Chilean President Boric Reasserts Puerto Williams as World’s Southernmost City, Reigniting Debate with Argentina
Chilean President Gabriel Boric has firmly stated that Puerto Williams is the world’s southernmost city, directly challenging claims that Ushuaia, Argentina, holds that title. The assertion, made in response to a post on the social media platform X, has reopened a long-standing debate between the two South American nations. Boric’s comments, reported across multiple news outlets including BioBioChile, Clarin.com, and infogate.cl, underscore Chile’s position on the matter.
A Decades-Long Dispute
The question of which city is truly the southernmost has been a point of contention for years. While Ushuaia is widely known and often referred to as “the end of the world,” Chilean officials maintain that Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island, is geographically further south. This latest exchange highlights the enduring national pride surrounding the claim.
According to reports, Boric clarified his stance directly to Argentinian audiences, stating, “The southernmost city on the planet is Puerto Williams.” This direct response suggests a proactive effort to counter the prevailing narrative and reinforce Chile’s claim.
Geographic Considerations and Defining a “City”
The core of the dispute lies in the definition of a “city” and the criteria used for determining southernmost location. Ushuaia boasts a larger population and more developed infrastructure, leading many to consider it a city in the conventional sense. However, Puerto Williams, while smaller, is officially recognized as a city within Chile.
The debate also hinges on the inclusion of settlements and military bases. Some argue that certain Argentinian research stations are further south than Puerto Williams, but these are not considered permanent, inhabited cities. “
Implications and National Pride
Boric’s intervention signals a renewed commitment to asserting Chile’s territorial and symbolic claims. The issue, while seemingly minor, taps into a deep vein of national identity and historical rivalry between the two countries. A senior official stated that the President’s response was intended to “set the record straight” and reaffirm Chile’s position on the international stage.
The controversy is likely to continue, fueled by national pride and differing interpretations of geographic definitions. However, Boric’s clear and direct statement leaves little doubt about Chile’s unwavering belief that Puerto Williams rightfully holds the title of the world’s southernmost city.
