The two islands in the Pacific Ocean that are controlled by Chile are Easter Island and the Juan Fernández Islands.
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The two islands located in the Pacific Ocean that are controlled by the country of Chile are Easter Island and the Juan Fernández Islands.
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a remote volcanic island located approximately 2,300 miles (3,700 km) off the west coast of Chile. It is famous for its massive stone statues called moai, which were created by the island’s ancient Polynesian inhabitants. These enigmatic statues stand tall, with some reaching heights of over 30 feet (9 meters) and weighing up to 75 tons. The island is also home to unique flora and fauna, including several endemic plant species and numerous seabirds.
The Juan Fernández Islands are another archipelago controlled by Chile, situated about 420 miles (670 km) off the coast. The main islands are Robinson Crusoe Island, named after the famous literary character, and Alejandro Selkirk Island. These islands are renowned for their natural beauty and rich biodiversity. In fact, the Juan Fernández Islands are a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, protecting their unique ecosystem. The islands are home to many endemic species, such as the Juan Fernández fur seal and the Masafuera rayadito bird.
A quote from Jacques Cousteau perfectly captures the allure of these remote islands: “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
Here are some interesting facts about Easter Island and the Juan Fernández Islands:
Easter Island:
- The moai statues of Easter Island were created by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries.
- The largest completed moai is called “Paro” and stands at a towering height of 33 feet (10 meters).
- Easter Island is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world.
- It is believed that the moai statues were constructed to honor ancestors or powerful figures in Rapa Nui society.
- The island’s closest inhabited neighbor is Pitcairn Island, located around 1,200 miles (1,900 km) away.
Juan Fernández Islands:
- Robinson Crusoe Island served as the inspiration for the famous novel “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe.
- The islands are of volcanic origin and are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
- The Juan Fernández firecrown, a species of hummingbird, is endemic to the archipelago and is the world’s smallest hummingbird.
- The islands have a rich maritime history and have been an important stop for sailors throughout the centuries.
- The Chilean national hero, Bernardo O’Higgins, was exiled to Juan Fernández Islands in the early 19th century.
Here is a table summarizing the key details:
Island | Location | Notable Features |
---|---|---|
Easter Island | Approximately 2,300 miles | Majestic moai statues, rich biodiversity, unique flora and fauna |
off the west coast of Chile | ||
Juan Fernández | Approximately 420 miles | UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, |
Islands | off the coast of Chile | endemic species, natural beauty |
In conclusion, Easter Island and the Juan Fernández Islands are breathtaking destinations under the control of Chile. While Easter Island captivates with its enigmatic moai statues, the Juan Fernández Islands mesmerize with their remarkable biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. These islands have a charm that continues to intrigue explorers and visitors from around the globe.
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Easter Island, a small volcanic island in the South Pacific Ocean, is known for its giant stone heads called moai. Carved by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries, these statues represent the spirits of kings and upper-class individuals. Despite the challenges of their size and weight, the moai were transported to their final resting spots. Today, Easter Island has a population of about 8,000 people, mostly indigenous Rapa Nui people, who celebrate their unique culture through festivals like tapti. The island’s history is rich, with uncertain origins of its settlers and a decline in population due to various factors. European explorers visited but did not colonize the island, which is now a special territory of Chile. Easter Island’s economy relies on agriculture, fishing, government services, transportation, and tourism, with its moai sculptures attracting numerous visitors each year.
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Chile exercises sovereignty over Easter Island, the Juan Fernández Archipelago, and the volcanic islets of Sala y Gómez, San Félix, and San Ambrosio, all of which are located in the South Pacific.
More intriguing questions on the topic
One may also ask, What islands are controlled by Chile? The response is: The biggest eight islands and archipelagos (Tierra del Fuego, Chiloé, Wellington, Riesco, Hoste, Santa Inés, Navarino and Magdalena), each measuring over 2,000 km2 (770 sq mi) in area, represent 56% of the island territory of Chile.
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One may also ask, What 2 major islands are a part of Chile? As a response to this: List of the 10 Largest Islands in Chile by Area
Rank | Island | Area (km2) |
---|---|---|
1 | Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego | 29,484.7 (Chilean portion) |
2 | Chiloé Island | 8,394 |
3 | Wellington Island | 5,556 |
4 | Riesco Island | 5,110 |
People also ask, What is the name of the popular island off of the coast of Chile?
Answer will be: For a long time, these 40 islands were almost inaccessible, cut off from the continent. The largest island, Chiloé Island or Greater Island of Chiloé, is still the mysterious guardian of exceptional folklore, suffused with ancient myths and legends, with a unique history and wildlife.
People also ask, Why is Easter Island part of Chile? Answer will be: In 1888, Chile annexed Easter Island, leasing much of the land for sheep raising.
Thereof, Which countries are part of the Pacific Ocean?
In its broadest possible usage, it could include Australia, the Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian islands, the Japanese and Malay Archipelagos, Taiwan, the Ryukyu and Kuril Islands, the Aleutian Islands and isolated islands off Latin America such as the Juan Fernández Islands.
Also Know, What are the three major islands in the Pacific Ocean? The response is: The islands in the Pacific Ocean divided into three major groups The Pacific Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. They are further categorized into three major island groups: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
In this regard, Is Polynesia part of the Pacific Ocean?
Polynesia is one of three major cultural areas of the Pacific Ocean islands, along with Melanesia and Micronesia. Polynesia is generally defined as the islands within the Polynesian Triangle. Outline of sovereign (dark orange) and dependent islands (bright orange)
Simply so, Where are the Caribbean islands located?
Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada) Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand
Also question is, Which countries are part of the Pacific Ocean? As an answer to this: In its broadest possible usage, it could include Australia, the Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian islands, the Japanese and Malay Archipelagos, Taiwan, the Ryukyu and Kuril Islands, the Aleutian Islands and isolated islands off Latin America such as the Juan Fernández Islands.
What are the three major islands in the Pacific Ocean?
The islands in the Pacific Ocean divided into three major groups The Pacific Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. They are further categorized into three major island groups: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
Herein, Is Polynesia part of the Pacific Ocean? Response: Polynesia is one of three major cultural areas of the Pacific Ocean islands, along with Melanesia and Micronesia. Polynesia is generally defined as the islands within the Polynesian Triangle. Outline of sovereign (dark orange) and dependent islands (bright orange)
Which islands were excluded from the Mariana Islands?
Answer will be: Guam, the southernmost of the Marianas, was excluded. The islands of Kapingamarangi and Nukuoro, which are culturally Polynesian rather than Micronesian, were included. The trust territory’s seat of government was Saipan in the Northern Marianas.