Santiago
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| Santiago | |
|---|---|
| Name | Santiago |
| Settlement type | Capital city |
| Coordinates | 33, 27, S, 70... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Chile |
| Subdivision type1 | Region |
| Subdivision name1 | Santiago Metropolitan Region |
| Subdivision type2 | Province |
| Subdivision name2 | Santiago Province |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 12 February 1541 |
| Founder | Pedro de Valdivia |
| Government type | Municipality |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Irací Hassler |
| Area total km2 | 641 |
| Elevation m | 570 |
| Population total | 6,257,516 |
| Population as of | 2017 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | CLT |
| Utc offset | -4 |
| Timezone DST | CLST |
| Utc offset DST | -3 |
| Postal code type | Postal code |
| Postal code | 8320000 |
| Area code | +56 2 |
| Website | www.municipalidaddesantiago.cl |
Santiago, officially Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile. It is the political, cultural, and financial center of the nation, situated in the country's central valley. Founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, the city is flanked by the majestic peaks of the Andes mountain range to the east. As a major Latin American metropolis, it serves as the headquarters for numerous national institutions, including the Central Bank of Chile and the Chilean Stock Exchange.
History
The site was originally inhabited by Picunche peoples under the Inca Empire before the arrival of Spanish forces. Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia formally founded the city on February 12, 1541, naming it Santiago del Nuevo Extremo. The early settlement faced significant attacks from Mapuche forces, including the destruction of the original city in 1541 during an uprising led by Michimalonco. Throughout the colonial period, it served as a key administrative center within the Captaincy General of Chile, part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Following the Chilean War of Independence, which featured pivotal battles like the Battle of Chacabuco, the city was declared the capital of the newly independent republic in 1818. The 20th century saw periods of significant growth and political turmoil, including the presidency of Salvador Allende and the subsequent 1973 Chilean coup d'état led by Augusto Pinochet.
Geography
The city lies in the Santiago Basin, a broad valley flanked by the main chain of the Andes to the east and the smaller Chacabuco and Cordillera de la Costa ranges to the north and west, respectively. The Mapocho River flows through the city from its source in the Andes. This topography contributes to significant environmental challenges, including occasional smog and air pollution trapped by thermal inversions. Notable natural landmarks within the metropolitan area include the San Cristóbal Hill and the nearby Maipo River basin. The region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and is seismically active, having been affected by major earthquakes such as the 1960 Valdivia earthquake and the 2010 Chile earthquake.
Demographics
With a population exceeding six million in its metropolitan area, it is one of the most populous cities in the Americas. The population is predominantly of mixed European and indigenous descent, with significant waves of immigration from Spain, Italy, Germany, and the Palestinian territories shaping its demographic profile. The primary language is Spanish, and the majority of residents adhere to Roman Catholicism, though there is a growing presence of Protestant and secular communities. Key residential and commercial districts include Providencia, Las Condes, and the historic downtown centered around Plaza de Armas.
Economy
As the economic engine of Chile, the city generates nearly half of the nation's GDP. It is a major financial hub, home to the Chilean Stock Exchange and the headquarters of numerous national and multinational corporations, including Falabella and LAN Airlines. Key economic sectors include banking, commerce, telecommunications, and professional services. The city also benefits from Chile's export-oriented economy, with strong ties to the mining industry centered on copper extraction from regions like the Atacama Desert. Important commercial centers include the Costanera Center, which features the Gran Torre Santiago, the tallest building in Latin America.
Culture
The city is a vibrant cultural center, hosting major institutions like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos. It is renowned for its literary tradition, being the birthplace of Nobel laureate poet Pablo Neruda, whose home, La Chascona, is now a museum. The annual Santiago International Film Festival and the Festival de Viña del Mar are significant cultural events. The city's performing arts scene is anchored by the Teatro Municipal de Santiago and the modern Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda. Culinary culture is highlighted by traditional dishes like empanadas and the national drink, pisco.
Government and politics
The city functions as the seat of the national government, housing the presidential office in the Palacio de La Moneda and the National Congress in the nearby port city of Valparaíso. It is administered as the Santiago Metropolitan Region, with a regional intendant appointed by the President of Chile. Local governance is divided into multiple communes, each with its own mayor and council, such as the commune of Santiago, led by Mayor Irací Hassler of the Communist Party of Chile. The city has been a focal point for national political movements and significant protests, including the 2019–2020 Chilean protests.
Category:Capitals in South America Category:Populated places established in 1541 Category:Santiago Metropolitan Region