Greater Valparaíso (Gran Valparaíso) is the third largest metropolitan area in Chile, after Greater Santiago, and Greater Concepción. It takes this name after the city of Valparaíso, the oldest city of the group and the most important harbour in Chile. Its total population was 803,683 at the 2002 census and it is estimated to be 892,143 in 2008.
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The agglomeration is composed of several communes (Spanish: comunas), and each is governed by its respective municipality:
These communes have the following characteristics:
Gran Valparaíso also has the third largest concentration of universities in Chile. Besides the Traditional Universities, it has several private institutions, including Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Universidad Andres Bello, and Universidad del Mar.
There is a metro system which serves most of the communes in the conurbation: The Gran Valparaíso Metro System
The area is a major tourist draw due to the internationally important Viña del Mar Musical Festitval, its balnearios (beaches and resorts), and the world's largest pool San Alfonso del Mar in Algarrobo.
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