Location
Chile stretches over 2,700 miles along the southwestern
coast of South America. If we were to compare it to the United States it would be roughly
the same as that from San Francisco to New York. At its widest points Chile is
only 150 miles wide.
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| Chile Latitude/Longitude Map |
Chile’s latitude
and longitude DMS coordinates are 33° 26' 50.9532'' S and 70° 40' 25.2336'' W. This
country has a diversity of geographic landscapes starting with its long slender
shape with the Pacific Ocean on its west border and the massive, virtually
impassable wall of the Andes; a mountain range that is still rising and that
contains more than fifty active volcanic peaks along its east side. It would
be a mistake to envision Chile as nothing more than the steep western slope of
the Andean peaks.
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| Atacama Desert, Chile |
All along its length Chile is marked by a narrow depression
between the mountains and the sea. If you travel to the north the land rises
and becomes more arid, until one reaches the forbidding Atacama Desert, one of
the most inhospitable regions on earth. The center of the country however, is a long
and expansive river valley, a five hundred mile corridor occupied by vineyards
and great farms, and in the south by primeval forests and enchanting lakes.
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| Chile's Lake District, Puerto Varas |
Argentina is located on Chile's Eastern border and is located
on the geographic coordinates of 37.1833° S latitude and 67.3667° W longitude. Sharing the Andes Mountains with Chile on its
western boarder and 3100 miles of the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern
boarder Argentina shares many similar landscapes as Chile.
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| Argentina Latitude/Longitude Map |
The southern portion
of Argentina is occupied with many rivers and windswept plateaus and is commonly known as the “Patagonia”.
The environment does not encourage the development of the area so most is uninhabited.
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| Patagonia, Argentina |
Travel to the northeast of the country and you will find a rain forest along its border with Brazil. Here you will find one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls, one of the most imposing natural attractions in Argentina and the world.
"A legend says that a big snake called "Boi" lived
in the river. To calm its ferocity, aborigines sacrificed a woman every year as
an offering. But once a brave Guaraní aborigine kidnapped the woman and saved
her from the traditional rite escaping through the river. Boi burst in anger,
bent its body and split the river forming the cataracts separating the man and
the woman." Below is a small video clip of these majestic falls.
PLACE
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| Chile and Argentina Regions |
Chile's foot print on earth covers 291,933 sq. miles with terrains
varying from low coastal mountains on its west coast to the fertile central
valley and rugged Andes in the east. Chile's climate is as diverse as its
geography. Aside from the obviously extreme climatic conditions of the Andes and
the Atacama Desert to the north; the south is mainly cool and damp while the central region enjoys
a comfortable temperate Mediterranean climate. Chile’s terrains include rich plains of the Pampas in the northern half, flat to rolling plateaus in Patagonia in the south, and rugged Andes along its western border.
Argentina expands over a larger portion of the earth at 1,073,518
sq. miles sharing much of the same temperate climate with an arid southeast
region and a Sub-Antarctic southwest region.
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| Argentina Climate Map |
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| Jaguar |
Both Chile's and Argentina’s multiple terrains and
climates contribute to the variety of flora and fauna. Chile is known for its penguins, flamingos and condors. While Argentina is known for its jaguars, howler monkeys
and capybaras.
Both Argentina and Chile have dedicated resources to help with
the conservation of endangered flora and fauna in each of their respective
countries. Both have dedicated lands in an effort to save the endangered species
of each country.
South America as whole is also feeling the effects of global warming. Just recently in Argentina’s “Los Glaciares” National park a large piece of the “White Giants” glacier collapsed taking with it the 820 ft. wide by 230 ft. high Ice bridge. Below is a clip of the event that was caught on tape by some tourist.
As of January 2016, the population of Argentina was
estimated to be 43,646,358 people. This is an increase from 2015 when the
population was estimated to be at 43,198,397, a gain of 1.04%. In
2015 the natural increase of the population was positive as the number of
births exceeded the number of deaths by 441,920. The sex ratio of the total
population was 958 males per 1,000 females, which is lower than the global sex
ratio.
As of 1 January 2016, the population of Chile was estimated
to be 18,045,911 people. Very similar to
the population in Argentina, the population increased by 1.07%. In 2015 the
natural increase was positive, as the number of births exceeded the number of
deaths by 149,450. Due to external migration, the population increased by 41,067. The sex ratio is also very similar to Argentina where female population is
slightly higher than the male population, with 978
males per 1,000 females. Both countries have sex ratios that are lower when
compared to the global sex ratio.
As illustrated in the population map below Chile has a higher density of its population concentrated in the center of the country. The further you travel north or south from the center, the region becomes less populated due to the natural terrain and weather.
In Argentina the population is concentrated to the north of the country with the north east coastline being the most heavily populated, as illustrated in the map below. The Northern part of the country contains the better climates and farming lands causing the higher population density.
ECONOMY
Taking into account all the information you have read in my
blog there are many similarities between both Chile and Argentina. From the similar
climates, natural terrains to the natural resources and sex ratio populations
both countries appear to be close to identical. Both countries are famous for
their agriculture, vineyards and ranching. But regardless of many historic
and geographic similarities both countries have evolved differently.
One of the reasons
for Chile's success has been its leadership both on the presidential level as
well as the financial minister. Argentina in contrast has not had good leaders
tending to cripple the country’s finances with bad financial decisions. Chile
has implemented economically responsible planning combined with innovating strategies.
A good example is the way both countries
use their copper revenues. Copper represents 13% of Chile’s budget and the government
can only use these funds when a long term plan spending has been established along with an approved planning
price for the copper. The excess revenue accumulation can be used in the future
to balance the cost of copper in the event that prices go down. Combine this
approach with a low 2% inflation and a balanced budget and the country is fiscally
sound. Chile is also an active participant in the Trans- Pacific partnership trade
deal.
Argentina in contrast
has implemented a series of self-inflicting policies that have impacted the
country's financial stability. A century ago Argentina was considered to be one
of the richest countries in the word with a high standard of living which was
equal to that of the United Sates. With a population that is almost two times
larger than Chile’s and newly found resources, Argentina continues to have a vast
economic potential. The chart below demonstrates the balanced of barrowing and lending of Chile while Argentina shows more debt.
The solution is in hands of the people and ballot that they use for electing new leadership.
HUMAN-ENVIROMENT INTERACTIONS
I wanted to take some time to show how humans can make a difference when new technology is used for the good of the people and the result of when we don't.
Despite being considered the breadbasket of South America, recent
headlines have highlighted the increasing hunger in the country mainly in the
north. Over 200,000 kids in one province are suffering from malnutrition. What
makes this even more astonishing is that Argentina is considered the world’s 5th
largest exporter of agricultural
products which includes soybeans and lemons which produced mainly in the
northern regions. The current economic crisis has made
exporters wealthier as exports are priced in dollars and, despite export taxes.
Farmers are finding it more profitable to export than to sell to domestic
markets. This has caused local food prices
to soar by 66% in the last 12 months making it to expensive for poor families to
afford.
In the rural areas of Argentina, farming and ranching continues to be
the main way of making a living. But with little to no government aid most
small farmers have gone under and with no hope of starting over. Modern agricultural technics are a new up and
coming trend but most farmers still use no chemicals and livestock as the
engine to conduct farming activities. These less then efficient techniques have
benefited the country in now being the world's third largest producer of
organic products, mostly plant products. These include cereals, fruits,
vegetables, oils, aromatic herbs, sugar, juices and wines although increasing
numbers of livestock now have certified organic status. But most of these
products are exported to other countries because there is larger profit to be
made by the rich owners.
Chile has a completely different approach to their agriculture and
farming. Below is a short clip showing how with a high tech approach and little
cost to the farmers they are able to achieve healthier crops and livestock all
while creating a collaborative united community. The secret, a mobile
information platform aka text messaging.
Food
The Spanish came to Chile in 1541 and they brought many of Europe’s ingredients
with them like grapes,
olives, walnuts, chestnuts, rice, wheat, citrus fruits, sugar, garlic, and
spices. The Spaniards also brought a variety
of poultry and red meat like chicken, sheep,
pigs, rabbits, milk, cheeses, and sausages. Combine this with what the main ingredient
of the natives, corn, and you have the typical Chilean diet. In the late 1800’s many Germans immigrated to
Chile and they introduced pastries and rich cakes. They were followed by Italians
and Arabs immigrants who brought flavored ice and spices with different cooking
techniques. By the early 1900’s the English had arrived in Chile bringing with
them a variety of teas. In today’s modern
Chile these European influences can be seen at the dinner table and in the
culture. Seafood also forms part of the Chilean diet as
the extensive coast line of the Pacific Ocean provides in abundance are year long.
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| Enpanadas |
One of my favorites is the Chilean empanadas, little turovers usually
stuffed with beef, olives, and onions. When done right the buttery dough just
melts in your mouth and having just one is impossible.
You would think with so many historical similarities and European immigrants
that the food would somehow be the same; but the truth is far from that. Argentina is famous for their beef and I can
testify to that visiting this country back in 2006. Argentina takes pride in
their grass fed non hormone beef which they refer to as “Asado". This is the national dish, originating with
the country’s gauchos, or cowboys, who would subsist on the abundant cows
dotting the country’s plains. Expect to find beef, pork, ribs, sausages, blood
sausages, and sweetbreads hot off the grill.
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| Asado |
Argentineans give a whole new meaning to grilled cheese with provoleta. A consequence of
the significant Italian immigration to Argentina, provoleta is the country’s variant on
provolone cheese.
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| Provoleta |
Pungent and sharp, sliced discs are topped with herbs, like
oregano and chili flakes then grilled. The nearly-melted cheese is crispy and
slightly caramelized on the outside, gooey and smoky on the interior.
You can’t leave Argentina without being exposed to alfajores, a crumbly
shortbread-like biscuits sandwiching jams, mousses or dulce de leche. This dessert is thought to be an influence
from the Arab immigrants to Argentina in the 1800’s.
Both countries pride themselves in their European infused cuisine.
Which is better? Well there is only one way to find out, you got to visit.
Like all countries Argentina and Chile face their challenges to keep up
with a modern world demands. No one pretends to have it all figured out but it
is more evident than ever, change is needed. But change doesn’t mean that you
lose the thing that makes you unique. Chile and Argentina might be right next
to each other on South America but they are so different. I hope you enjoyed my
post.
Chao!
Works Cited
"Aconcagua Mountain Argentina South America Information Page." World Map / World Atlas / Atlas of the World Including Geography Facts and Flags - Worldatlas.com - WorldAtlas.com, www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/samerica/landforms/aconcagua.htm.
"Chile Vs. Argentina - Country Comparison." IndexMundi - Country Facts, www.indexmundi.com/factbook/compare/chile.argentina.
"DatAgro Agricultural SMS in Chile." YouTube, Data DYNE Group, 6 July 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIariek5ODA.
"Geography of Argentina, Landforms - World Atlas." World Map / World Atlas / Atlas of the World Including Geography Facts and Flags - Worldatlas.com - WorldAtlas.com, 14 July 2016, www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/samerica/argentina/arland.htm.
"Ice Bridge of Perito Moreno Glacier Collapses." YouTube, New China TV, 10 Mar. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI58CEOnrwE.
"Iguazú Falls - BBC Nature. This is Planet Earth." YouTube, BBC Nature, 14 May 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtCBSx7TX_M.
Smith, Cecila. "Southern South America: Chile and Argentina | Ecoregions | WWF." World Wildlife Fund, 2016, www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/nt0404.
Solberg, Carl E. Immigration and Nationalism, Argentina and Chile, 1890-1914. Published for the Institute of Latin American Studies by the U of Texas P, 1970.
"Welcome to Chile." Geographia - World Travel Destinations, Culture and History Guide, interKnowledge Corp., 2010, www.geographia.com/chile/.
"Why Does Chile Prosper While Neighbouring Argentina Flounders? | Michael Boskin | Business | The Guardian." The Guardian, www.theguardian.com/business/economics-blog/2013/nov/22/chile-prosper-argentina-flounders.
The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency. www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ar.html. Accessed 10 Nov. 2016.
