The Republic of Chile has a population of over 15,800,00 (July 2004 EST.). The majority of Chile's inhabitants are in their middle ages considering that the age of 66% percent of its population ranges from 15 to 64 years, with a median age of 28.8. The dominant ethnic group of the Chilean population is white and white-Amerindian with an average rate of 95%, followed by 3% of Amerindian and 2% of other ethnic groups. Eighty-nine percent of the populace practices the Roman Catholic religion, while another 11% is protestant; an effect of the Spanish heritage. The literacy rate of the population over 15 years of age is 96.2% which has become, after Uruguay, the highest in Latin America. Every year the total population increases by 1.01% which is approximately 15,667 people. As estimated in July 2004, there are 15.77 births and 5.7 deaths for every thousand of the population.
             Predominantly, Chile has a temperate climate year-long, varying with desert climate in the north, the Mediterranean in the central region, and cold and damp in the south and Andean regions. With a total area of 756,950 sq km., Chile shares borders with Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean with a coastline of 6,435 km. The terrain is composed of extensive coastal plains, a fertile central valley, and rugged elevations in the Andean and eastern regions; the tallest peak is Nevado Ojos del Salado which rises 6,880 m above sea level. Copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, molybdenum, and various precious metals are Chile's principal natural resources –It's crucial to mention that Chile is the most important Copper producer in the world. The country's biodiversity level is 2 and features 92 known mammals and 157 bird species. The country has 87 natural protected areas and a total of 2,479 hectares devoted to the preservation of the biosphere. Today, three native species are endangered: short tail chinchilla, scarce as it's hunted to make skin coats; the Juan F...