Within Chile is the driest desert in the world, the highest mountain range in the hemisphere, temperate rainforests, and a piece of Antarctica. In all these areas Chileans have created unique communities and, together, a vibrant nation. Chile's history mirrors its geographic variety. From its pre-colonial period, to its days as a Spanish colony, through its many independent governments, Chile has long been a land of crises and controversy. Beginning with a survey of the land, people, and current government of Chile, the book traces the chronological story of the country. Ten chapters...