Which is the Southernmost City in the World?

Last Updated: Jan 27, 2026, 10:03 IST

Do you know, which is the Southernmost city in the world? This article explains how the southernmost city in the world is identified using geographic latitude and permanent settlement criteria. It clarifies common misconceptions, compares southern hemisphere locations, and outlines why research stations in Antarctica are excluded from official global classifications.

Southernmost City in the World
Southernmost City in the World

As we Know that the cities, towns, villages, military and research bases, or weather stations located more than 45 degrees South of a latitude line on it are known as the southernmost settlements of the world.

Since, Antarctica is the lies in Southern Hemisphere, and it is considered as southernmost continent of the world.

Although, Antarctica has no fixed cities, towns or villages, it has a few temporary and permanent research base and weather stations which seasonally or permanently house research or military personnel of various countries who have bases there.

Then, the question arises here that which is the Southernmost City in the World? 

So, let’s explore this article in detail to know more about Southernmost City in the World.

Which is the Southernmost City in the World?

You will be surprise that the title for Southernmost City in the World is claimed by many cities of South America.

But, as per the World Atlas, Puerto Toro, Chile is considered as the Southernmost Permanent Settlement City in the World. 

It is located on the Navarino Island’s eastern coast in Chile.

southernmost-cities

Source: amusingplanet

Why Puerto Toro, Chile is considered as the Southernmost City in the World?

Puerto Toro, Chile, stands as the most southerly permanently inhabited place on Earth, being its southernmost (550459S) as opposed to other towns or villages; however, any Antarctic research station is excluded here. 

This fishing hamlet, situated on the south side of the Navarino Island, is situated south of Puerto Williams, and the only settlement south of the 55th parallel.

  • Location: It is situated at the Antarctic division of the Province of Chile, which is located around 3,900 km south of the South Pole.

  • Permanent Settlement: It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the southernmost permanently inhabited place.

  • Comparison with Other Cities: It is often argued that, in terms of population and infrastructure, Puerto Williams (Chile) and Ushuaia (Argentina) are the southernmost cities, but Puerto Toro, which is about 15 km to the south of Puerto Williams, would be at even lower latitude.

  • Community Profile: It is a small, isolated village of about 36 to 50 people (fishermen and their families) whose main activity is the collection of centolla (southern king crab).

About Puerto Toro

Puerto Toro is an extremely small village also known as a hamlet in the east coast of Navarino Island in Chile. 

Puerto Toro belongs to Commune of Cabo de Hornos. This is in the province of the Antártica Chilena in the Magallanes y Antártica Chilena Region. 

What is special in this small community is the fact that it is the most southern location on the Earth where people dwell 24 hours in 365 days. 

There are also no other communities like the one of Puerto Toro that are below 55th parallel south  (55° S) is circle of latitude that primarily crosses from the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, and the Southernmost tip .

In 2002, there were only 36 inhabitants of Puerto Toro. Such residents mostly consist of fishermen and their families. 

According to the International Hydrographic Organization the town and port of Puerto Toro is the only Chilean port and town whose shore and waters constitute the Atlantic Ocean.

It is due to the situation with the meridian of Cape Horn (67°16′ W).

What is the Geographical Location of Puerto Toro?

Geographical Location of Puerto Toro is:

Parameters

Key Information

Location

Eastern coast of Navarino Island, southern Chile

Region / Commune

Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena / Cabo de Hornos

Nearest Town

~46 km southeast of Puerto Williams

Coordinates

55°05′S, 67°04′W

Nearby Waters

Beagle Channel

Topography

Rugged, mountainous; peaks over 1,200 m

Environment

Subantarctic woodlands (Nothofagus forests)

Regional Context

Near Cape Horn

How many Others cities can be considered as Southernmost Cities in the World?

Others cities that can be considered as Southernmost Cities in the World is:

  • Puerto Williams

  • Ushuaia

  • Punta Arenas

Comparison of Southernmost Cities and Settlements

These are the Southernmost Cities and Settlements which cane be compare from the table given below:

Location

Country

Latitude (South)

Approx. Population

Classification

Puerto Toro

Chile

55°04′

36–50

Southernmost permanent settlement

Puerto Williams

Chile

54°56′

3,000

Southernmost city (administrative)

Ushuaia

Argentina

54°48′

57,000

Southernmost large city

Punta Arenas

Chile

53°10′

127,000

Major southern city

Data Source: World Population

Conclusion

Puerto Toro is officially recognized as the world’s southernmost permanently inhabited settlement due to its extreme southern latitude and continuous civilian population. 

Although other cities like Ushuaia and Puerto Williams are bigger and more modern, the real distinction of the south is defined by geographic location, rather than by the level of population.


Prabhat Mishra
Prabhat Mishra

Executive - Editorial

    Prabhat Mishra is a Subject Matter Expert and digital journalist with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape and over 4 years of experience in education, national and international news, and current affairs. Over his tenure with top knowledge platforms like Mentorship India, IAS BABA, IAS SARTHI, and now Jagran Josh, he has a deep understanding of government exams like UPSC and State PCS, including UP and Bihar, as he has already qualified for the UPPCS 2022 Mains and Bihar 68th Mains. With his core expertise in history, polity, geography & current affairs, he specialises in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations.

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    First Published: Jan 27, 2026, 10:03 IST

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