Chile is a long, narrow country located along the western edge of South America. It stretches over 4,300 kilometers from north to south but is only about 177 kilometers wide on average. The country is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east, creating a diverse range of climates and landscapes. The northern region features the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, while the central area has a Mediterranean climate, ideal for agriculture. In the south, the landscape becomes more rugged, with fjords, glaciers, and the Patagonian region, known for its stunning natural beauty.