's official time zone is CLST, or GMT-04 (03 in summer). If you compare Chilean time with Moscow time, you can see a difference of 6 hours. When it is 12.00 in Moscow, it is 6.00 in the morning in Santiago and other cities of this country.

As noted above, Chile switches from winter to summer time. Alarms are set an hour ahead on the third Saturday in October, and an hour back on the third Saturday in March. Do not forget that the country is located in the southern hemisphere, so the calendar summer here is a geographical winter.

Conclusion

To sum it up, we can say that Chile is one of the most interesting countries in the world. In addition to the Indian traditions, which are better preserved here than anywhere else in South America, nature also pampers you with its diversity. The Andes Mountains provide the opportunity to open ski resorts.

The mild and Pacific oceans together form a real summer paradise for lovers beach holiday. There will be something interesting for those who are in search of something new and unknown. Just look at Atacama with its Martian landscapes and Patagonia with its crimson sunsets and melting glaciers!