Chile Country Report

Chile is one of the most developed countries in South America.

Crime is not a major concern. However, civil and labor unrest can cause significant disruptions. In addition, small-scale bombings attributed to anarchist groups are reported, although there are no known transnational terrorist organizations operating in the country at this juncture. Corruption is unlikely to have a significant impact on business activity, whilst the rule of law is generally observed.

The country is prone to powerful earthquakes, although the presence of an effective emergency management system is known to mitigate the devastating impact of tremors. Episodes of torrential rain and thunderstorms are common in April and May. In addition, the country is highly susceptible to aberrant weather patterns and the adverse effects of El Niño and La Niña. High-quality healthcare is available in urban centers.

The main threat that foreign travelers face in Chile generally stems from petty and opportunistic crime. There is a credible threat of conflict arising from a prevailing land dispute between the government and the Mapuche community, although it is mainly limited to a handful of regions. There are no transnational terrorist organizations in the country, but anarchist groups are known to carry out small-scale bombings targeting government buildings and financial institutions. Episodes of public and labor unrest occur with high frequency in major cities and have the potential to escalate into violence and cause disruptions.

There are no safety concerns over air travel.

Major roads are generally safe, although secondary and mountain roads may be poorly maintained, poorly lit, and may lack guardrails.

In Latin America, Chilean ports have above average efficiency indicators for the region.

There is an unequal electricity supply across the country, although mobile network coverage and Internet connections are stable and reliable.

Cyber-crime is a growing concern, and the lack of a coherent, long-term strategy to address attacks online increases the threat level.

Changes to climate resulting from the El Nino and La Nina phenomena can have adverse impacts on various economic sectors, notably agriculture and fishing, as well as on human populations. Similarly, torrential downpours and thunderstorms from April to May pose significant hazards to human communities and infrastructure. In addition, there is a credible risk of powerful earthquakes and major tsunamis as well as volcanic eruptions.

There are no major health-related concerns in the country. High-quality medical care and medicine are also available in major cities, although access in rural areas is more limited. Tap water is safe for consumption unless stated otherwise.

The current democratic system of government is stable and faces no credible threats. Corruption is not a major concern, whilst the rule of law is generally observed, making Chile a rarity within Latin America. The prospect of sanctions is negligible.