CHILE TRICONTINENTAL: CHARACTERISTICS, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES - GEOGRAPHY - 2025

Chile tricontinental is a geopolitical concept that refers to the presence of Chilean territories in three different continents. Although the term tricontinentality is disputed, the presence of Chile in America, Oceania and Antarctica makes it undeniable to consider this country as a nation with a territorial presence on three continents.

The term tricontinental is an extension of the concept of transcontinental, which refers to a specific country that has a presence in more than one territory. The territory does not necessarily have to be contiguous like that of Russia; the concept applies to any nation that has territory on more than one continent.

Highlighted in purple: territory of the Republic of Chile

Chile is one of the few countries in the world with a presence on three different continents. In fact, many consider it the only country on the planet that is spread across three different geographical areas. However, certain conflicts over the territorial domain of Antarctica endanger the tricontinentality of the nation.

Why is Chile a tri-continental country?

The only reason why Chile is considered a tricontinental country is because of its territorial domain of Easter Island (which is located on the continent of Oceania), its main land located in South America and the territorial region whose presence they claim in the antartida.

Easter Island

Easter Island is a territory located in Polynesia. Its original inhabitants were Aboriginal emigres from other islands in Oceania, who arrived on Easter Island around 1500 years ago.

This island was plagued throughout history by a series of conflicts -both internal and external- that caused the number of original inhabitants to decrease. However, a couple of Chilean missionaries from the 19th century set out to help the local population.

From that moment, the Rapa Nui (inhabitants of the island) began to see with good eyes an incorporation to Chile. In 1888, a ceremony was held through which Easter Island came to be considered Chilean territory, with the support of the country's government and the island's inhabitants.

The island has around 7,700 inhabitants, of which 60% have a direct descent link with the Rapa Nui.

Chilean Antarctic Territory

The Chilean Antarctic territory is the portion of the continent of Antarctica whose dominance is claimed by Chile. This territory has a peculiar problem: it meets other regions that are also claimed by Argentina and Great Britain.

Its territorial extension is more than 1,200,000 square kilometers and, according to a decree issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it extends from the 59th parallel to the 90th parallel of Greenwich.

This territory belongs to the Chilean Antarctic commune, which is in charge of organizing the area. It belongs to the Chilean Antarctic province and is managed by the municipality of Cabo de Hornos.

Chile's dominance of this territory is based on historical, geographical and legal considerations. According to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, the territory can only be used for activities with peaceful purposes.

characteristics

Geography and climate

One of the main characteristics of Chile, as a tricontinental nation, is a geographic diversity much greater than that of any other country with a small land area. The mountainous geography of the South American territory of Chile contrasts with the frozen lands of the Antarctic domain.

Similarly, the climate varies a lot according to the geographical region in which it is located. Antarctic temperatures are several degrees below zero.

The temperatures of the Chilean territory in South America are low to tropical standards but with a pleasant climate, and the climate of Easter Island is completely representative of a tropical island.

Cultural diversity

Although the Antarctic region does not have its own cultural demarcation, the Rapa Nui culture enriches the Chilean people with an exclusive ethnic group.

They are the only Polynesian inhabitants that are part, officially and by historical significance, of a South American nation.

Advantage

Economic and scientific potential

The great extension of territory and the diversity that each area presents in terms of ecology and geography, allows the development of unique economic activities. In addition, areas such as the Antarctic region allow the scientific study of unique phenomena and creatures in the world.

Easter Island has a large amount of land rich in minerals. In addition, its tropical state allows the obtaining of exclusive natural resources.

Tourist attraction

Easter Island is a known area in many parts of the world, but the number of people who do not know that they belong to the Republic of Chile is relatively high.

Similarly, it is a region that has quite a marked tourist potential, thanks to the rich cultural presence on the island.

Moai statues are known throughout the world. The mystery that surrounds these statues makes Easter Island attract a large number of people worldwide.

The incorporation of this territory to Chile at the end of the 19th century was undoubtedly a significant addition to the country's tourism today.

Disadvantages

Territorial control

Territory control and coordination between each municipality and its commune can be a problem when there is a significant distance between the country's motherland and its other regions.

Although the Chilean political system allows a relatively regional control of each commune, the centralized government may have certain difficulties in executing some territorial actions in regions such as Easter Island and Antarctica.

The difference in cultures between the Rapa Nui and the Chilean population does not become a significant problem, since the inhabitants of Easter Island represent a small percentage of the Chilean population.

Mobilization

Moving between contiguous territories is not a problem, but being a tricontinental country, transporting equipment and people between regions can be costly for its inhabitants and for the government itself.

In addition, when traveling to Antarctica, travel times are usually high, particularly for scientific research that requires maritime transport.

References

1. Tricontinental Chile, Wikipedia in English, 2017. Taken from Wikipedia.org
2. History of Chile: Regions - Chile, a tricontinental country, Biography of Chile, (nd). Taken from biografiadechile.cl
3. Chilean Antarctic Territory, Wikipedia in English, 2018. Taken from Wikipedia.org
4. Easter Island, Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2017. Taken from britannica.com
5. Transcontinental, Wikipedia in English, 2018. Taken from Wikipedia.org