Santiago Capital of Chile, in central Chile on the River Mapocho, 90km (55mi) from the Atlantic coast. Founded in 1541, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1647. Most of Santiago's architecture dates from after 1850. It is the nation's administrative, commercial, and cultural centre, accounting for nearly a third of the population. Industries: textiles, pharmaceuticals, clothing, footwear. Pop. (2002 est.) 5,034,500.

Santiago (pilgrimage centre): see PILGRIMAGE (CHRISTIAN).