# Loa River

> river in Chile

**Wikidata**: [Q737831](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q737831)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loa_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/loa-river

## Summary
The **Loa River** is a river located in **Chile**, part of the country's extensive network of natural watercourses. It is situated within the broader context of Chile's diverse geography, which includes the Andes mountain range, the Atacama Desert, and the Pacific Ocean.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Chile
- **Type**: River
- **Related Entity**: Chile is a sovereign state in South America, stretching from the Atacama Desert to the icy waters of Antarctica.
- **Capital of Chile**: Santiago
- **Population of Chile**: Approximately 19.5 million (2021 estimate)
- **Area of Chile**: 756,102 square kilometers
- **Highest Point in Chile**: Ojos del Salado (6,893 meters)
- **Lowest Point in Chile**: Pacific Ocean (0 meters)
- **Official Language of Chile**: Spanish
- **Currency of Chile**: Chilean peso (since September 29, 1975)
- **Timezone of Chile**: UTC−03:00
- **ISO Codes for Chile**: Alpha-2: CL, Alpha-3: CHL, Numeric: 152
- **GDP of Chile (2021)**: $316.7 billion
- **Gini Coefficient of Chile (2020)**: 44.9
- **Life Expectancy in Chile (2022)**: 80 years
- **Unemployment Rate in Chile (2014)**: 6%
- **VAT Rate in Chile**: 19% standard
- **Geographic Regions of Chile**: 16 administrative regions, including the Santiago Metropolitan Region
- **Government of Chile**: Democratic republic with a presidential system
- **Head of State of Chile**: President of Chile
- **National Anthem of Chile**: "National Anthem of Chile"
- **Motto of Chile**: "Por la razón o la fuerza" (By Right or Might)
- **Driving Side in Chile**: Right-hand traffic
- **Electrical System in Chile**: 220 volts, 50 Hz
- **Emergency Numbers in Chile**: 131 (medical), 132 (fire), 133 (police)
- **International Calling Code of Chile**: +56
- **Internet TLD of Chile**: .cl
- **UN Membership of Chile**: Joined December 24, 1945
- **Democracy Index of Chile (2021)**: 7.92 (ranking 13th globally)
- **Human Development Index of Chile (2021)**: 0.855 (Very High)
- **Notable Achievements of Chile**:
  - First country to legalize same-sex marriage (2013)
  - First Latin American country to legalize cannabis (2013)
  - High democracy ranking with a score of 7.92 (2021)
  - BTI Governance Index score of 7.51 (2006)
  - Happy Planet Index score of 45.6 (2019)
  - Low population density despite high development indicators
  - Featured in TasteAtlas for culinary heritage
  - Santiago is one of South America's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements

## FAQs
**What is the Loa River?**
The Loa River is a river located in Chile, part of the country's extensive network of natural watercourses.

**Where is the Loa River located?**
The Loa River is located in Chile, a sovereign state in South America.

**What is the significance of the Loa River?**
The Loa River is part of Chile's diverse geography, which includes the Andes mountain range, the Atacama Desert, and the Pacific Ocean.

**What is the population of Chile?**
As of 2021, Chile has an estimated population of approximately 19.5 million people.

**What is the capital of Chile?**
The capital of Chile is Santiago.

**What is the official language of Chile?**
The official language of Chile is Spanish.

**What is the currency of Chile?**
The currency of Chile is the Chilean peso, issued since September 29, 1975.

**What is the timezone of Chile?**
The timezone of Chile is UTC−03:00.

**What are the ISO codes for Chile?**
The ISO codes for Chile are Alpha-2: CL, Alpha-3: CHL, and Numeric: 152.

**What is the GDP of Chile?**
The GDP of Chile in 2021 was $316.7 billion.

**What is the Gini coefficient of Chile?**
The Gini coefficient of Chile in 2020 was 44.9.

**What is the life expectancy in Chile?**
The life expectancy in Chile in 2022 was 80 years.

**What is the unemployment rate in Chile?**
The unemployment rate in Chile in 2014 was 6%.

**What is the VAT rate in Chile?**
The standard VAT rate in Chile is 19%.

**What are the geographic regions of Chile?**
Chile is divided into 16 administrative regions, including the Santiago Metropolitan Region.

**What type of government does Chile have?**
Chile operates as a democratic republic with a presidential system of government.

**Who is the head of state of Chile?**
The head of state of Chile is the President of Chile.

**What is the national anthem of Chile?**
The national anthem of Chile is "National Anthem of Chile."

**What is the motto of Chile?**
The motto of Chile is "Por la razón o la fuerza" (By Right or Might).

**What is the driving side in Chile?**
Chile uses right-hand traffic.

**What is the electrical system in Chile?**
The electrical system in Chile operates at 220 volts and 50 Hz.

**What are the emergency numbers in Chile?**
The emergency numbers in Chile are 131 (medical), 132 (fire), and 133 (police).

**What is the international calling code of Chile?**
The international calling code of Chile is +56.

**What is the internet TLD of Chile?**
The internet TLD of Chile is .cl.

**When did Chile join the United Nations?**
Chile joined the United Nations on December 24, 1945.

**What is the democracy index of Chile?**
The democracy index of Chile in 2021 was 7.92, ranking 13th globally.

**What is the human development index of Chile?**
The human development index of Chile in 2021 was 0.855, classified as "Very High."

## Why It Matters
The Loa River is part of Chile's extensive network of natural watercourses, contributing to the country's diverse geography. Chile, as a sovereign state in South America, plays a significant role in regional and international affairs. Its stable democracy, high human development index, and notable achievements in social progress and governance make it a key player in South America. The country's contributions to literature, music, and sports, as well as its cultural influence, extend throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Chile's economic model, characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs, has attracted international attention as a potential development template for other Latin American nations. The country's approach to issues such as marriage equality, marijuana legalization, and environmental protection has positioned it as a policy innovator in the region.

## Notable For
- Part of Chile's extensive network of natural watercourses
- Contributes to the country's diverse geography, including the Andes mountain range, the Atacama Desert, and the Pacific Ocean
- Chile is a sovereign state in South America, stretching from the Atacama Desert to the icy waters of Antarctica
- Capital of Chile: Santiago
- Population of Chile: Approximately 19.5 million (2021 estimate)
- Area of Chile: 756,102 square kilometers
- Highest point in Chile: Ojos del Salado (6,893 meters)
- Lowest point in Chile: Pacific Ocean (0 meters)
- Official language of Chile: Spanish
- Currency of Chile: Chilean peso (since September 29, 1975)
- Timezone of Chile: UTC−03:00
- ISO codes for Chile: Alpha-2: CL, Alpha-3: CHL, Numeric: 152
- GDP of Chile (2021): $316.7 billion
- Gini coefficient of Chile (2020): 44.9
- Life expectancy in Chile (2022): 80 years
- Unemployment rate in Chile (2014): 6%
- VAT rate in Chile: 19% standard
- Geographic regions of Chile: 16 administrative regions, including the Santiago Metropolitan Region
- Government of Chile: Democratic republic with a presidential system
- Head of state of Chile: President of Chile
- National anthem of Chile: "National Anthem of Chile"
- Motto of Chile: "Por la razón o la fuerza" (By Right or Might)
- Driving side in Chile: Right-hand traffic
- Electrical system in Chile: 220 volts, 50 Hz
- Emergency numbers in Chile: 131 (medical), 132 (fire), 133 (police)
- International calling code of Chile: +56
- Internet TLD of Chile: .cl
- UN membership of Chile: Joined December 24, 1945
- Democracy index of Chile (2021): 7.92 (ranking 13th globally)
- Human development index of Chile (2021): 0.855 (Very High)
- Notable achievements of Chile:
  - First country to legalize same-sex marriage (2013)
  - First Latin American country to legalize cannabis (2013)
  - High democracy ranking with a score of 7.92 (2021)
  - BTI Governance Index score of 7.51 (2006)
  - Happy Planet Index score of 45.6 (2019)
  - Low population density despite high development indicators
  - Featured in TasteAtlas for culinary heritage
  - Santiago is one of South America's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements

## Body
### Geography and Environment
The Loa River is part of Chile's diverse geography, which includes the Andes mountain range, the Atacama Desert, and the Pacific Ocean. Chile occupies a territory of 756,102 square kilometers in the southern cone of South America, stretching over 4,300 kilometers from north to south. The country lies at coordinates latitude -33° and longitude -71°, placing it entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by diverse ecosystems, from the Atacama Desert in the north to the Patagonian ice fields in the south, with the highest point being Ojos del Salado. The country shares its eastern border with Argentina and its northern border with Bolivia, separated by the Andes mountain range. The western and southern coasts border the Pacific Ocean, with the lowest point at sea level. The easternmost point is located at coordinates lat: -55.22008886, lon: -66.41690522, while the westernmost point is at lat: -49.01248498, lon: -75.69271624. The northernmost point is at lat: -17.49848, lon: -69.4683, and the southernmost point has coordinates of lat: -56.53826, lon: -68.72005. The country is located within the Andes mountain system and is named after the Chile River. Other significant water bodies include the Río Biobío, which bisects the country, and numerous smaller rivers and streams. The climate varies significantly from arid desert conditions in the north to temperate rainforests in the south.

### Government and Politics
Chile operates as a democratic republic with a presidential system of government. The President serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Gabriel Boric, who assumed office on March 11, 2022. The executive body is the Cabinet of Chile. The legislative body is the National Congress of Chile, a bicameral parliament consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of Chile. The highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of Chile. The country's political system is characterized by a strong tradition of democratic governance, with multiple political parties competing in regular elections. The New Majority coalition has been a significant political force in recent decades. Chile's democracy index score of 7.92 (2021) places it among the top 15 most democratic nations.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2021, the population of Chile is approximately 19.458 million. The population has grown from approximately 7.85 million in 1961 to over 19.5 million in 2021, with an urban population of approximately 16.9 million versus a rural population of approximately 2.6 million. The society is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 16.9 million in 2021 compared to a rural population of 2.6 million. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 80 years (2022). The birth rate is 1.75 children per woman (2024), and the death rate is 7.2 per 1,000 people (2020). The suicide rate is 8 per 100,000 people (2019). The official language is Spanish, with indigenous languages including Mapudungun, Aymara, and Rapa Nui also recognized. Compulsory education begins at age 6 and continues until age 18. The age of majority is 18. The preferred retirement age is 66 years.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Chile is characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs. The nominal GDP was $316.7 billion in 2021. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 44.9 (2020). The unemployment rate is 6% (2014). The VAT rate is 19% standard. The currency is the Chilean peso, issued by the Central Bank of Chile. The median income is approximately $20,000. Individual income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 10% to 45% (2021 figures). Infrastructure includes a right-hand traffic system (since September 2, 1945). Speed limits vary by road type: 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on two-lane expressways, 80 km/h on paved rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical system operates at 220V and 50Hz using Europlugs and Type L plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Chile maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Argentina, Brazil, United States, China, Spain, and many others. It is a member of the United Nations (since December 24, 1945), World Trade Organization (since January 1, 1995), Organization of American States (since 1948), UNESCO (since November 8, 1947), and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag of Chile is the Flag of Chile. The coat of arms is the Coat of arms of Chile. The anthem is the National Anthem of Chile. The motto is "Por la razón o la fuerza". The country is known by the nicknames "La República de la Constancia" (The Republic of Constancy) and "La Tierra de la Poesía" (The Land of Poetry). Cultural highlights include the historic capital of Santiago, one of South America's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. The country is also known for its contributions to literature, music, and sports, with Santiago serving as a cultural hub for the Southern Cone.

### Administrative Divisions
Chile is divided into 16 administrative regions: Arica y Parinacota Region, Tarapacá Region, Antofagasta Region, Atacama Region, Coquimbo Region, Valparaíso Region, O'Higgins Region, Maule Region, Biobío Region, Araucanía Region, Los Ríos Region, Los Lagos Region, Aysén Region, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region, Santiago Metropolitan Region, and Ñuble Region. Each region has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .cl top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +56. The aircraft registration prefix is CC. The license plate code is RCH (since 1930). The maritime identification digits are 725. The mobile country code is 730. The ISO codes are Alpha-2: CL, Alpha-3: CHL, Numeric: 152. The M49 code is 152. The emergency number is 131 (medical), 132 (fire), 133 (police). The timezone is UTC−03:00 (standard time), Chile/Argentina.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames