Chile is situated at an elevation of 520 m (1700 ft) in the country’s central valley, and administratively is a part of the Santiago Metropolitan Region. Even though Santiago is the capital, legislative bodies meet in nearby Valparaiso.

Approximately two decades of uninterrupted economic growth have transformed Santiago into one of Latin America’s most sophisticated metropolitan areas, with extensive suburban development, dozens of shopping malls, and impressive high-rise architecture. The city also boasts some of Latin America’s most spectacular infrastructure, such as the Santiago Metro and the sparkling new “Costanera Norte,” a freeway system that passes below downtown and connects the Eastern and Western extremes of the city in 15 minutes. Santiago is headquarters to many important companies and is a regionally important financial centre.