Which country is home to the Atacama Desert?

Chile is home to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest non-polar places on Earth.

The desert stretches along northern Chile between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. Some weather stations in the region have recorded no measurable rainfall for long periods, although occasional rain and unusual blooming events do occur. Its extreme aridity results from several interacting factors: the cold Humboldt Current, the Andes rain shadow, and persistent subtropical high pressure.

The Atacama is not an entirely lifeless landscape. Microorganisms survive in specialized niches, and fog can provide moisture in some coastal areas. The desert also contains major mineral resources, including copper and lithium-bearing brines. Mining has played a significant role in Chile's economy, while water use remains an important environmental issue.

The clear, dry air and high elevations make the Atacama valuable for astronomy. Observatories there include the Very Large Telescope at Paranal and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Although parts of the desert extend toward neighbouring countries, the famous main desert region is principally associated with northern Chile.