Chile is a country in South America occupying a long and narrow coastal strip wedged between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, with a coastline that stretches over 6,435 kilometres. Chilean territory extends to the Pacific Ocean which includes the overseas territories of Juan Fernández Islands, the Sala y Gómez islands, the Desventuradas Islands and Easter Island located in Polynesia. Chile's unusual, ribbon-like shape, 4,300 km (2,672 mi) long and on average 175 km (109 mi) wide, has given it a hugely varied climate. Ranging from the world's driest desert, the Atacama in the north, a Mediterranean climate in the centre, to a snow-prone Alpine climate in the south, with glaciers, fjords and lakes. The relatively small central area dominates the country in terms of population and agricultural resources. This area also is the cultural and political center from which Chile expanded in the late 19th century. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. Currently, Chile is one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations.