• Argentina has a larger economy than Chile, supported by sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Chile, however, has a higher GDP per capita and is known for its strong mining industry. The following table compares the GDP and GDP per capita of Chile and Argentina.
2025 (IMF)
Chile
Argentina
Currency
Chilean Peso
Argentine Peso
GDP (nominal, USD)
$355.35 billion
$681.49 billion
GDP per capita (nominal, USD)
$17.73 thousand
$14.35 thousand
GDP (PPP, international $)
$714.29 billion
$1.49 trillion
GDP per capita (PPP, international $)
$35.65 thousand
$31.48 thousand
Population
2025 estimate
Chile
Argentina
Population
19.9 million
45.9 million
Population aged 0-14
16.8%
21%
Population aged 15-64
68.3%
66%
Population aged 65 and older
14.9%
13%
Total fertility rate, per woman
1.1
1.5
Life
Chile
Argentina
Life expectancy at birth (2023/UN)
81.17
77.39
Human Development Index rank (2023)
45th
47th
Human Development Index value
0.878
0.865
Overview
• Argentina is roughly 3.7 times larger than Chile by land area.
• Argentina has a larger population than Chile. Both countries are sparsely populated, with Chile having a relatively higher population density.
Chile
Argentina
Area
approximately 756,100 sq km
approximately 2.78 million sq km
Population
19.9 million (2025 estimate)
45.9 million (2025 estimate)
Capital city
Santiago
Buenos Aires
Largest city
Santiago
Buenos Aires
Most spoken language
Spanish
Spanish
Most popular sport
Football (Soccer)
Football (Soccer)
Geography
Chile
Argentina
Continent
South America
South America
Forest cover (2023)
25%
10.3%
Total number of time zones
3
1
Highest mountain peak
Ojos del Salado (6,893 m/22,615 ft)
Aconcagua (6,961 m/22,837 ft)
Major rivers
Loa, Biobío, Maipo, Maule, Bueno, Imperial, etc.
Paraguay, Uruguay, Salado, Colorado, Paraná, Pilcomayo, Bermejo, etc.
