Ñuñoa

Ñuñoa (Spanish pronunciation: [ɲuˈɲo.a]; from Mapudungun Ñuñohue, "place of yellow flowers") is a commune located in the northeastern sector of Santiago, the capital of Chile. Bordered by Providencia to the north and west, Macul to the south, and Peñalolén and La Reina to the east, it has an area of 16.9 km². As of the 2017 census, its population stood at 208,237.

Ñuñoa
City and commune
Ñuñoa City Hall
Flag Coat of arms Map of Ñuñoa within Greater Santiago Ñuñoa Location in Chile
Coordinates (city): 33°27.5′S 70°36′W
Country	Chile
Region	Metro Santiago
Province	Santiago
Government [1] [2]
• Type	Municipal
• Mayor	Sebastián Sichel (Ind.)
Area [3]
• Total	16.9 km2 (6.5 sq mi)
Population  (2017 Census)[3]
• Total	208,237
• Estimate  (2024)[4]	266,906
• Density	12,000/km2 (32,000/sq mi)
• Urban	208,237
• Rural	0
Residents by gender [3]
• Male	95,409
• Female	112,828
Time zone	UTC-4 (CLT[5])
• Summer (DST)	UTC-3 (CLST[6])
Area code	56 +
Website	Municipality of Ñuñoa

Overview

Plaza de Ñuñoa (1902).

Over the years, Ñuñoa has become increasingly desirable for young urban professionals due to its amenities and convenient location. This has contributed to a significant population increase, with the number of inhabitants growing from 163,511 in 2002 to 208,237 in 2017, representing a 27.3% increase over fifteen years. The majority of the population belongs to the medium and upper-middle socioeconomic groups. However, the acquisition of older homes by developers and the construction of multi-dwelling units have faced criticism from long-time residents.

The commune of Ñuñoa is well-known for its bustling public services, private businesses, and comprehensive public transportation system that serves all areas of the municipality. The main hub of business activity can be found along Irarrázaval Avenue, a 6-kilometer thoroughfare that traverses the entire commune from east to west. This avenue is conveniently supported by Line 3 of the Santiago Metro.

In terms of landmarks, Ñuñoa is home to several notable sites. It is the location of Santiago's only mosque and is also home to Chile's largest sports complex and national stadium, Estadio Nacional. Additionally, Ñuñoa features two bohemian neighborhoods: Plaza Ñuñoa and Barrio Italia, with the latter being shared with the Providencia commune.^[7]

According to the 2021 Urban Life Quality Index (ICVU), Ñuñoa is considered the fourth best commune to live in within the region and the country as a whole.^[8] This recognition highlights the favorable living conditions and amenities available in the area. As the oldest municipality in the traditional east end of Santiago, Ñuñoa offers a wide range of services, including subways, banks, and shopping areas. Despite these conveniences, the commune has managed to maintain its character as a predominantly residential and peaceful area.^[9]

Panoramic view of central Ñuñoa

Demographics

According to the 2017 census of the National Statistics Institute, Ñuñoa spans an area 16.9 km² (7 sq mi) in size and has 208,237 residents (95,409 male and 112,828 female). The commune is a wholly urban area. The population grew by 27.35% (44,726 residents) from the 2002 to the 2017 censuses.^[3] The 2024 population was projected to be 266,906.^[4]

Statistics

• Average household income per capita: US$44,409 (PPP, 2006)^{[10][11][failed verification]}
• Population below poverty line: 4.3% (2006)^{[10][failed verification]}
• Regional quality of life index: 87.66, high, 1 out of 52 (2005)^{[citation needed]}
• Human Development Index: 0.860, 6 out of 341 (2003)^[12]

Notable people

• Soledad Alvear, senator
• Gutenberg Martínez, politician
• Jorge Arrate, politician
• José Balmes, painter
• Fanny Pollarolo, former deputy
• Mercedes Valdivieso, writer
• José Miguel Varas, journalist
• Fernando Villegas, writer and political commentator
• José Luis Rosasco [es], writer
• Poli Délano [es], writer

Administration

As a commune, Ñuñoa is a third-level administrative division of Chile run by a municipal council headed by a mayor elected to a four-year term of office. The current mayor for the 2024-2028 term is Sebastián Sichel Ramírez (Ind), while the communal council has the following members:

• Carlos Vega Cifuentes (REP)
• María Ximena Aros Espinoza (REP)
• Nicolás Saldivia Niklitschek (UDI)
• Guido Benavides Araneda (RN)
• Daniela Bonvallet Setti (RN)
• Verónica Chávez Gutiérrez (FA)
• Andrés Argandoña Besoaín (FA)
• Alejandra Valle Salinas (PCCh)
• Mireya Del Río Barañao (PCCh)
• Maite Descouvieres Vargas (PS)

Ñuñoa, Providencia, Santiago, Macul, La Granja, and San Joaquín make up the 10th electoral district, currently represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Gonzalo Winter (FA), Lorena Fries (FA), Emilia Schneider (FA), Alejandra Placencia (PCCh), Helia Molina (PPD), Jorge Alessandri Vergara (UDI), María Luisa Cordero (Ind./RN), and Johannes Kaiser (Ind.) for the period 2022-2026. As part of the 7th senatorial constituency (Metropolitan Region), Ñuñoa is represented in the Senate by Rojo Edwards (PSC), Luciano Cruz-Coke (EVOP), Manuel José Ossandón (RN), Fabiola Campillai (Ind.), and Claudia Pascual (PCCh) for the period 2022-2030.

Education

Private schools:

• Colegio Suizo de Santiago^[13]
• Kendal English School^[14]
• Colegio Akros
• Escuela Amaranta Gómez Regalado, founded in donated space in a community center.^[15]
• Colegio Francisco Encina
• Liceo Experimental Manuel de Salas^[16]

Public schools:

• Colegio República de Costa Rica