Juan Fernandez Archipelago
The Juan Fernandez Archipelago (Archipiélago Juan Fernández) off the coast of central Chile, includes the islands of Robinson Crusoe (Róbinson Crusoe,) Alexander Selkirk (Alejandro Selkirk,) and smaller surrounding islands and islets and has an area of 185.00²km. It belongs to Valparaiso or 5th Region (Valparaíso; 5ta Región). Population: (2002) 630; (2004) 340
The only populated island is Robinson Crusoe with a population of mostly lobster catchers. They are Spanish speakers of Chilean origin.
The archipelago is somewhat of a tourist attraction because it is believed to be the place that inspired the book Robinson Crusoe, where people can visit the alleged cave where the Crusoe was stranded. It is also subject to a decreasing population; mainly youth migrating to mainland Chile for better opportunities and less of an isolated life; A growing trend for many small Chilean townspeople to large urban centers, especially to Santiago.
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