Across most of its territory, Chile features different types of climates which include the driest area in the world - the Atacama Desert in the north - while in the south, annual rainfall averages 5,000 millimetres. The northern region is rich in mineral resources; agricultural and farming activity is concentrated in the Central Valley, while in the south, forestry and cattle raising are main activities. Fishing and fish-farming are carried out along the coast, particularly in the south, where the 5,000 islands of the great archipelagos offer ideal conditions for these activities. Along the northern and central coast of Chile, the nice beaches are ideal for highly popular nautical sports. Tourism is also well developed in the area of the lakes in the south, and towards Patagonia.
The Navy carries out its activities in a well-defined geographical context, which includes the Chilean maritime territory. Its distinctiveness and its huge potential for contributing to the development of the country require it to be a professional institution with an adequate force structure.
