Santiago

Santiago

Introduction

Santiago is the fourth-largest city. Located in central Chile, it faces the Mapocho River to the front, borders the Andes Mountains to the east, and is about 185 kilometers west of the port of Valparaíso. It covers an area of 13,308 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of 600 meters. The climate is dry and mild in summer, cool and rainy or foggy in winter. The population is 6.06 million (2002), founded in 1541. After the Battle of Maipú (a decisive battle in Chile's war of independence) in 1818, it became the capital.

In the 19th century, it developed rapidly after the discovery of silver mines. Later, it was repeatedly damaged by natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, and its historic buildings were completely destroyed. Today’s Santiago has become a modern city with a picturesque urban landscape. Palm trees sway throughout the year. The 230-meter-high San Cristóbal Hill near the city center is a famous scenic spot. In the northeastern corner of the city stands the 1,000-meter-high San Cristóbal Mountain, atop which is a giant marble statue of the Virgin Mary, a major local attraction. The main street of Santiago, Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, is 3 kilometers long and 100 meters wide, running through the entire city. Lined with shaded trees, the street features fountains and vividly sculpted bronze statues at short intervals. At the western end of the avenue is Plaza de la Liberación, nearby are Plaza de la Constitución, and on the eastern side of the avenue is Plaza Baquedano. The city center includes Plaza de las Armas. In the urban and suburban areas, there are Catholic churches, cathedrals, post offices, city halls; the historic University of Chile, Catholic University, National Institute, the largest library in South America (with a collection of 1.2 million volumes), history museum, national art gallery, as well as parks, zoos, and historical sites. Nearly 54% of the country’s industry is concentrated here. The suburbs are irrigated by water from the Andes, supporting advanced agriculture, and this region is also the national hub for land and air transportation.

Santiago, Chile