Argentina: Islands and Archipelagos
Argentina is a vast and diverse country with a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. While it's not typically associated with islands in the same way as some other countries, several notable islands and archipelagos are worth mentioning.
Islands and Archipelagos of Argentina
Argentina is a vast and diverse country with a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. While it's not typically associated with islands in the same way as some other countries, several notable islands and archipelagos are worth mentioning.
It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are other smaller islands and archipelagos along Argentina's coastline and within its inland waterways. Argentina's geography offers diverse island landscapes, each with unique characteristics and cultural significance.
Archipelagos
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Tierra del Fuego Archipelago: Tierra del Fuego Archipelago is the largest archipelago in Argentina, located in the far south of the country. It is shared with Chile. The archipelago consists of several large islands, including Tierra del Fuego, the largest island in Argentina, and several smaller islands, including Staten Island, the second-largest island in Argentina.
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Chiloé Archipelago (Archipiélago de Chiloé): Found off the coast of southern Chile and extending into Argentine waters, the Chiloé Archipelago consists of more than 40 islands. The largest of these islands is Isla Grande de Chiloé, which is partially part of Chile and partially part of Argentina.
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Wilhelm Archipelago: Wilhelm Archipelago is a small archipelago located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 km (620 mi) east of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. It consists of several small islands, including the largest island, Laurie Island. Argentina and Chile have expressed an interest in claiming the Wilhelm Archipelago, but neither country has made a formal claim.
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South Orkney Islands: The South Orkney Islands are located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 1,100 km (680 mi) southeast of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. It consists of several small islands, including the largest island, Coronation Island. The islands are claimed by both Britain and Argentina, and both countries maintain bases on the islands.
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Paraná Delta (Delta del Paraná): The Paraná Delta is a vast and intricate network of islands and islets formed by the Paraná River as it empties into the Río de la Plata. It is a unique and biodiverse ecosystem, with the Tigre Delta being a popular area for tourism and recreation.
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Note: In addition to these archipelagos, Argentina also claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. However, these islands are currently controlled by the United Kingdom.
Notable Islands
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Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego: The largest island in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, shared with Chile. It's known for its stunning landscapes and is home to the city of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
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Isla de los Estados (Staten Island): Part of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, this island has rugged terrain and historical significance as a waypoint for explorers.
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Isla Martín García: Located in the Río de la Plata estuary, this island has historical significance and is accessible by boat from the mainland.
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Isla de San Martín (Yaganes Island): Part of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, it has historical importance in the context of European exploration.
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Isla Pingüino: Isla Pingüino is an island in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is home to a large colony of penguins, making it a popular tourist destination for wildlife watching.
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Isla Victoria: Isla Victoria is a large island located in Nahuel Huapi Lake in the Patagonia region. It is home to several hotels and restaurants and is a popular destination for hiking and camping.
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Isla Huemul: Isla Huemul is an island in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, Patagonia, Argentina. It is home to various wildlife, including guanacos, deer, and condors.
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Isla Martin Garcia: Isla Martín García is a large island between Argentina and Uruguay in the Río de la Plata. It is home to a historic fort, a lighthouse, and a popular tourist destination.
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Isla del Cerrito: Isla del Cerrito is a small island in the Paraná River, part of the Paraná Delta. It is home to a large population of rheas and is a popular destination for birdwatching.
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Isla del Tigre: Isla del Tigre is a large island located in the Tigre Delta in the province of Buenos Aires. It is home to several small towns and villages and is a popular destination for boating and fishing.