Founded in 1883 by immigrants from Croatia and Chiloe during a minor nineteenth century gold rush, Porvenir is the capital of the Chilean province of Tierra del Fuego , located at 53:17:45S, 70:21:53W. It is a small town of 5,400 inhabitants and several thousand soldiers. Nonetheless, it is by far the largest settement in the Chilean half of Tierra del Fuego.

The main industries are sheep farming and small scale fishing (wrecks in Porvenir bay have prevented larger vessels from mooring). The presence of a regiment of the Chilean army is a valuable additional source of income. Porvenir hosts a high security prison and an abattoir, which, however is only open for short periods of the year.

Some gold deposits remain and are commerically exploited. Porvenir also gives access to Cerro Sombrero , an oil town, 125 kilometres east of Porvenir.

Tourism

The development of tourism in Tierra del Fuego has largely favoured Argentina. The Argentinian town of Ushuaia offers easier access to the mountainous scenery and fly fishing that attract most tourists, as well as being a more convenient starting point for tours to Antarctica.

Most tourists pass Porvenir by, or use it as a stopover on their way south. There are two hotels, and a few bars. Access is by ferry or by air from Punta Arenas.

It is possible to reach the south of Chilean Tierra del Fuego from Porvenir. The southern region boasts several lakes and rivers available for fishing.