Is Patagonia Part of Chile or Argentina?

The question of whether Patagonia belongs to Chile or Argentina has been a subject of debate for centuries. The historical and geographical context surrounding the area is rich and complex, with various explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan, contributing to its early exploration and naming.

Historical Context and Naming

Patagonia gets its name from the native people called by the Spanish patagones, meaning 'large foot.' These native inhabitants were predominantly found on the Argentine side of the Andes, and the term Patagonia was coined by Ferdinand Magellan during his expedition in the 16th century. Magellan first landed in Patagonia, specifically in San Julián, Argentina, on March 31, 1520, and named the local inhabitants 'Patagones.' Since Magellan never set foot in what is now the southern region of Chile, the area remained largely uncharted and unclaimed until the 16th century.

Mapping and Early Exploration

Early maps from the 16th century, such as the one produced by Andrè Thevet in 1575, do not specify the names of territories accurately beyond the southeastern part of South America. Thevet's map includes 'Patagona región des Geantz' (Patagonia, country of giants) on the eastern side of the Andes, but does not specify the Western side. This ambiguity continued well into the 18th century, with many early maps depicting the region as 'Terra nullius' or 'Terra incognita.'

Chilean Claims and Naming

The modern claim of Patagonia by Chile can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Chileans began using the term 'Patagonia' to refer to the southern western side of the Andes mountain range in the 20th century, following the initiatives of Douglas Tompkins. Tompkins, who founded 'Pumalín' and the Yendegaia Conservación Patagónica, further disseminated the term 'Patagonia' from the Chilean side. Chile's government, through the Pumalín National Park, officially recognized this claim and used the term to promote tourism in the region.

Unambiguous Historical Claims

Despite the historical and geographical evidence, Chile has made a questionable claim on the territory of Patagonia. Historically, there is no verifiable evidence to support Chile’s claim that Patagonia is part of its territory. The territorial claims and usage of the term 'Patagonia' by Chile can be seen as a modern political and geographical delineation rather than a historical or biogeographical truth. Patagonia is primarily found in Argentina, with some sections extending into Chile. Both countries should respect the historical and geographical evidence and recognize Patagonia as a region situated entirely within Argentina.

For a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the geographical, historical, and political dynamics involving Patagonia, one can refer to the following sources:

Complete Answer