The territory of Chile has been populated since at least 3000 BC. By the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors began to colonize the region of present-day Chile, and the territory was a colony between 1540 and 1818, when it gained independence from Spain. The country's economic development was successively marked by the export of first agricultural produce, then saltpeter and later copper. The wealth of raw materials led to an economic upturn, but also led to dependency, and even wars with neighboring states. Chile was governed during most of its first 150 years of independence by different forms of restricted government, where the electorate was carefully vetted and controlled by an elite.
"Tulor" settlement near San Pedro de Atacama, a Pre-Columbian Atacameño culture
Pedro de Valdivia
Bernardo O'Higgins
Chilean and Argentinean troops going to the Battle of Chacabuco (February 12, 1817) led by José de San Martín
The President of Chile, officially known as the President of the Republic of Chile, is the head of state and head of government of the Republic of Chile. The president is responsible for both government administration and state administration. Although its role and significance have changed over time, and its position and relations with other actors in the national political organization have also evolved, it remains one of the most prominent political offices in the country. It is also considered one of the key institutions that form the "Historic Constitution of Chile," and is crucial to the country's political stability.
President of Chile
Juan Antonio Ríos voting in the 1942 election, where he was elected as President.
Both Michelle Bachelet (center) and Sebastián Piñera (right) were elected for two non-consecutive terms.
President Patricio Aylwin (in office 1990–1994) wearing the presidential sash in his official portrait.