The country of Chile has been through traumatic twists and turns over the past few decades. Located on the south-western coastline of South America, this often overlooked country has been struggling against drug lords, government corruption, poverty and other serious issues for years. With the dawn of a new century, it’s important to look at where the country has been in the past, and how the nation may be moving forward in the future.

Out of all of Chile’s ongoing changes, one of the greatest areas for future development is education. Beginning in 2011, thousands of Chilean students began a nationwide protest against the faulty, inefficient educational systems within the country. Both secondary school and higher education students joined in to occupy the nation’s schools, hold rallies and organize demonstrations. At points leading up to 2012, the conflict became more violent and unpredictable. Negotiations between the government and students have been tricky, at best. However, ongoing reform plans indicate that education in Chile will soon provide more substantial financial support for educational institutions, along with standard controls and free public education.

As educational opportunities will improve in Chile, so will the economy. Despite past disparities, the nation has prospered to become one of the most economically stable countries in South America. Chile is poised to become one of the top business competitors in the global market in upcoming years, with rich, productive mining industries and liberal markets. Unemployment is predicted to keep dropping while Chile continues to rise in economic standing, as a result of growing international business and increased production of essential goods, like copper and fruit. An increase in tourism is also thought to help Chile boost its economic standing in the near future.

The government holding has often been unstable in Chile, and the future beyond 2012 may not introduce much change into the system. Since early 2000s a socialist government has moved Chile from beneath the whip of dictatorship. However, implemented plans for an expensive hydroelectric project caused serious tension between Chileans and the government. Coupling this with the intense student protests, the future of government effectiveness and stability is uncertain.

Other unpromising aspects include drug trafficking, which continues to be a serious issue in Chile despite strict laws and increased government intervention. Cocaine is a widely produced Chilean drug that, thanks to the future flourishing of the economy, is likely to flourish as well. Overall, however, Chile’s future is startling bright, and the nation is soon destined to become the first officially ‘developed’ country in all of Latin America.