Chileans are known for their sense of humor, fun-loving nature, and love for music and dance. They are also famous for their prudence and wisdom. Chile was under Spanish colonial rule from mid-16th century to early 19th century until Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme together with José de San Martín, freed Chile from Spanish rule. Hard working and determined, Chileans began rebuilding their nation and Chile is today one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations. The country’s population is made up of people from varied backgrounds, the influence of which is reflected in their diverse cultures.
The nation’s folk music was revived in the mid 20th century by composers like Raul de Ramon, Margot Loyola, Luis Aguirre Pinto, and Violeta Parra. Chileans call their country país de poetas — country of poets—and for good reason. The nation has produced writers like Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda who received the Nobel Prize for Literature. Chileans have also made their mark in the fields of cinema and sports. Manuel Plaza Reyes, Luis Vicentini and Estanislao Loayza are among the great sportsmen born in the nation. Read on to discover about the life and works of famous Chileans.