**History and Colonization:**
– Human settlement in Tierra del Fuego dates back to around 8,000 BC.
– European exploration of the islands began in 1520, with the region being named ‘Land of Fire’ due to sightings of native bonfires.
– European colonization started in the 19th century, leading to conflicts and the establishment of Catholic missions.
– Gold rushes in the late 19th century attracted immigrants, impacting indigenous populations like the Selk’nam and Yamana.
– The region saw a significant reduction in native populations due to conflicts, diseases, and the actions of individuals like Julius Popper.
**Geography and Geology:**
– Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago located at the southern tip of South America, divided between Chile and Argentina.
– The region’s geology has been influenced by Andean orogeny and Pleistocene glaciations.
– The main island is divided into large east-west-oriented units, with the Cordillera Darwin hosting the highest mountains.
– The climate is subpolar oceanic, with cold, wet summers preserving ancient glaciers.
– Notable geographical features include the Beagle Channel and the southernmost village in the world, Puerto Toro.
**Economy and Resources:**
– Major economic activities in Tierra del Fuego include fishing, natural gas and oil extraction, sheep farming, and ecotourism.
– Petroleum extraction is a significant contributor to the region’s economy, with oil discovery dating back to 1945.
– Energy production, including natural gas extraction, plays a crucial role in the economic development of the area.
– Electronic companies have been promoted through tax exemptions in certain cities, boosting economic growth.
– Tourism, particularly attracting upmarket visitors, is gaining importance as a key economic activity in the region.
**Biodiversity and Wildlife:**
– Tierra del Fuego is home to diverse wildlife, including austral parakeets, king penguins, and Andean condors.
– Introduced species like North American beavers have caused environmental damage to the region.
– The area boasts rich marine life, including southern right whales, orcas, and various seal species.
– Conservation efforts are in place to protect the unique biodiversity of Tierra del Fuego.
– The region’s ecosystems are impacted by factors like climate change and human activities, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
**Culture and Tourism:**
– The indigenous peoples of Tierra del Fuego have a rich cultural heritage, influenced by traditional practices and beliefs.
– European colonization and missionary activities have significantly impacted indigenous cultures in the region.
– The arts and crafts of Tierra del Fuego reflect a blend of indigenous and European influences.
– Tourism in the region focuses on ecotourism and outdoor activities, offering opportunities to explore national parks and observe wildlife.
– Tierra del Fuego’s rugged beauty and unique wildlife make it a sought-after destination for nature lovers, with Ushuaia serving as a gateway to Antarctica.
Tierra del Fuego (/tiˈɛərə dɛl ˈfweɪɡoʊ/, Spanish: [ˈtjera ðel ˈfweɣo]; Spanish for "Land of Fire", rarely also Fireland in English) is an archipelago off the southernmost tip of the South American mainland, across the Strait of Magellan.
 Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the tip of South America | |
  Tierra del Fuego archipelago Political map of Tierra del Fuego and mainland South America | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean |
| Major islands | Tierra del Fuego, Hoste, Navarino, Gordon, Wollastone, Noir, Staten, Hermite, Santa Inés, Clarence, Dawson, Capitán Aracena, Londonderry, Picton, Lennox, Nueva, Diego Ramírez, O'Brien, and Desolación Islands among many others |
| Highest point | Monte Shipton |
| Administration | |
| Region |  Magallanes y Antártica Chilena |
| Provinces | Tierra del Fuego Province and Antártica Chilena |
| Communes | Cabo de Hornos, Antártica, Porvenir, Primavera, Timaukel |
| Province |  Tierra del Fuego Province |
| Demographics | |
| Population | >135,000 (2010) |
| Ethnic groups | Argentines, Chileans, Selk'nams, Kawésqar, Yaghans |
The archipelago consists of the main island, Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, with an area of 48,100 km2 (18,572 sq mi), and a group of many islands, including Cape Horn and Diego Ramírez Islands. Tierra del Fuego is divided between Argentina, which controls the eastern part of the main island and a few small islands in the Beagle Channel, and Chile, which controls the remaining land area. The southernmost extent of the archipelago is just north of latitude 56°S.
The earliest known human settlement in Tierra del Fuego dates to approximately 8,000 BC. Europeans first explored the islands during Ferdinand Magellan's expedition of 1520. Tierra del Fuego and similar namings stem from sightings of the many bonfires that the natives built.
Settlement by those of European descent and the displacement of the native populations did not begin until the second half of the nineteenth century, at the height of the Patagonian sheep farming boom and of the local gold rush. Today, petroleum extraction dominates economic activity in the north of Tierra del Fuego, while tourism, manufacturing, and Antarctic logistics are important in the south.