Chile is a stable, democratic regime that continues to liberalise its economy. Rich in natural resources, especially copper, its fortunes have traditionally followed a boom and bust cycle according to the market price for the metal. The country's main trading partners are the US, China and Japan. Chile’s population is 16 million and it has a GDP of $203bn. The country is governed by a centre-left coalition headed by President Michelle Bachelet who came to power in 2005.