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and the salmon. Along the coast there are many fishes, shellfish and mammals because of the
cold Humboldt Current.
Population
In comparison with other South American countries, Chile has a relatively homogeneous
population. The first Spanish colonizers mixed in with the indigenous people that were
predominantly Araucan; the miscegenation of both races makes up more than 92% of the
population.
The European immigration was not as important in Chile as it was in other countries in
America due to the fact that it was only promoted during the XIX Century. However, the
German immigrants have represented an important influence in the region of Valdivia-Puerto
Montt; also Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Yugoslavia and France have made
important contributions to the population.
90% of the population lives in the central region, between Concepción and La Serena.
Approximately 85% of the Chileans live in urban centers and more than one third of the country
is concentrated in the city of Santiago.
Main Cities
Besides Santiago, the most important cities in Chile are Concepción, an agricultural and
industrial center, Valparaíso, the main sea port; Viña del Mar, a popular touristic center; and
Temuco, city in the south of the country.
Spanish is Chile´s official language, spoken by practically the whole population.
Education and culture
In great measure, the arts and the educational system in Chile are based on European
models, even though they have developed their own cultural tradition that combines elements of
diverse ethnical groups and that had the influence of the expansion of the national borders.