The desert that fed the world

A journey through Chile’s far north reveals how the Atacama shaped global agriculture, redrew borders and left a political legacy that continues to resonate

TLDR

This article from Geographical magazine explores the history and impact of Chile’s Atacama Desert. It reveals how the desert's guano and nitrate reserves fueled global agriculture, influenced geopolitical conflicts, and shaped Chile's economic and political landscape. The article also highlights the harsh working conditions and social injustices faced by laborers in the nitrate industry, as well as the desert's role in scientific advancements and tourism.