2010 in Chile

Incumbents

• President: Michelle Bachelet , Sebastián Piñera

  Events

February

• February 27 – An 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami strikes central Chile, affecting 80% of the population and leaving 525 people dead.

  March

• March 11 – Center-right businessman Sebastián Piñera is sworn in as President of Chile, after 20 years of center-left rule.

  May

• May 7 – Chile becomes the first country in South America to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

  June

• June 28 – Chile's national football team advances to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 12 years.

  August

• August 5 – 33 miners are trapped in a mine in northern Chile.

  September

• September 18 – Chile celebrates 200 years of independence.

  October

• October 13 – All 33 miners trapped in a mine in northern Chile 700 meters underground are rescued alive after 69 days in captivity. The day-long event was broadcast live to millions around the world.

  December

• December 8 – A fire breaks out at the San Miguel prison in Santiago, killing 81 inmates, the country's deadliest prison incident.

  Births

Deaths

April

• April 24 – Paul Schäfer, founder of Colonia Dignidad

  May

• May 17 – Arturo Fontaine, former director of El Mercurio and former ambassador to Argentina

  July

• July 21 – Luis Corvalán, former senator and secretary general of the Chilean Communist Party

  August

• August 25 – Guillermo Blanco, writer

  September

• September 28 – Héctor Croxatto, scientist, National Prize in Sciences laureate

  November

• November 24 – Sergio Valech, bishop