Puerto Williams, the city at the end of the world

Puerto Williams, located on the northern shore of Navarino Island and on the southern shore of the Beagle Channel, became the southernmost city in the world in March 2019. The locality of nearly 1,860 inhabitants has been granted a derogation by the Chilean government to acquire the status of a city - usually reserved for urban areas of at least 5,000 inhabitants - because of its political and economic role. Puerto Williams is replacing Ushuaia, located 10 kilometres further north on Argentine territory. The province of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica intends to use this label to develop its tourism activity and improve its accessibility. It plans to invest nearly €13 million in the construction of infrastructure, including a new port capable of accommodating the huge cruise ships that stop at Ushuaia. For some inhabitants, the city, historically linked to the activity of its military base and the presence of the Yagan community in the region, risks losing its spirit by trading green and confidential tourism for mass tourism.