Cool Facts
Chile's beating heart. Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile, serving as the center of government, business, and culture for the whole country.
Sandwiched by mountains. The city sits in a valley between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west, creating a natural bowl-shaped home for the city.
High-altitude city. Most of Santiago sits between 500 and 650 meters (about 1,600 to 2,100 feet) above sea level, making it a mountain-elevation city even though it's in a valley.
Home to millions. Over a third of all Chileans live in Santiago and its surrounding areas, making it one of the largest cities in all of North and South America combined.
Economic powerhouse. Santiago generates around 45% of Chile's total wealth and economic output, making it the engine that drives the entire country forward.