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 (6.5 sq mi). It has 241,467 inhabitants.
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 241,467 in 2024, representing a 47% 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.
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. 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.
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.
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Demographics
As of the 2024 census, the commune has a population of 241,467, of which 46.2% are male and 53.8% are female. People under 15 years old make up 12.9% of the population, and people over 65 years old make up 14.8%. 100% of the population is urban.
Average household income per capita: US$44,409 (PPP, 2006)
Population below poverty line: 4.3% (2006)
Regional quality of life index: 87.66, high, 1 out of 52 (2005)
Human Development Index: 0.860, 6 out of 341 (2003)
Immigration
As of the 2024 census, immigrants make up 13.9% of the total population - 12.1% are from South America, 0.8% are from North America, 0.7% are from Europe, 0.2% are from Asia, 0.03% are from Africa, and 0.01% are from Oceania.
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:
Ñuñoa, Providencia, Santiago, Macul, La Granja, and San Joaquín form the 10th electoral district, which is currently represented in the Chamber of Deputies by José Antonio Kast Adriasola (REP), Hans Marowski (PNL), Jorge Alessandri Vergara (UDI), Francisco Orrego (RN), Gonzalo Winter (FA), Lorena Fries (FA), Irací Hassler (PC), and Emilia Schneider (FA) for the 2026–2030 term. 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 (PC) for the 2022-2030 term.
Sights
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.
Education
Private schools:
Colegio Suizo de Santiago
Kendal English School
Colegio Akros
Escuela Amaranta Gómez Regalado, founded in donated space in a community center.
Colegio Francisco Encina
Liceo Experimental Manuel de Salas
Public schools:
Colegio República de Costa Rica