Chile contains the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth.
The Atacama stretches along northern Chile between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, with parts of its broader arid region reaching toward Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. The coastal desert is exceptionally dry because the cold Humboldt Current limits evaporation and because the Andes block moist air arriving from the east. Some weather stations in the core desert have recorded no measurable rain for long periods.
Despite its extreme dryness, the Atacama is not lifeless. Coastal fog called camanchaca can provide moisture for specialized plants and animals, while rare rainfall can trigger spectacular desert blooms. Mineral deposits, especially copper and nitrates, have also made the region economically important. Chile’s major mining centers include areas around Calama and Antofagasta.
The Atacama is frequently described as the world’s driest non-polar desert, though exact rankings depend on the measurement and location used. It is also valuable for astronomy because its high altitude, clear skies, and minimal cloud cover create excellent observing conditions.