Metrication in Chile

Chile adopted the metric system in 1848. Previously, the Spanish system of measures was used.[1]

History

Since colonization, Chile had always used a unit system based on the Spanish customary units. In 1843, a law[2] was passed formalizing it, and defining its fundamental unit, the vara, as a fraction of a metre.

Later, during the presidency of Manuel Bulnes, a law was passed on 29 January 1848[3] was passed, adopting the Metric System. Finally, Chile signed the Metre Convention in 1908.

Exceptions in the 20th century

For a long time, all refrigerators were labeled in cubic feet. This changed around 1990, and since then they have since been labeled in litres.

Current exceptions

References

  1. Ensayo sobre Chile, Prólogo (in Spanish)
  2. Ley de Medidas y peso de 15 de diciembre de 1843; published in the 1 January 1844 edition of the Boletín de Leyes y Decretos de Gobierno.
  3. Gabriel Rodríguez, Sistema Internacional de Unidades. A tomar medidas, Bit Revista Técnica de la Construcción
  4. Chiloe Island.com, Customs
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