Patagonia is a vast region in the southern part of South America. It is at the border between Chile and Argentina. It is well-known for its glaciers and fjords as well as the temperate rainforests. The land is surrounded on all sides by the oceans Atlantic, Pacific, Beagle Channel. Large swathes of the land are under the control of both countries.
The name of the region, Patagonia, is derived from a native tribe named the Patagonian tribe. Rodrigo de Isla was the first European to reach the vast Patagonian plain. He visited the region in 1535. The Spanish crown had de jure jurisdiction over the region but was not keen on colonizing it. There were numerous indigenous communities that lived in the region before the 1715 boundary treaty. The Tehuelches were among these. Some indigenous groups survived the European invasion while others died. In the 18th-century, several settlements on the coast were established.
The province is divided into two regions. The territory is 90% Argentine Patagonia or Patagonia Del Sur. Chile holds the remaining 10%. There are distinct climates between the regions. The Argentine side features deserts, grasslands and the Chilean side has a more temperate Los Lagos region. The dividing line between the two regions is the Andes Mountains.
The highest mountain in the world, Cerro Chalten (also known as Monte Fitz Roy), is located in Patagonia. There are many tourists who visit this area each year. They love it as a destination for skiers, hikers, and nature lovers. Other notable landmarks are the Magallanes glacier, and the San Francisco volcano. Winter visitors should prepare for heavy snowfall.
Patagonia is also home to natural beauty. The best examples are the Andes Mountains, the glaciers, fjords and numerous lakes. There have been numerous environmental activism campaigns in the past to protect the region. These range from green tourism in the 1990s to current day. It is testament to this, that the region has been a leader in the Living Wage movement.
As well as the best known of the company's products, Patagonia has been one of the most forward thinking brands in the sports & outdoor clothing industry. The company is active in the 1% to save the planet initiative as well as a member of Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Its most recent innovation was the introduction of Worn Wear, which allows customers to take a closer look at its wares.