| Santiago Metropolitan Region Región Metropolitana de Santiago (RM) |
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| — Region of Chile — | |||
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| Map of Santiago Metropolitan Region | |||
| Country | Chile | ||
| Capital | Santiago | ||
| Provinces | Santiago, Chacabuco, Cordillera, Maipo, Melipilla, Talagante | ||
| Government | |||
| • Intendant | Fernando Echeverría (RN) | ||
| Area[1] | |||
| • Total | 15,403.2 km2 (5,947.2 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | 15 | ||
| Highest elevation | 6,570 m (21,555 ft) | ||
| Population (2002)[1] | |||
| • Total | 6,061,185 | ||
| • Rank | 1 | ||
| • Density | 393.5/km2 (1,019.2/sq mi) | ||
| ISO 3166 code | CL-RM | ||
Santiago Metropolitan Region or simply Metropolitan Region (Spanish: Región Metropolitana de Santiago) is one of Chile's 15 first order administrative divisions. It is the country's only landlocked administrative region and contains the nation's capital, Santiago. Most commercial and administrative centers are located in the region, including Chile's main international airport, Arturo Merino Benítez.
With an area of 15,403.2 km2 (5,947 sq mi) and population over 6 million, it is Chile's smallest, most populated and most densely populated region. It is also the country's only region that does not have a Roman numeral identifier.
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The region's history of European influence started in 1542,[1] a few days after Santiago was founded. When the Santiago cabildo was built, its function was to supervise the entire territory. Later, with the creation of the cities of La Serena and Concepción and the creation of their respective cabildos, its territorial reach was reduced.
On August 30, 1826, 8 provinces were created, with the Santiago Province being one of them, but it wasn't until 1980 that the Metropolitan Region was created.
Metropolitana is Chile's only landlocked region and lies in the Intermediate Depression valley between the Chilean Coast Range and the Andes mountains. Cerro San Cristóbal dominates the sprawling Santiago cityscape at a height of 880 m (2,887 ft) above sea level with city suburbs steadily climbing the foothills of the Andes to the east. The Tupungato stratovolcano, measures 6,570 m (21,555 ft) on the Argentine border, is one of South America's highest peaks.
The dominant drainage basin feeds into the Mapocho River; its main tributaries are the Maipo, Yeso and Colorado rivers.[1]
The region's warm, temperate climate prevails with long, dry periods. At higher elevations, temperatures drop and rainfall increases.[1]
The region's principal industries include manufacturing, services, retail, and financial services. The capital of Santiago serves as the country's administrative, industrial, commercial, financial and cultural center, producing 41.5% of Chile's gross domestic product, according to central bank estimates. The Plaza de Armas, the central square in downtown Santiago, hosts the city's cathedral and city hall. Eight city blocks around the presidential palace, La Moneda, are where most ministries, services and commercial banks can be found. Vitacura and El Golf host most of the city's high-rise buildings and are also home to the Latin American headquarters of several United Nations organizations.[1] Though Santiago's expansion has caused newer vineyards to more rural locations, many of the country's oldest wineries, built in the 19th century, have preserved cellars in the valley.[1]
The region is divided into 6 provinces, which are themselves divided into 52 communes. The region is governed by the intendant, who is assigned by the president. In 2008, Igor Garafulic replaced Álvaro Erazo as the region's intendant. The administration of each commune resides on the respective municipality.
The region's representatives in the Senate are:
| Political and administrative divisions of the Santiago Metropolitan Region | |
| Province | Capital | Communes |
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| Chacabuco | Colina | |
| Cordillera | Puente Alto | |
| Maipo | San Bernardo |
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| Melipilla | Melipilla |
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| Santiago | Santiago |
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| Talagante | Talagante |
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