In September, Chile celebrates its National Holidays, a time when both Chileans and foreigners agree that there is a special sense of pride in the country. Traditional cuisine, featuring empanadas and anticuchos, traditional dances such as the cueca, family gatherings, and the ever-present “fondas” are an essential part of this celebration.
In this context, questions arise such as “How proud are Chileans, and of what?” or “What are the most valued attributes?” To answer these questions, Marca Chile sought to determine, through its 2026 Chilean Pride Study, which aspects of the country its residents value most highly.
Geography, Skies, and Export Products
The data from this survey indicate that, in general, Chileans view their country positively. In fact, the survey showed record-high levels of public perception, with 71% of Chileans feeling proud of their country and 78% proud of their identity.
However, certain characteristics stand out when assessing pride. Specifically, the attributes rated most highly continue to be strongly linked to the country’s geography and natural wealth. An overwhelming 90% of respondents rate the country’s landscapes highly, while 87% highlight its skies as ideal for astronomy.
In the production sector, wine and fruit receive an 87% positive rating. These are followed by copper—the driving force behind the Chilean economy—at 86%, and fish and seafood at 80%, all of which have established themselves as widely recognized products within the country.
Enzo Abbagliati, deputy executive director of Marca Chile, said: “We know that Chileans value our country, and that sentiment grows even stronger on September 18. For this reason, this survey is very important, as it allows us to identify our strengths so we can continue to build on them, and at the same time, the weaknesses we need to address.”
He also added: “Working on the country’s image domestically is extremely important for projecting Chile’s image internationally. At the end of the day, both the attributes mentioned in the study and Chileans themselves are the country’s ‘ambassadors’ to the world.”
Initiatives That Inspire Pride
While geographical landmarks continue to lead by a wide margin, the study reveals a qualitative shift in the sources of national pride. Specifically, Chileans are increasingly valuing areas related to knowledge, innovation, and sustainability.
One of the most notable advances has occurred in astronomy and space research, fields that received an exceptionally high 81% approval rating from the public. The fact that more than 50% of the world’s astronomical observation capacity is located in the northern part of the country has made a deep impression, transforming the pristine skies not only into a geographical attraction but also into a driver of science and discovery widely recognized by its residents.
At the same time, sustainability is emerging as a new pillar of national identity. Pride in the development of renewable energy saw a significant increase, rising from 67% in 2023 to 79%. This surge reflects strong public support for the energy transition, compounded by emerging areas and industries such as green hydrogen production, electromobility, and the strategic role of lithium.
In closing, Abbagliati said: “In recent years, Chile has sought to contribute to the issues that are dominating the global conversation, acting as a contributor rather than a mere spectator. That is something the public has greatly appreciated.”
