Santiago is the capital of which country?
And the answer: Chile.
With a population of 7 million people, Santiago is one of the largest cities in the Americas. Founded in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago has been the capital city of Chile since colonial times. The Andes Mountains can be seen from throughout the city.
Chile's capital is one of the only places in the world that you can ski the Andes mountains and then spend sunset on the beach. This thriving metropolis has experienced a boom in recent decades, and has since come to represent the cultural heart of the nation and serve as its political center. Today, Santiago is one of Latin America's most modern cities.
By the late 16th century, though, Santiago was just a settlement of about 200 houses. It wasn't until much later – around the late 18th century – that Santiago began to acquire the necessary infrastructure to become a proper city. In 1818, Santiago was named the capital of the country, which spurred an outpouring of economic activity within its borders. While industry and modernization has greatly changed the face of the city, remnants of its colonial past can be seen in pockets such as the Palace of the Governors, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and various churches throughout the city.
Some of the city's best views can be seen from the Parque Metropolitano, or better known as the Cerro San Cristóbal. This park tops the third highest peak in northern Santiago, and is the city's largest public park. Check out some views from the hilltop below.
