Chile is a country with a population of slightly more than 15 million inhabitants, located in the southwestern extreme of South America. Its territory extends along a 4,300 km strip, with an average width of 173 km. To the north Chile borders Peru and Bolivia, to the east Argentina, to the west the Pacific Ocean, and to the south the Chilean Antarctic Territory, extending to the South Pole. Its territory is administratively divided into 13 regions, including insular areas deep into the Pacific Ocean, such as Easter Island, the archipelago of Juan Fernandez and the island Salas and Gomez; San Ambrosio and San Felix. As such, Chile’s borders extend over three continents: America, Oceania and the Antarctica.
Due to its latitude and closeness to the sea, Chile features different types of climates: the Atacama Desert in the north is the driest area in the world, while in the south, near the Strait of Magellan, year-round rainfall surpasses 5,000 millimeters.
The north region is rich in mineral resources. Chile’s agricultural activity is concentrated in the Central Valley,while in the south forestry and cattle raising is the main activity. Fishing and aquiculture are performed all over the coastal border, particularly in the south, where the 5,000 islands of the great archipelago offer ideal conditions for these activities. In the north and central coast of Chile, the excellent conditions of the beaches make the practice of nautical sports a frequent activity.
Tourism is well developed, likewise in the area of the lakes in the south. Still further south towards Patagonia, channels and fiords are the perfect scenario for adventure tourism.
The Navy performs its activities in a well-defined geographical context, which includes the Chilean maritime territory. Its distinctiveness and its huge potential for the development of the country require a professional institution with the adequate means to protect it.
