Santiago

Santiago, officially the city of Santiago, is the capital and largest city of Chile. It is located in central Chile, within the Santiago Metropolitan Region, in the Mapocho River valley at the foothills of the Andes.

The metropolitan area is home to about seven million people; the city proper has hundreds of thousands of residents. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, with extensive urban development and a diverse population.

Founded on February 12, 1541, by Pedro de Valdivia, it was named Santiago in honor of Saint James. It grew as the political and administrative center after Chile's independence in the early 19th century.

Today Santiago is a major financial and service hub in South America, with banks, corporate offices, and a growing tech sector. The city is served by Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport and an expanding metro system, supporting both commuter and regional travel.

Santiago hosts several universities, including Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica; cultural institutions such as the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the National Library; and diverse neighborhoods like Bellavista and Las Condes, which contribute to its cultural and economic life.

The city has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters. It sits at roughly 500–700 meters above sea level, which influences temperatures. The city faces air pollution challenges, especially in winter.