Arica is a port city and commune located in the Arica y Parinacota Region of northern Chile. It serves as the capital of both the Arica Province and its respective region. With a population of 241,653, it is recognized as Chile's northernmost city, situated just 18 km (11 mi) south of the Peruvian border.
The city is geographically positioned at the bend of South America's western coast, an area known as the Arica Bend or Arica Elbow. It sits at the convergence of two valleys that dissect the Atacama Desert: the Azapa and Lluta valleys. These specific valleys are notable for providing citrus and olives for export.