New Chilean president promises improvements in health care and education

The South American nation of Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper.  In the 1990’s, Chile had Latin America’s fastest growing economy.  At the present time, Chile is one of South America’s most economically stable and prosperous nations.  Despite Chile’s economic stability, the multi-ethnic nation faces its share of domestic challenges.

Last December, Michelle Bachelet won 62% of the vote in Chile’s presidential election.  On March 12, 2014, Bachelet assumed office.  This is the second time Bachelet has served as the president of Chile.  Under Chile’s constitution elected presidents cannot seek a second consecutive term in office.  In January 2006, Bachelet was elected Chile’s first woman president.  Bachelet, a former pediatrician and United Nations leader has vowed to improve the country’s education and health care systems and reduce income inequality.
From 1973 to 1990, Chile was governed by Army General Augusto Pinochet – who came into power after a brutal military coup.  As a ruthless autocrat, Pinochet privatized water resources and significantly limited funding for public schools.  The effects of Pinochet’s policies are still being sorted out in Chile.  In late March 2014, thousands of students and other civilians staged protests to voice their concern about expanding income distribution and improving educational opportunities.
The ongoing challenges that Chile faces are similar to current social challenges in the United States.  In America, the gap between rich and poor citizens has expanded and the cost of higher education has skyrocketed.
Facts about Chile:
Population: 17,363,894 (July 2014)
Area: 291,930 sq. miles (slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana)
Capital: Santiago
GDP – per capita: $19,100 (2013, in U.S. dollars)
Sources: www.bbc.com, www.cia.gov

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