Santiago de Chile
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Santiago (Santiago de Chile) is Chile's capital and, when viewed as a
conurbation (Greater Santiago), its largest city. It is situated at an
elevation of 520 m (1700 ft) in the country's central valley. Although Santiago
is the capital, legislative bodies meet in nearby Valparaíso.
Throughout this article the term Santiago will normally refer to the Greater
Santiago area, however, there are several other entities which bear the name of
Santiago and need to be explained. The municipality (or comuna) of Santiago
(sometimes referred to as Santiago Centro), is a subdivision of the Santiago
Province which itself is a subdivision of the Santiago Metropolitan Region. The
municipality is administered by the Municipality of Santiago (Municipalidad de
Santiago) which is a separate legal entity with an elected mayor and council.
It encompasses the oldest part of Greater Santiago, including downtown, and
houses all major government infrastructure, including the government palace La
Moneda. It has an area of 22.4 km² and a population of 200,792 (2002 census).
The majestic Andean Mountain Range can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
Santiago is one of the few capital cities in the world which has easy access
both to ski slopes, just 50 kms. away, and beaches, 100 kms. away.
It is possible to visit the modern ski resorts as well as the famous beach
resort of Viña del Mar or picturesque Valparaiso, Chile's main port, in just
one day.
Numerous villages located in the countryside around Santiago invite the visitor
to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of countrylife. Tourists may also
visit the vineyards and try the delicious wines.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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If you were trying to find out information about Santiago (Dominican
Republic),
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