On Oct. 18, 1817, the flag was established for the new republic. The blue is for the sky, and the star is "a guide on the path of progress and honor." The white is for the snow of the Andes Mountains while the red recalls the blood of patriots. In the 15th century the Araucanian Indians gave red-white-blue sashes to their warriors.

Chile Official name: República de Chile (Republic of Chile). Form of government: multiparty republic with two legislative houses (Senate [48]; Chamber of Deputies [120]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 14,822,000. Population projection: (2000) 15,211,000; (2010) 17,010,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1994): 14.2 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$70,060,000,000 (U.S.$4,860 per capita).

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