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Santiago, Chile
Santiago is the capital of Chile and its chief administrative,
industrial and commercial centre. Santiago de Chile was founded
as an outpost of the Spanish Empire in 1541. The River Mapocho
crosses the city from east to west with exceptional precipitation
in its upper reaches.
The population of Santiago's urban agglomeration grew from 1.33
million in 1950 to 2.84 million in 1970 and 4.73 million in
1990. It has 35.2% of the total population of Chile.
Processing of metals is an important part of the economic
activity of the city. Chile is one of the leading producers
and exporters of copper, and Santiago is the main administrative
and processing centre of the industry. Other important
industries include: food processing, textiles, and the
manufacture of leather products. Agricultural lands in the
country provide food stuffs for the city.
Despite these active industries in Santiago, the percentage
of households classified as "poor" increased from 29% in 1970
to 46% in 1985.
As the most urbanized, industrialized and affluent city in the
country, Santiago is faced with many problems typical of large
urban areas, namely environmental pollution. Both industry and
vehicles contribute to the severe environmental problems of the
city. Air pollution in the metropolitan area of Santiago is a
source of great concern, since the city is located in a valley
whose geographic characteristics are unfavourable for the
dispersal of air pollutants.
In an effort to reduce air pollution, the city authorities have
restricted the operation of motor vehicles, keeping one fifth
of all vehicles off the streets each weekday. Public
transportation is provided by a subway and bus system.
The collection, hauling and final disposal of solid wastes is
reported to have improved greatly in recent years. The city
has a well-designed sewage system which conveys water by means of
the main sewer to the River Mapocho. However, there are no
sewage treatment plants, and both the Mapocho and Aipo Rivers
are badly polluted with urban sewage and industrial waste water.
A Special Commission for the Decontamination of the Metropolitan
Region has been established to address these environmental
issues.
The Government of Chile now seeks a programme of
decentralization for Santiago due to its rapid and high growth
rates. The government seeks to promote out-migration to
neighbouring townships, countryside and cities, and reduce in-
migration to Santiago.
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