I’ve decided to change my topic to that of the country of Chile.  When I was a freshman in high school, I watched a Lonely Planet video with my Geography class on the country of Chile.  I thought it was particularly fascinating because of the differences in climate, the Chilean language, the food, the backward seasons, Easter Island and many different other factors.  

Above, you can see a map of Chile.  Notice how long it is!

The following is taken from:  http://www.joeskitchen.com/chile/facts/climate.htm

Chile’s Climate

Chile is a country of vast climate extremes. Due to Chile’s long slender shape spanning from Peru in the north to Antarctica in the south, you’ll experience a very different climate depending on what part of the country you visit. As a general rule, the farther north the hotter and drier the climate. As you head south, you’ll see a cooler and wetter climate. Rainfall is more frequent during the winter months.

Seasons

Chile sits in the southern hemisphere and as such its seasons are generally these:

• Summer: December - February
• Fall: March - May
• Winter: June - August
• Spring: September - November

Northern Climate

Chile’s northern most regions are characterized by a dry, arid climate. The world’s driest desert, the Atacama, defines the northern most part of the country. Rainfall is so sparse here that some places haven’t seen any precipitation in years. As is typical of desert climates, there is little seasonal change during the year and daily high temperatures decline significantly overnight.

Southern Climate

The southern extreme of Chile is prone to frequent rainfall with winter months being the wettest. This humid and damp region leads to a lush green landscape.

Central Valley

The central valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry with little precipitation. Winters are cooler and deliver frequent rain showers. This very moderate climate encourages the fertile agriculture of this region.

Andes Mountains

The eastern border of Chile is the Andes mountain range. The climate here is a combination of that typical of higher elevations and the overlying general climate discussed previously.

Coast

Coastal regions typically mirror the region of the country in which they are located. That general climate is moderated by oceanic effects.

Antarctica

Chile has territorial claims on parts of Antarctica. This region is characterized by ice and extreme cold temperatures year-round.