Santiago Metropolitan Region (Región Metropolitana)

Santiago is located in a valley between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. The city was founded on February 12, 1541, by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, and is considered one of the most unusual capitals in the world. The city became the capital of the country in 1818. Skyscrapers made of glass and concrete coexist here with numerous churches of the 18th century, and residents with equal pleasure wear both modern business suits and traditional Indian tribal clothes. The standard of living of the local population is one of the highest on the continent.