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Who owns Tierra del Fuego?

Published in Territorial Sovereignty 2 mins read

Tierra del Fuego is owned by two South American countries: Argentina and Chile.

Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago situated at the southern tip of South America, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Magellan. Its ownership is divided between these two nations, with the largest island, Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, being a prime example of this shared sovereignty.

Division of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego

The main island of the archipelago, Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, is partitioned into two distinct territories: a western part belonging to Chile and an eastern part belonging to Argentina. This division is based on specific land areas and percentages, as detailed below:

Country Area (km²) Area (sq mi) Percentage of Main Island
Chile 29,484.7 11,384 61.43%
Argentina 18,507.3 7,146 38.57%

This division means that both nations exercise governmental control and administrative responsibilities over their respective portions of the island, including natural resources and population centers.

Key Geographical Boundaries

Beyond the main island, the archipelago encompasses numerous smaller islands and islets. A significant geographical feature that contributes to the regional boundaries is the Beagle Channel. This channel extends in an east–west direction, situated immediately south of the main island, playing a role in defining the maritime and island territories of both Chile and Argentina within the broader Tierra del Fuego region.

For more information on the geography and historical context of Tierra del Fuego, you can consult reliable sources such as Wikipedia.