The capital and largest city of Chile, Santiago was called Santiago del Nuevo Extremo, or Santiago of the New Frontier, by the Spanish conquerors of the region. The city is also the capital of the Metropolitan Region of Santiago. Santiago is located in central Chile in the Southern Hemisphere at an altitude of about 1,770 feet (540 meters). It lies in the fertile Central Valley in a depression formed by mountain ranges. The Andes Mountains are visible to the east of the city. The Mapocho River flows through the city in a canal. The city is subject to earthquakes. Places of interestConsidered the cultural center of Chile, Santiago has numerous historical buildings and monuments. The colonial buildings include the Palace of the Governors, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Mint, and the Consulate Tribunal. The church of San Francisco, built in 1618, is the oldest church in Santiago. Noteworthy among the city's museums are the National History Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Santiago. San Cristóbal Hill, a public park with flower gardens, winding paths, and a zoo, is a popular recreation area. EconomySantiago and its suburbs contain most of Chile's industries. The city accounts for about half the country's total manufacturing output. The main products are foodstuffs, textiles, footwear, clothing, leather, and chemicals. Santiago is also the heart of Chile's financial and banking sectors. A stock exchange and several branches of major banks and insurance companies are in the city. Grains, grapes, beans, potatoes, and tobacco are produced in the fertile region of the Central Valley. Copper deposits are also mined in neighboring areas. HistoryPicunche Indians lived in the Santiago area before the Spanish arrived. The Spanish conqueror Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541, and the Indians were placed under the rule of the Spanish settlers. The city grew slowly under Spanish rule until the early 1800s. The original city site was limited by two surrounding arms of the Mapocho River and by Santa Lucía Hill to the east. In 1810 the city covered 4 square miles (10 square kilometers) and had 35,000 inhabitants. Santiago was not severely damaged during Chile's war for independence from Spain (1810–18) because the fighting mainly took place outside the city limits. Santiago was named Chile's capital when independence was won in 1818. Thereafter the wealth of the nation flowed into the city. By the early 19th century Santiago's area had extended over 11 square miles (28 square kilometers), and its population had reached 300,000. In the mid-20th century many people moved from the countryside to the city. Population (1999 estimate), urban area, 4,640,635. |