Chilean architecture stands test of earthquakes

In the past five years, the South American country of Chile has had three huge earthquakes with a magnitude greater than eight, reports AFP. But it is also resilient, thanks largely to its demanding building code. The standard is that buildings must save lives during an earthquake by remaining standing.

Chilean law also holds builders liable for construction deficiencies, giving them ample incentive to make sure their structures are quake-resistant. That means investing in enough steel, concrete and anti-quake technology to last a building's lifetime.