# Arica

> city of Chile

**Wikidata**: [Q2203](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2203)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arica)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arica

## Summary
Arica is a city in northern Chile, serving as the capital of the Arica y Parinacota Region. Founded in 1541, it was originally part of Peru before being ceded to Chile in 1880. The city is known for its strategic location on the Pacific coast and its role as a major port.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded in 1541.
- **Area**: 43.51 square kilometers (as of 2017).
- **Population**: 202,131 (as of 2017 census).
- **Country**: Part of Chile since June 7, 1880; previously part of Peru (1821–1880).
- **Coordinates**: Located at latitude -18.478389 and longitude -70.321222.
- **Timezone**: UTC−04:00.
- **Elevation**: 2 meters above sea level.
- **Postal Code**: 1000000.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 58.
- **Website**: [muniarica.cl](https://www.muniarica.cl/) (in Spanish).
- **Located in**: Arica Province and Arica y Parinacota Region.
- **Located near**: Pacific Ocean.
- **Instance of**: City in Chile, big city.
- **Aliases**: Arica (1540–1929), Peruvian Arica, Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera.
- **Flag Image**: [Bandera_de_Arica.svg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Bandera_de_Arica.svg).
- **Coat of Arms**: [Escudo_de_Arica.svg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Escudo_de_Arica.svg).
- **Images**: Includes cathedral, banner, and montage images on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Identifiers**: GND ID 4841992-8, VIAF ID 157119091, FAST ID 1215750, Geonames ID 3899361.
- **UN/LOCODE**: CLARI.
- **OpenStreetMap Relation ID**: 269826.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Arica (available in multiple languages).
- **Described by**: Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary, Sytin Military Encyclopedia, Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition.
- **Twinned with**: Eilat, La Paz, Artigas, Bressuire, Arequipa, Tulcán, Tacna.

## FAQs
**What is the significance of Arica’s location?**
Arica is strategically located on the Pacific coast, making it a key port for Chile and a historic site of conflict between Chile and Peru.

**When did Arica become part of Chile?**
Arica was ceded to Chile from Peru on June 7, 1880, after the War of the Pacific.

**What is the population of Arica?**
As of the 2017 census, Arica had a population of 202,131.

**What are some notable landmarks in Arica?**
Notable landmarks include the Catedral de San Marcos I and the Arica Banner.

**What is the timezone of Arica?**
Arica operates on UTC−04:00.

## Why It Matters
Arica holds historical significance as a former Peruvian territory and a key site in the War of the Pacific. Its strategic location on the Pacific coast has made it a vital port for Chile, facilitating trade and military operations. The city’s transition from Peru to Chile in 1880 marked a pivotal moment in regional geopolitics. Today, Arica remains an important economic and cultural hub, blending its colonial past with modern development.

## Notable For
- **Strategic Importance**: Arica’s coastal location has made it a critical port for Chile.
- **Historical Conflict**: Site of the War of the Pacific (1879–1884) between Chile and Peru.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Home to landmarks like the Catedral de San Marcos I.
- **Economic Hub**: Serves as a key trade and transportation center in northern Chile.
- **Unique Aliases**: Nicknamed "Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera" (City of Eternal Spring) due to its mild climate.

## Body
### Geography
Arica is situated at latitude -18.478389 and longitude -70.321222, with an elevation of 2 meters above sea level. The city covers an area of 43.51 square kilometers, as recorded in 2017. It is located near the Pacific Ocean, which has historically influenced its economic and strategic importance.

### History
Founded in 1541, Arica was initially part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. After the War of the Pacific, it was ceded to Chile on June 7, 1880. The city has been known by various names, including "Arica (1540–1929)" and "Peruvian Arica," reflecting its shifting political boundaries.

### Demographics
As of the 2017 census, Arica had a population of 202,131. The city is part of the Arica Province and serves as the capital of the Arica y Parinacota Region.

### Governance
Arica is governed by the Municipality of Arica, accessible via its official website in Spanish. The city’s postal code is 1000000, and its local dialing code is 58.

### Culture and Landmarks
Arica features notable landmarks such as the Catedral de San Marcos I and the Arica Banner. The city’s flag and coat of arms are officially recognized, with images available on Wikimedia Commons.

### Identifiers and References
Arica is referenced by various identifiers, including GND ID 4841992-8, VIAF ID 157119091, and FAST ID 1215750. It is also listed in Geonames as ID 3899361 and has a UN/LOCODE of CLARI.

### International Relations
Arica is twinned with several cities, including Eilat, La Paz, Artigas, Bressuire, Arequipa, Tulcán, and Tacna. These partnerships reflect its role in regional and international networks.

### Media and Representation
Arica is described in multiple encyclopedias, including the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary and the Sytin Military Encyclopedia. It is also featured in the Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition.

### Digital Presence
Arica’s Wikipedia page is available in numerous languages, and it has a presence on platforms like Facebook and Google Play. The city’s locator map and commons gallery are available on Wikimedia Commons.

### Notable Events
The Siege of Savage's Old Fields is a notable event associated with Arica, reflecting its historical military significance. The city’s elevation and strategic location have made it a key site in regional conflicts.

### Educational and Research References
Arica is referenced in academic and research databases, including the National Library of Brazil, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and the Encyclopedia of China. It is also listed in the Great Russian Encyclopedia Online.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [2017 Chile census](http://geoine-ine-chile.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/publicaciones)
5. GeoNames
6. BBC Things
7. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/cl.htm)
8. 2002 census of Chile
9. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)