Santiago, Chile
Everything You Need to Know
Flag of Santiago
History of the City
In around the year 800, nomads began to settle around the place that would eventually become Santiago. They began to farm maize, potatoes, and beans in their villages. These villages were eventually taken over by the Incas in the late 15th century. Sent by Francisco Pizarro, conquistador Pedro de Valdivia reached the valley of the Mapocho in 1540. He talked to the Indian chiefs and they reached an agreement and let him found a city on the behalf of Spain. On February 12, 1541, Valdivia officialy founded the city of Santiago.
Important Facts About Santiago
Languages Spoken
The main language of Chile is Spanish but there are still many older and traditional languages. These are spoken in kind of rural areas like around rivers and by mountains.
Natural Resources
Chile has an abundance of metals such as copper, iron ore, molybdenum, and other precious metals. Chile also has timber, nitrates, and hydropower.
Traditional Music and Dance
One of the biggest traditional dance styles, the cueca, is from Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. It was officially selected on September 18, 1979 with the status of a national dance.
Climate
Santiago has a warm, dry climate. Temparatures can reach 95 degrees on the hottest days, and around 13 degrees on the coldest.
System of Government
Chile's government is a representative democratic republic. This means that the president is both the Head of State and the Head of Government.
Population
As of 2012, the population of Santiago is about 6.3 million people.
Points of Interest
Cerro San Cristobal
Cerro San Cristobal is one of the highlights of Santiago. It is 300 meters above Santiago and is a great viewing point to see the rest of the city.
Plaza De Armas
The Plaza De Armas is the heart of Santiago. The Plaza is massive and there are fountains and sculptures within it. There are also huge buildings on both sides.
Metropolitan Cathedral
One place to go in Santiago Chile is The Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral was planned in 1541 but built in 1748 – 1800. The renovating and remolding was finally finished in 2005. The Metropolitan Cathedral is known as one of the most beautiful Spanish Cathedral.
La Moneda
This is the seat of the President of the republic of Chile. It is also the house of the offices of the three cabinet ministers. The construction started in 1784 and ended in 1805. It became the presidential residence in 1845, and coins were produced there until 1929.