Coastal development in Chilean Mediterranean climate, difficulties in territory use  <B>Coastal development in Chilean Mediterranean climate, difficulties in territory use</B><P>H. SantisArenas and M. GangasGeisse</B><I><P> Institute of Geography, Pontifical Catholic of Chile University, Santiago, Chile</I><P> Abstract<P> The social and economic development in the Chilean coastal areas, characterized by temperate climate of Mediterranean type, it has been seen limited by several difficulties in use of the territory. A meaningful aspect in land use are five developments periods. The knowledge and analysis of each stage permits to identify advantages and disadvantages in the resources use that offers the nature and in the spatial organization assigned by the inhabitants of area. To beginnings of the century, development of the area finds explanation in the agricultural and cattle raising activities. The spatial organization was explained by the road network and the port facilities of San Antonio. The cityport was the point to reap wheat and dries meat for exports toward Peru and Ecuador, including also regions of Chilean Northern part. In the second decade of the century, attending coal needs of Santiago industries, national government impelled port facilities construction and the installation of a railway to join San Antonio and state capital. Such project was completed in the third decade of the century. The railway opened the are to tourism development in summer period. Were organized resorts near railway stations, such those of Llolleo, San Antonio and Cartagena. This meant to open this activities a coastal strip fifty kilometers length. In the decade of '60s and '70s years, the permanent population impelled development of road network connected to national and regional systems. The permanent inhabitants thought in attracting more and more tourists during summer season. The provincial roads network was connected to SantiagoValparaiso Highway from Algarrobo. During '80s years the provincial roads network was opened toward the Souhteast and the South. Now the port of San Antonio offered its facilities to fruit export from Southern O'Higgins and Maule regions. The purpose of the contribution is to identify activities and resources in the area without breaking the balance among the several factors that explain economic prosperity in the previous years. The sustainable development is the matter that delineates the facilities and infrastructures qualification for a floating population of 1,5 million peoples during summer period, in front of a permanent population of 115,000 inhabitants in 1995.<P>