1. Performing a series of tests and measurements, scientists have reached the conclusion that the average annual temperature of Chile is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. As interesting as this detail might be, further studies have shown that never the republic of Chile has recorded the zero-degree temperature.

2. Earthquakes are commonly measured with the aid of a seismograph, a device which charts and analyzes the magnitude of each earthquake. The vibrations caused by earthquakes have been registered through the Richter scale. Chile holds the absolute magnitude record for the 1960 earthquake. Back then, the seismograph registered a mind-blowing magnitude of 9.5, making the Chilean earthquake one of the most disastrous in history.

3. It is common knowledge that rain in the deserts happens rarely. Analyzing different desert areas from all over the globe, specialists have demonstrated that the average precipitation per year totals 250 mm. Does that seem little? How about the coastal desert of Chile, where the average rainfall per year totals less than 1 mm? The Chilean desert is reputed for the scarce precipitation but also for the quick water evaporation. A particularity of the Atacama Chilean desert is that is gathers water from fog, thus reaching an average amount of 130 mm precipitation each year.

4. Did you ever hear of drowned coasts? One of the most amazing examples that could be given is represented by the fiord coast, found in Chile and other countries. The fiord coast is indeed a submergent coast, being actually the remains of a mountain covered in ice that becomes partially drowned in water. The Chilean fiord coast is one of the main reasons why so many tourists arrive each year, offering spectacular views of bays and steep sides.

5. Chile is one of the countries where the remains of the Inca civilization can be best discovered. What many people don’t know is that the Inca Empire managed to dominate all over indigenous cultures, with the exception of one. The power of the Incas did not suppress the Araucanos (the Mapuche descend from this fierce culture). The interesting thing is that once Chile was invaded by the Spanish, the Araucanos settled down and interacted with the settlers. The interbreeding between Araucanos and Spanish settlers resulted in mestizo population, still found in the republic today. Chileans take pride in all the cultures that influenced their history, including Araucanos, Spanish and even Swiss.

6. Each year, Chile celebrates their beliefs through colorful festivals. In one of these many festivals, a group of men carry the Virgin Mary surrounded by flowers. By doing that, they honor the Virgin and stand up for what they believe in. However, the most important festival in all Chile is the one of Virgin of Carmel, celebrated in La Tirana. More than 40.000 people take part in a dancing ceremony that lasts without stopping for seven days.

7. Mapuche, the descendants of the fierce Araucanos, are actually three groups speaking the same language. These are: the Picunche, the Huilliche and the Mapuche. The language spoken is Mapudungun. In the past, the wealth of Mapuche people was measured in llamas!

8. One of the strongest advocates to Chile’s independence in the 1800s was Bernardo O’Higgins, the illegitimate son of an Irishman that was working for the Spanish government services. He fought and contributed to the cause that was Chile’s independence.

Pack your bags and travel to Chile today!! The Santiago Chile hotels will provide the perfect stay for the perfect vacation.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/8-bizarre-facts-about-chile-996047.html

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