A country of southwest South America with a long Pacific coastline. Originally inhabited by Araucanian Indian peoples, it was colonized by Spain in 1541 and declared its independence in 1818. Chile annexed mineral-rich territory from Bolivia and Peru following the War of the Pacific (1879-1884). After numerous coups d'état and periods of military rule in the 20th century, Chile reestablished democratic rule in 1990. Santiago is the capital and the largest city.