Chile Shot Glass Souvenirs

General Information:

Location: South America
Capital: Santiago
Language: Spanish
Population: 17,574,003
Total Area: 756,950 sq km
Currency: Peso (CLP)
Curious Alcohol Fact: Unlike most Latin-American countries, in Chile it is illegal to drink in certain unlicensed, public places. This law also restricts vendor’s sale of alcohol on various weekdays.
Annual Average Liquor Consumption per Capita: 8.55
Most Popular Drink: Pisco Sour is a popular tart yet sweet drink consisting of Pisco, lemon juice, and sugar.

Chile Travel Video

Video Courtesy: Chile Travel

The Country

The Republic of Chile (Republica de Chile) was under Incan rule until the Spanish came in the 16th century. The indigenous Mapuche also inhabited the land at this time. There are many theories surrounding the origin of the name Chile such as the Mapuche word “chilli” meaning “Endland”, “Coldland”, or “Snowland”. Until February 12, 1818, Chile was under Spanish rule. Chile is considered the longest north to south country in the world, and it even encompasses climates ranging from desert, glacial, and tropical.

The People

Chile has a multiethnic society which means that its population comes from varying ethnicities. Through many years, various groups ranging from Europeans to Asians, specifically from the Middle East, have contributed to the very large immigrant population. In recent years, people have even moved to Chile from Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Chileans mostly speak Spanish although there are several indigenous languages still spoken such as Mapudungun, Quechua, Aymara, and Rapa Nui. German is also spoken as a second language in certain parts of the country.

The Culture

Chile is considered to be one of the most stable and prosperous South American countries. It is recognized as a Middle Power leading in human development, peace, economic freedom and freedom of the press. The country lacks in corruption and was one of the founding members of the United Nations and Union of South American Nations. Chile is the fifth largest exporter of wine which helps their already respectable economy. The national dance is known as cueca which has Spanish and African origins. Folk music is quite popular in the country. While futbol (American Soccer) is the most popular Chilean sport, it is tennis that is the most successful.

Eating

Chile’s cuisine is predominantly based in seafood, beer, fruits, and vegetables. Influences from the native Quecha Andeans include rice bread, shellfish, and minced raw llama (although they usually use beef now in place of the llama). Popular dishes are asado, (barbeque beef), cazuela (chicken or beef prepared in a stock made from potato and pumpkin), empanadas (stuffed pastries), and crudos (German-Chilean dish similar to steak tartar).

Drinking

Wine is very popular in Chile, specifically Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere reds and whites from Casablanca Valley. Pisco, a brandy made from Muscat grapes, is used in the country’s most popular drink, Pisco Sour which blends this liquor with lemon juice and sugar. Other popular drinks are Mote con Huesillo (wheat seeds—mote—mixed with dried peaches) and schop (a draught beer). Other common beers are light lagers such as Cristal and Escudo.

Chile

Shot glasses and other souvenirs