The End of the World
Tierra del Fuego is the end of the world. In geographical terms, it might just be. It is a small triangle of land that sits at the bottom of South America. The name means "Land of Fire." It was given the name by a famous explorer who saw the natives fires on the shore. The island is shared by Argentina and Chile. Tierra del Fuego is notable for its unique geography.
However, the land is anything but fire. It rests at the southernmost tip of South America. The average temperature for the year is 5~C. In winter, it gets much colder. Much of the temperature differences are due to altitude. Rivers of ice form on the Andes Mountains to the west. Cold rain and winds chill the flat lands to the north and east.
It is easy to talk about the land of Tierra del Fuego. The waters that surround it also are unique. They are perhaps the most important in the world. They are home to all kinds of birds. The albatross is the most well-known. There are also whales, squid, and many fish. For a few days in summer, huge schools of sardines move into this part of the world. The local people can simply walk into the water and catch them with shopping bags. Schools of fish are everywhere. They can be caught without bait. These fish are of huge economic value to the locals and to the world.
Tierra del Fuego is a rare place. In such a small space, it contains varied land features: mountains, forests, and prairies. Two great oceans meet on either side. This group of features makes it home to a huge range of wildlife. The land has very long days in summer and short days in winter. It is a unique place on earth.
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