What is the capital of Chile?

The capital of Chile is Santiago. Also called Santiago de Chile, it is the country’s largest city and the centre of the Santiago Metropolitan Region.

Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago on 12 February 1541 in the Mapocho Valley. He named it Santiago del Nuevo Extremo in honour of Saint James, the patron saint of Spain. The original settlement followed a grid plan centred on what is now the Plaza de Armas.

Santiago’s location between the Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range has shaped its history and character. The surrounding mountains provide a striking backdrop, while the enclosed basin can trap air pollution. Earthquakes, including a devastating one in 1647, repeatedly damaged the city but did not dislodge its political importance.

The city became firmly established as Chile’s capital during the colonial period and remained the political centre through the independence era. A common mix-up is confusing Santiago with Valparaíso, Chile’s historic port city and legislative seat; national government ministries and the presidency are based in Santiago.