Page 60 - Across the Andes: Chile’s Atacama Desert & Argentina’s Northwest

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Development). Despite record high approval ratings President Jeria stepped down at the end of
her term in March 2010 because the Chilean constitution forbids the immediate re-election of
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earthquake that occurred of the coast on February 27, 2010. Fortunately, Chile has used
knowledge gained from previous events towards earthquake preparedness. In stark contrast
with Haiti, which was also hit with an earthquake in the beginning of 2010, the preparation
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Yet just as Chile was getting back on its feet, a mining accident in August of 2010 brought
international attention back to the normally quiet country. A cave-in at the San Jose mine in
the Atacama Desert left 33 miners trapped underground for a record 69 days. It is estimated
that nearly one billion people worldwide tuned in for the daring and successful rescue
operation, which was televised live around the globe.

Recent events in Chile have centered on the economy, education, and equal rights. In 2011, two
large demonstrations (trade unions in May, students in July) caught the public attention, as
did the passing of a landmark anti-discrimination law in 2012.

Argentina

Facts & Figures
• Area: 1,073,518 square miles

• Capital: Buenos Aires

• Languages: >[LYT^S T^ _SP ZʯNTLW WLYR`LRP 0YRWT^S T^ bTOPWd ^[ZVPY TY XLUZ] NT_TP^ LYO
tourist centers.

• Location: Argentina is bordered by Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile

• Geography: Located in the South and West Hemisphere, Argentina features a diverse
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Mountains.

• Government Type: Republic

• Population: 43,024,374

• Religions: Roman Catholic 92%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%.

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