For much of history there were few outside introductions to the lifestyle or culture of the people, however this changed with the arrival of the Spanish. Spanish influence into Chile was very slow at first since the lands had few natural resources, the lands were difficult to traverse, and the Mapuche had little interest in giving up their lands. These constant battles and the ability to remain divided by mountains meant once the Spanish did arrive, they developed their own culture, while the Mapuche maintained their culture. Unlike many South American countries, few people from these groups intermarried.
In more recent years the Mapuche and Europeans have improved relations to some degree, but the cultures remain alive on both sides. Although the Mapuche consist of only a small percentage of the population, their communities in the south maintain many aspects of historic Mapuche culture. However, Spanish, or European dominated areas are almost wholly European in culture and lifestyle, especially in the cities, like Santiago. While there is a crossover between the cultures and both sides have adopted items from the other, such as foods from the Mapuche and technology from the Europeans, the country remains diverse and unique with many cultures, many people, many languages, and many lifestyles.