Chile is a long, narrow country on the west coast of South America. It stretches over 2,650 miles from Peru to the north and to the southern tip of the continent. It borders Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and the South Pacific Ocean. Chile's name probably comes from chilli, an Indian word meaning where the land ends. The Atacama Desert in the north is one of the driest places on the earth, while parts of the south are among the rainiest. More spectacular landscapes include snow-capped volcanoes, thick forests, and huge glaciers in the southern part of Chile. The Andes Mountains form Chile's eastern boundary, and low mountains rise along the Pacific coast. Most Chileans are of mixed Spanish and Indian ancestry, which makes Spanish the nation's official language. Chile began printing stamps in 1853, and started printing stamps of the Blessed Mother Mary in 1970.

The World Book Encyclopedia, World Book, Inc., Chicago, 2000.

Chile began printing stamps in 1853, and started printing stamps of the Blessed Mother Mary in 1970.