Santiago lies in Chile's Central Valley, ~120 km (75 mi) southeast of the Pacific and ~100 km (62 mi) east of the Andes. The Mapocho River splits the city: historic downtown south of the river, modern neighborhoods north.
Capital and largest city; metro population >7 million (2017). Major cultural, commercial, financial, educational hub for Chile and South America. Known for parks, arts, vibrant culture.