Interesting Facts About The Capital of Chile

Capital of Chile

How much do you know about the capital of Chile?  In the 19th century, the Chilean government declared Santiago the nation’s capital city.

The city was originally founded as Santiago de la Nueva Extremadura in honor of Saint James

The bustling city of Santiago is home to over 6 million people, making it the most populous city in the country, and one of the most populous cities in South America as well.

Here are 10 facts about this massive metropolitan South America capital that might surprise you.

1) Santiago is a global city

Santiago, the capital city of Chile, is a major cultural center for Latin America. With its European immigrants, indigenous people, and southernmost location in South America it’s home to much natural beauty and natural resources.

Santiago has a long history of Spanish conquistadors influencing the region and is currently home to the Chilean government. This major global city was founded in the 16th century and today has a population of 6 million.

It’s also one of the largest cities in South America with over 5 million inhabitants as well as being the driest desert on Earth.

Santiago is a major center for banking, business, culture, politics, education, multimedia development, and research.

2) The region is home to mega national parks

Santiago, located in south-central Chile, is home to mega national parks like the Torres del Paine National Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its natural beauty and for the opportunities it offers for trekking and skiing.

In addition, the area boasts several other scenic attractions such as Volcan Villarrica and Lago Yelcho, which are popular destinations for hikers, skiers, swimmers, and kayakers alike.

3) Santiago was built in the central valley

The city was built in the central valley in the 19th century and was named Santiago del Nuevo Extremo. It is now one of the largest cities in Chile Santiago de Chile and has a Chilean population of 6 million people.

Santiago de Chile is located in south-central Chile, which is on the border between Argentina and Bolivia. You can know about the language of Bolivia here.

4) Pre-Columbian cultures grew here

Chile has been inhabited by the indigenous Mapuche, Quechua, and Atacameño cultures before it was invaded by Spain in the 16th century.

In the 19th century, it became one of the southernmost countries in South America after achieving independence from Spanish colonial rule.

It is bordered on the north by Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina and on the south by Ecuador and both oceans. Its population is 16 million with a Chilean peso being worth about $600 US dollars.

5) Seismic faults run through the city

The Chilean population is 5,733,722 people as of 2010. Seismic faults run through the city, producing several earthquakes each year.

Santiago is home to one-third of the country’s population and is the only South American city with a million inhabitants. Known as Santiago el Mayor in colonial times, today it has earned its nickname Chile’s big kitchen.

With a dry climate and good sunlight throughout much of the year, Santiago was chosen by NASA as one of three sites in Latin America for solar observations when their international observatory project began in the 19th century.

Interestingly, Santiago still makes it into the list of these Latin America sites till today.

6) Santiago is home to the Spanish fort, Fuerte San Miguel

Santiago is home to the Spanish fort, Fuerte San Miguel. It was one of the first buildings erected in Santiago by Spanish settlers and was initially used by indigenous people to protect themselves from American natives.

Santiago is a historic landmark and a popular tourist attraction. It is located next to Plaza de Armas in downtown Santiago.

7) Cerro San Cristóbal offers stunning views of Santiago

Cerro San Cristóbal is one of the most popular destinations in Santiago. Located at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level, it offers stunning views over the city and the Andes mountains. It’s a steep climb up to get there but well worth it for the incredible view.

8) There are many museums and galleries in Santiago

Many museums and galleries are in Santiago. Museo de Bellas Artes de Santiago is one of the largest art museums in Latin America and has collections that span four centuries and over twenty countries.

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, National Museum of Fine Arts, and Cerro Santa Lucía are a few of the many rich museums in Santiago and throughout Latin America.

9) Artisan markets are popular in Santiago

Artisan markets are popular in Santiago, Chile. There is an artisan market that is open every Sunday in the Plaza de Armas.

Some of the things you can find at these markets include handmade jewellery, paintings, and clothes.

10) Santiago has over 70 kilometers of beaches

Santiago de Chile is a coastal city, so it has plenty of beaches! Santiago has over 70 kilometers worth. Plus, the water is nice and clean. Some beaches are better for surfing, some are better for families, and others are great for swimming.

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