By Audra Bianca
Chile is a Spanish-speaking country located on the Pacific coast of
South America. This diverse country traces its roots back to indigenous tribes such as the Mapuche Indians. Chile was transformed under the empires of the Incas and the Spaniards. In the 21st century, Chile continues the process of modernizing and is recognized as a stable democracy.
Unemployment
One cultural problem that faces the largely urban population in Chile is the effects of the global economy. According to the U.S. Department of State, "Most international observers place some of the blame for Chile's consistently high unemployment rate on complicated and restrictive labor laws." Unemployment has been a significant problem since the slowdown of 1999, even after Chile experienced wage growth that outpaced inflation in the 1990s. Economists predict rising unemployment with the economic recession that continues to affect the global economy in 2009.
Language and Culture
In Chile, the indigenous populations of fewer than 2 million people struggle to preserve their native ways of life, including their language and culture. According to the Chilean government, the 2001 establishment of the Commission on Historical Treatment and New Truth intended to help protect the indigenous peoples and their customs. This commission also helps "to address the issues of intolerance, lack of recognition for diversity and the cultural differences in Chilean society."
The Environment
Climate change is one of the environmental problems facing Chile. According to the 2007 United Nations Development Programme Report, Chile is the second largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions per capita in South America. The Chilean government has developed an action plan to address the country's management of greenhouse gas emissions. On June 5, 2009, President Michelle Bachelet Jeria introduced legislation to the Chilean Congress proposing the formation of the Environment Ministry and the Environment Superintendent. These new offices would assist with managing national environmental problems such as climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
About the Author:
Audra Bianca has been writing professionally since 2007, with her work covering a variety of subjects and appearing on various websites. Her favorite audiences to write for are small-business owners and job searchers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Master of Public Administration from a Florida public university.
