The Capitol of Chile

Santiago is the capitol of the country of Chile and one of the most important cities in South America.  Located between the Andes mountain range and the Chilean Coastal Range and is as well as being one of the major cities on the continent.   

photo credit: citizenofzozo @ photobucket.com

 Santiago GPS Coordinates

 33°26.27 S

70°39.02 W

Santiago Chile Information

The population 5.4 Million in the city proper, and is surrounded by smaller communities that put about 13 million people within its sphere of influence.

As the capital and primary economic center of the country, Santiago represents about 45% of the country’s GDP.  This city alone, if it were a country would rank as the 70rd largest economy in the world with a 97.3 million dollar economy (based on purchasing power parity), with a GDP on par with the country of Libya.

Economy

Santiago’s economy is strong enough to have attracted around 35% of the countries citizens to migrate there.   There is a strong industrial base and financial sector, although there is a moderately high level of pollution as the country strives to stay atop the charts as one of South America’s most economically competitive regions.

Major corporations which have regional headquarters in Santiago for their South American operational arms include:  
 
Reuters News
Hewlitt Packard
Proctor & Gamble
The Intel Corporation
Coca Cola
Kodak
IBM
Microsoft
Yahoo
Ford Motors

santiago at night photo credit: Ojo De Mar

Internet and Technology

 Internet connectivity in Chile is at 40% connectivity, with the majority of those internet connections being located in Santiago.   The first 4g network in South America was first tested at Santiago’s Universidad de Chile.   In reaction to slow service complaints by citizens the Government has enacted performance mandates on internet providers such as SubTel.  Generally these complaints revolved around wireless systems, although 2/3 of respondants reported being happy with the service levels that were provided.  

Cellphones are ubiquitous with an average of one per citizen, or 100% market penetration.

The Chilean government’s forward thinking approach to technological solutions is helping Santiago move to the forefront of the technological race in S. America.

    

Transport

A large percentage of the people in Santiago Chile rely on the Santiago Metro system which handles about 2.4 million passengers each day.  This extensive urban transport system has the highest capacity of any metropolitan rail system within South America.   

This transit center has provided the core for the economic system which drives the country of Chile.  The rail network is augmented by a bus system and a large number of taxi services.  

photo credit: Stephanie Rousseau

Recreation and Landmarks

Like any large city, Santiago has its share of recreational options.  For those that grow tired of the urban environment, the option of skiing in the Andes or visiting the beach are within reach for a day trip.

The city features several parks and landmarks.  Notable landmarks in Santiago and interesting places to visit while in the city.

Sports Facilities

The city itself has a number of soccer teams, several of which draw huge crowds and are internationally and regionally competitive.   As the most popular regional sport, soccer or football has a huge following and matches are a definite attraction to sports oriented visitors.  

Chilean National Stadium

photo credit: photobucket.com user joshwaa-

The largest stadium in the city is the Estadio Nacional de Chile, or the Chilean National Stadium.   With a seating capacity of 62,000 and room for another twenty five thousand spectators, it is a major sporting facility. In addition to the coliseum complex has facilities for other sports such as swimming, bmx and gymnastics.  

The stadium is used for other purposes such as political rallies, concerts and performance events that are expected to draw significant crowds.      

Slated for renovation, the President of the country has set plans in motion to make the facility the most modern stadium in the South American region.  
    

The Costanera Center

The center features the Gran Torre Costanera, the tallest building in South America and represents the face of modern Santiago Chile.  Located in the heart of the financial district, this part of the city is dedicated to the economic rise of the region and is surrounded by malls, galleries, museums, and other interesting attractions befitting the symbolic heart of the city.  

Museums and Tourist Attractions

Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Pre Columbian Art
Museum of Decorative Art

The Providencia District
 which features cinemas, art galleries and traditional theater halls

The Bellavista District which is known for its sculpture parks.

The Lost Dominicos Church is the foremost modern religious site in the region, although for those interested in the countries unique and ancient heritage it is possible to travel to more exotic locations outside of the city proper.

A number of other museums, temples and churches can be found throughout the city for those who wish to experience the cultural side of Santiago.

Travel to Santiago Chile

Travel Advisories

Travel advisories are always subject to change with any overseas destination.  The US Department of State website

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1088.html

has current travel requirements for Chile including required document s information and any current advisories as well as other helpful travel information including embassy locations.

In general, Chile has a reputation of being a highly political stable country in South America and among the most technologically advanced.   This tends to result in a positive travel experience without the concerns that may be more prevalent in less politically and economically unstable parts of the continent.

The most current consideration as of this publication are travel advisories pertaining to the aftermath of the recent major earthquakes in the region.   It is worth noting that the risk of major damages in the quake were mitigated by the governments long term strategy of encouraging tremor resistant construction.

Airline Arrivals-Santiago International Airport

Most travelers from outside the country arrive at Santiago International Airport.  Throughput of this facility is about 10 million passengers a year.  Twenty passenger airline companies and six major freight airlines are slotted there.

Sightseeing

When sightseeing in the city you naturally want to see as much as you can.  Planning your stay to accomodate a proper sightseeing itinerary is important.   As a mountain city, the natural configuration of this Latin American metropolis is fairly compact and the major sites can be seen in the course of a week of reasonably active exploration.   The city itself retains much of its historical culture which blends in with the modern face of Santiago in an intriguing mix of old and new world architecture and presentation.  

If you are making a tour of the continent, Santiago is definitely one of the cities that should be on your itinerary.

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