Atacama

(a ˙ -ta ˙ -kä'ma ˙ ), a desert region on the west coast of S. America belonging to Chile, partly in the province of Atacama, partly in the territory of Ant of agast a. It mainly consists of a plateau extending from Copiapó northward to the River Loa, and lies between the Andes and the sea. It forms the chief nitrate district of Chile, there being also rich silver-mines, while gold is also found, as well as argentiferous lead, copper, nickel, cobalt, and iron; with guano on the coast. The northern portion belonged to Bolivia until 1904. The Chilian province of Atacama has an area of 30,711 sq. miles, and a pop. of 63,893.