Chile – Santiago
The capital of Chile
This city of 6.3 million, fully 40% of the Chilean population, is the largest in South America. It was named after Santiago de Extremadura in Spain.
The Andean Skyline
Santiago is dominated by the mountains that rise behind it not far away, and this creates a smog problem on certain days. This view is from the old fortress on the hill.
Metropolitan Park
At 722 hectares, Metropolitan is the largest urban park in the Americas.
Festival day
A religious festival and parade.
Worshipers wait to enter Metropolitan Cathedral
New Construction
Santiago draws wealth from mining and technology, and its concentrated population.
Palacio de la Moneda
Formerly a mint, it is the official residence of the president of Chile.
The Coup
Chile is observing the fiftieth anniversary of Augusto Piunochet’s military coup in 1973 that installed him as a replacement for the elected Salvador Allende.
Next to the Moneda, a monument to Salvador Allende.
Santiago Streets
Santiago is a lively place. L: A new hotel in the Vitacura district.
Copper
The elaborate doors of the State Bank testify to the importance of copper to the Chilean economy. It is still the world’s largest producer.