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Patagonia

Patagonia is a geographical region in southern South America shared by Argentina and Chile.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Patagonia is a geographical region in southern South America shared by Argentina and Chile. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including Andes mountains, glaciers, steppes, deserts, fjords, and temperate forests. The region has no single official political border, and its extent varies by source.

Geography

Patagonia covers the southern end of mainland South America and is commonly described as extending from the Andes and Pacific-facing fjords in the west to the Atlantic coast and steppe in the east. Its exact limits vary, but the region is usually associated with the southern cone of Argentina and Chile.

Physical landscape

The region contains glaciers, mountains, lakes, fjords, deserts, tablelands, and grasslands. Western Patagonia is generally wetter and more mountainous, while eastern Patagonia is drier and more steppe-like.

Political and administrative division

Patagonia does not correspond to a single sovereign state or fixed administrative unit. It is divided between Argentina and Chile, and different sources use different boundary definitions.

Human geography

Patagonia is sparsely populated compared with its size, with settlements concentrated in a few towns and resource-based areas. Livestock grazing, especially sheep farming, has historically been important in parts of the region.

Key facts

  • Patagonia is a transnational geographic region, not a country.
  • It spans southern parts of Argentina and Chile.
  • The region includes dramatic contrasts between wet western areas and dry eastern plains.
  • The southern Andes form a major feature of the region.
  • Population density is low relative to its size.

Frequently asked questions

Is Patagonia a country?
No. Patagonia is a geographical region shared by Argentina and Chile.
Where is Patagonia located?
It is in southern South America, at the southern end of the continent.
What countries contain Patagonia?
Patagonia lies mainly in Argentina and Chile.
What is Patagonia known for?
It is known for mountains, glaciers, steppes, deserts, fjords, and other varied landscapes.
Does Patagonia have fixed borders?
No. Its borders are not universally defined, and different sources use slightly different limits.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia
    Supports: General description of Patagonia as a geographical region in southern South America shared by Argentina and Chile, with diverse landscapes and broad boundaries.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Patagonia-region-Argentina
    Supports: Area, location, general boundaries, and the common inclusion of Tierra del Fuego in broader definitions.
  3. Argentina Travel — https://www.argentina.travel/en/news/where-is-patagonia-a-guide-to-discovering-argentine-patagonia
    Supports: Patagonia as a region rather than a country and its location in southern South America shared by Argentina and Chile.