Santiago is situated on the banks of the Mapocho River, which flows through the city and divides it into two parts: the historical center or “Downtown Santiago” (Spanish: el sector céntrico) on the south side of the river, and the more modern neighborhoods on the north side (Spanish: sector nororiente).
The city is the capital and largest city of Chile, as well as the most populous urban area in the country. As of 2017, the city had a population of over 6 million people, and the entire metropolitan area had a population of over 7 million.
Santiago is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful parks and green spaces. The city is also a major center for commerce, finance, and education in Chile and South America.