Antofagasta
a province in northern Chile, extending the whole width of the country. Next to the sparsely inhabited Magallanes territory it is the largest province in the country, covering an area of 46,408 square miles. It was ceded by Bolivia to Chile in 1884. It is one of the richest sections of the world in the ores of precious metals. Pop. (1917) 205,662. Antofagasta, its capital and principal seaport, is the terminus of a railroad that extends to the rich mining sections in the northeast. It also ships much ore, nitrate of soda, and bullion, and contains silver-smelting works. Pop. about 60,000.