Chile's labor force was a total of almost 6 million in 2000, equal to a little under 38% of the total population. The major occupation of its labor force is in services, with only 14% in agriculture and 27% in industry. This would imply that a large section of the labor force is well educated, a fact borne out by its relatively high ranking for average years of schooling, which stands at 7.5 years for the current adult population, and the 9 years of compulsory education mandated more recently. Enrolment for secondary education is also very high, as is overall literacy. Chile ranks 40th in enrolment for higher or tertiary education.

Chile produces some unique pepper varieties. It is also famous for its wines. Chile ranks 3rd for the its quantity of marine fish catch. It has had some major successes in innovation of pepper and tobacco varieties. To encourage research in other areas of technological innovation, Chile has instituted a system known as the National System of Innovation, which is currently focused mainly on applied sciences.