Which country administers Easter Island?

Chile administers Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui or Isla de Pascua.

Easter Island is a remote volcanic island in the southeastern Pacific and a special territory of Chile. It lies at the southeastern edge of the Polynesian Triangle, far from mainland South America. Administratively, it forms Isla de Pascua Province and the single commune of Isla de Pascua within Chile’s Valparaíso Region.

The island is internationally famous for its moai, the monumental stone statues created by the Rapa Nui people. Chile annexed the island in 1888, during the government of President José Manuel Balmaceda. For much of the 20th century, the Rapa Nui population faced severe restrictions on movement, while much of the island was operated as a sheep ranch.

Chile’s administration does not erase the island’s distinct Polynesian identity. Rapa Nui culture, language and traditions remain central to the island’s public life. In 2007, Easter Island received constitutional “special territory” status, and since 2018 non-residents have generally been limited to stays of 30 days.