Chile - Europe Lines Up African Minerals Pacts to Ease Reliance on China



Chile, officially known as the Republic of Chile, is a South American country that occupies a long, narrow strip of land bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes mountains to the east. The country shares borders with Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and Argentina to the east. With a population of over 19 million people, Chile is the fifth most populous country in South America.

Geography

Chile is unique in its physical geography due to its narrow and elongated shape. The country spans over 4,000 km (2,500 mi) from north to south, but only an average of 177 km (110 mi) from east to west. This creates a range of climates, from desert landscapes in the north to subpolar forests in the south. The Andes Mountains run the length of the country, creating a natural border with Argentina, and are home to numerous volcanoes and high-altitude lakes. The Pacific Ocean coastline, which runs the entire length of Chile, is over 6,500 km (4,000 mi) long.

Climate

Chile has a diverse climate due to its unique geography. The north of the country, which lies in the Atacama Desert, is one of the driest regions in the world. The central region, which includes the capital city Santiago, has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The southern regions are milder, with cooler temperatures and higher rainfall. The far south of Chile experiences a subpolar climate, with snow and icy conditions common in the winter months.

Culture

Chilean culture is a blend of indigenous, European, and African influences. The Mapuche, one of the largest indigenous groups in Chile, have a strong presence in the south of the country and have been influential in shaping Chilean culture. Spanish conquistadors arrived in Chile in the 16th century and brought with them their language and Catholic religion. Today, Spanish is the official language of Chile, and the majority of Chileans are Catholic.

Chilean cuisine is diverse, with influences from Europe, Africa, and indigenous ingredients and techniques. Traditional dishes like empanadas, a savory pastry filled with meat or cheese, and pastel de choclo, a beef and corn stew, are popular. Chile is also known for its wine production, with the Maipo, Colchagua, and Casablanca valleys being major wine regions.

Arts and literature are an important part of Chilean culture. Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda is one of Chile’s most famous cultural figures, known for his romantic and political poems. Chilean cinema has gained international recognition, with directors like Pablo Larraín and Sebastián Lelio gaining critical acclaim for their work.

History

Chile’s history is characterized by a complex relationship between its indigenous peoples and European colonizers. The Mapuche, who resisted Spanish colonization for centuries, eventually signed treaties with the Spanish in the 18th century. Chile declared independence from Spain in 1818, and throughout the 19th century, the country experienced political instability and conflict.

In the early 20th century, political reforms led to the development of a strong middle class and a stable democracy. However, in 1973, General Augusto Pinochet overthrew the democratically elected government and established a military dictatorship. Pinochet’s regime was marked by human rights abuses, including torture and disappearances of political dissidents. Pinochet was eventually removed from power in 1990, and Chile has since returned to democracy.

Economy

Chile has a mixed economy with a mixture of private enterprise and government control. The country has one of the strongest economies in Latin America, with a high level of foreign investment. Copper mining is a major contributor to the country’s economy, with Chile being the world’s largest producer. Other significant industries include agriculture, fishing, and forestry. The country has also developed a strong tourism industry, with attractions like the Atacama Desert, the Chilean Patagonia, and the wine regions drawing visitors from around the world.

Conclusion

Chile’s unique geography and diverse culture make it a fascinating country to visit and study. The country’s history, characterized by a complex relationship between indigenous peoples and European colonizers, is still felt today. Despite political instability in the past, Chile has developed into one of the strongest economies in Latin America, with a high level of foreign investment and a thriving tourism industry. Chile’s natural beauty, from the Atacama Desert to the Chilean Patagonia, has made it a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.


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Fans went to admire El Salvador’s gang crackdown — and got arrested

Washington Post

23-05-15 09:00


El Salvador's Naib Bukele is credited with having dropped the country's murder rate by more than half since taking office last year and many Latin American countries now see him as a force for change. However, this Washington Post article posits, there's a darker side to the almost hero-worship the president is attracting, with arrests for curfew violations and body art and scant regard for due process a concern for human rights advocates. Adding weight to these concerns is the fact that press freedom and the independent judiciary have diminished. Foreign intervention has contributed to a cycle of violence in Central America. Billions of dollars of US aid have been given to strengthen law enforcement locally, but the constant flow of drugs and arms from the north means crime rates have remained stubbornly high. Additionally, increasing numbers of third-country migrants are seeking asylum in the US – numbers that surged to around 400,000 last year. Trump has cut many of the grants; and several Latin American countries – many already struggling with the impact of climate change and widespread poverty – have already suffered for the loss of aid. El Salvador's ambassador to the US, appropriately named Ronald Johnson, recently told the Washington Post's Foreign Policy magazine: “A country receives foreign aid because it needs it; aid is the result of the donor recognizing that the country does not have the means to address a particular need. For the US not to recognize that there continues to be a real need in El Salvador is just plain wrong.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/15/bukele-gang-crackdown-salvador/
Why America Is Struggling to Stop the Fentanyl Epidemic

Foreign Affairs

23-05-15 04:00


The US government is struggling to stem the flow of fentanyl into the country as the synthetic opiate continues to cause drug overdose deaths. More than 100,000 Americans have died in the year to August 2022. Fentanyl kills around 200 Americans daily. While the US Department is deploying law enforcement personnel to tackle drug smuggling, the majority of the drug is produced abroad, so controlling its manufacture is essential. Nearly all of the world's fentanyl, and its precursor chemicals, are produced in China and Mexico, which have made it difficult for the US authorities to take effective action.

China has appeared to avoid action against Chinese drug traffickers. Meanwhile, López Obrador, the President of Mexico, believes the way to solve the drug distribution dilemma is through social and economic reform. The government has also strengthened the military to deal with drug issues and reduced cooperation with US law enforcement, while threatening to expel US agents from the country.


https://www.foreignaffairs.com/mexico/why-america-struggling-stop-fentanyl-epidemic

Firefighting goats protect a forest from deadly blazes in Chile

South China Morning Post

23-05-14 14:56


Goats are being used to fight wildfires in the Chilean city of Santa Juana. A herd of the animals prevented local forest Bosques de Chacay from being consumed by fires in February. The animals, which help to control vegetation that fuels forest fires during the summer, as well as leaving nutrient-rich soil, are being used for so-called "strategic grazing" in locations including Portugal and Spain. Rocío Cruces, co-founder of the Buena Cabra project, which employs the goats, said the technique is helping to prevent fires thanks to its ability to control dry pastures.

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3220539/firefighting-goats-protect-forest-deadly-blazes-chile
Chile's firefighting goats protect a native forest from deadly blazes

Reuters

23-05-14 13:17


A herd of 150 goats has been used as a "taskforce" to help fight wildfires in southern Chile. The technique involves goats being used to control dry pastures and other vegetation which fuel forest fires in the summer. Goat droppings also help prevent further erosion. The park and "Buena Cabra" project was started by Rocio Cruces after deadly wildfires in 2017 and her flock has since grown from 16 goats to 150. “These animals can help us a lot," said Francesco Di Napoli, ​a forestry engineer from the University of Concepcion in Chile.

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chiles-firefighting-goats-protect-native-forest-deadly-blazes-2023-05-14/
Amundi to Abrdn See Emerging-Market Currencies on Cusp of Rally

Bloomberg

23-05-14 12:00


Big investors are backing emerging-market currencies to outperform those of richer countries, according to a report by Bloomberg. The report found that T. Rowe Price, which oversees $1.3tn, Fidelity International and abrdn were among those placing bullish bets on Latin America, with two years of aggressive interest-rate hikes pushing the region on course for rate cuts earlier than most other areas worldwide. Investors are betting that most of the US Federal Reserve’s hikes are done and the strong dollar’s rally will run out of steam.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-14/amundi-to-abrdn-see-emerging-market-currencies-on-cusp-of-rally?srnd=next-china
Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa named head coach of Uruguay

The Independent

23-05-15 23:04


Marcelo Bielsa, former manager of Leeds United, has been appointed head coach of the Uruguay national football team on a deal running until the 2026 World Cup. The 67-year-old succeeds Diego Alonso, whose contract expired after Uruguay's shock group-stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar earlier this season. Bielsa has previously managed Argentina and Chile, and guided Leeds back to the Premier League in 2020 before leaving in February last year following a run of four successive league defeats. His first major campaign with Uruguay will be next year's Copa America in the United States.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/marcelo-bielsa-leeds-uruguay-mayor-qatar-b2339446.html
Uruguay confirms Marcelo Bielsa as new coach to 2026 World Cup

The Toronto Star

23-05-15 23:01


Marcelo Bielsa has been confirmed as the new coach of the Uruguay national football team until the end of the 2026 World Cup. The 67-year-old has previously coached Argentina, winning a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and Chile. He has also managed clubs such as Leeds, Marseille, Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol. Uruguay is scheduled to play friendlies against Nicaragua and Cuba in June, while South American World Cup qualifying starts in September. Uruguay went out of the World Cup group stages in Qatar last year.

https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/2023/05/15/uruguay-confirms-marcelo-bielsa-as-new-coach-to-2026-world-cup.html
Getting to the Heart of Mexico, One Chile at a Time

NY Times

23-05-16 09:00


A writer for The New York Times documented his recent journey through Mexico in search of the country's best chiles. The trip took him across several states including Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca, where he met growers and farmers. At one point, he also enrolled in a intensive culinary course at La Escuela de Gastronomía Mexicana in Mexico City to pick up some Spanish and find experts to help him map out his tour. Throughout his journey, the writer learned about different types of chiles, including the poblano pepper that's usually grown only for a two month window, and the deep emerald chiltepin chiles which turn red when mature. High-level chile production, especially of poblanos, is often targeted by thieves armed with guns. The writer visited restaurants and eateries during his travels, including a small hut where Martha Soledad, a renowned cook of Mexican traditional cuisine, served him tortillas topped in pumpkin seeds, powdered chiltepins and melt-in-your-mouth manteca, or lard.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/16/travel/mexico-chile-pepper-spice.html?searchResultPosition=1
Ex-Leeds boss Bielsa gets new coaching job

The Independent

23-05-16 07:09


Marcelo Bielsa has been named head coach of Uruguay, taking over from Diego Alonso whose contract expired earlier this year after Uruguay's shock exit during the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar. Bielsa, whose appointment comes after a 15 month absence from football management since leaving Leeds, will be in place until the 2026 World Cup. Uruguay are currently ranked 16th in the world, with Bielsa's first campaign at the helm scheduled to be next year's Copa America in the United States.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/marcelo-bielsa-job-uruguay-leeds-b2339446.html
As US debates abortion pill ban, Argentina expands its use

Reuters

23-05-16 11:09


Argentina has become the latest country in Latin America to allow the sale of mifepristone, an abortion drug that is now under threat of being banned in the US. Proponents of the two-pill regimen believe that it could improve the quality of care for women, reduce the likelihood of riskier surgical abortions being required, and minimise side-effects associated with taking the single misoprostol treatment. By end-2023, the Argentine government hopes to provide all medical abortions using the mifepristone-misoprostol combination.

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-debates-abortion-pill-ban-argentina-expands-its-use-2023-05-16/
EU raw material targets need money and faster permits, sector chief says

Reuters

23-05-16 15:10


The EU will need to ramp up financing and permitting processes in order to meet ambitious targets to reduce its reliance on China and other countries for critical materials, according to Bernd Schaefer, CEO of EIT RawMaterials, an EU-funded group leading an alliance of more than 300 companies and academics involved in the sector. Targets for minerals include 10% of annual needs mined, 15% recycled and 40% processed in Europe. Under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, the bloc should also not rely on a single third country for more than 65% of any critical raw material.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/eu-raw-material-targets-need-money-faster-permits-sector-chief-says-2023-05-16/
Exclusive: Repsol to invest $550 million in first Italian renewable projects

Reuters

23-05-17 08:08


Spanish oil company Repsol is set to develop more than 1.7 GW of renewable energy projects in Italy costing around €500m ($550m). The company plans to stick to its renewable goals, despite some other European oil and gas firms expressing caution about pivoting to renewables following bumper profits on oil and gas prices. Repsol has a target to grow its renewable capacity to 6 GW globally by 2025, and 20 GW by 2030, up from around 2 GW today. The Italian portfolio will comprise nearly 1 GW of wind power and 825 MW of solar.

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/repsol-invest-550-mln-first-italian-renewable-projects-2023-05-17/
The world’s most expensive passports revealed

The Independent

23-05-17 10:48


Australia has topped a list of the most expensive passports. Compiled by insurance firm William Russell and based on data from the Global Passport Fees 2023 list, the ranking of 38 members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) puts an Australian passport at the top of the list with a price of £192 ($211). Mexico comes second with £142, followed by Switzerland at £117 and Italy at £113. The UK, Greece, France and Denmark all charge £84 for adult passports, while the most expensive student visas are charged by Australia with an average fee of £375.

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/worlds-most-expensive-passports-b2340424.html
Russian diesel cargoes switch destination to Brazil from Chile

Reuters

23-05-17 16:17


Two cargoes of diesel that were sailing from Russia to South America have changed their destination to Brazil instead of Chile, according to vessel monitoring data from Refinitiv Eikon. Russia has increased oil exports to countries that previously imported little or none of its oil since the European Union banned Russian fuel imports in February under sanctions. Amid a recovery of fuel imports in Latin America, Brazil has become the largest importer of Russian diesel cargoes, with Cuba ramping up purchases of Russian crude and fuel.

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russian-diesel-cargoes-switch-destination-brazil-chile-2023-05-17/
Reactions to Ecuador's Lasso dissolving Congress

Reuters

23-05-17 21:51


Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has dissolved the National Assembly and called early legislative and presidential elections. The move comes a day after Lasso presented his defense in an impeachment process against him. Lasso will now rule by decree for an undisclosed period, while national electoral authorities set the date for the new elections. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador expressed hope that fresh elections would provide a resolution, while former Bolivian President Evo Morales accused Lasso of "double standards of the right." The Peruvian foreign ministry and Chilean government both called for the crisis to be resolved democratically and through dialogue.

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/reactions-ecuadors-lasso-dissolving-congress-2023-05-17/
How a Brexit stitch-up and battery failures left Britain’s car industry on the brink

Telegraph

23-05-18 06:00


New car import rules which come into force in January may pose a threat to the UK's struggling car manufacturers. As of next year, all cars exported from the UK into the European Union must contain 45% of their components by value from either the UK or the EU. Vehicles that do not meet this threshold will face a 10% duty when heading for the Continent. The rules were designed to encourage firms to establish supply chains nearer home, however, the UK has failed to establish a battery industry, meaning car executives fear that the deadline will be an "existential threat". Industry experts have warned that the new regulations could cause the closure of such sites as Stellantis's Vauxhall van factory at Ellesmere Port. The rules will also make industry-based technologies, such as professional wireless communication devices, more important when conducting automotive research and development.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/05/18/brexit-stitch-up-battery-failures-left-britain-car-industry/
Latin America’s tech industry is thriving on adversity

Financial Times

23-05-18 04:34


Latin America's start-up scene is bucking the trend of the US, where companies are cutting back on staff, as online retail giant Mercado Libre plans to hire an extra 13,000 workers this year. The demand for fintech service providers in Latin America has helped to create companies such as Brazil's Dock, which allows others to offer financial services, and led to the creation of businesses such as Nubank, which is valued at $30bn and provides digital banking services. Latin America's geographic barriers may stymie physical trade but not online software. In fact, American businesses are contracting out more software development to cheaper locations in Latin America.

https://www.ft.com/content/8b2347ed-ebc6-4dae-8537-f2d7ccfae594
How to watch the PGA Championship: Start time, channels, and other things to know

CNN

23-05-18 08:44


The second men's golf major of the season, The PGA Championship, is set to commence at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, marking the return of the tournament to the New York course for the first time in eight years. Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth are among the favourites to prevail at the 105th edition of the event. Reigning PGA champion, Justin Thomas, is also hoping to defend the Wanamaker Trophy he won in 2022 following a dramatic three-hole playoff. However, stiff competition from leading golfers such as Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Tony Finau, Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Smith is anticipated. Rahm and Scheffler have been touted as the leading contenders to win, the pair having emerged as the top two ranked players in the world. The two are predicted to walk away with their second career majors if they succeed at the event.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/18/golf/pga-championship-watch-time-preview-spt-intl/index.html
Chile's economy up for 2nd straight quarter as recovery tries to gain steam

Reuters

23-05-18 13:22


Chile's GDP increased by 0.8% in Q1 2023 from the previous three-month period, marking the Andean country's second consecutive quarter of positive growth after the economic decline resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the new figure is lower than market expectations and the country is still facing challenges arising from high inflation. Internal demand fell by 8% in the period because of lower investments and consumption, while falling commerce and agriculture and forestry also had a downward influence on activities, according to the central bank.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/chiles-economy-up-2nd-straight-quarter-recovery-tries-gain-steam-2023-05-18/