Ñuñoa

Ñuñoa (from Mapudungun Ñuñohue, "place of yellow flowers") is a commune located in the Northeastern zone of Santiago, within the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile.

Overview
Over the years, Ñuñoa has become increasingly desirable for young urban professionals due to its appealing qualities and convenient location. This has resulted in 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.

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 amenities, including subways, banks, and shopping areas. Despite these conveniences, the commune has managed to maintain its character as a predominantly residential and peaceful area.

Demographics
Per the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Ñuñoa spans an area 16.9 sqkm in size and has 163,511 residents (73,215 male and 90,296 female), and the commune is a wholly urban area. The population dropped 5.3% (9,064 residents) from the 1992 to the 2002 censuses. The 2009 population was projected to be 149,205.

Stats

 * 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)

Notable residents

 * 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
 * Alex Deferrari, musician
 * José Luis Rosasco, writer
 * Poli Delano, writer
 * Orlando Ezquerra, musician
 * Gerardo Parra, magus Oli

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 mayor for 2016-2020 is Andrés Zarhi Troy (RN). The communal council has the following members:

Chile Vamos
 * Guido Benavides Araneda (RN)
 * José Luis Rosasco Zagal (RN)
 * Juan Guillermo Vivado Portales (IND)
 * Julio Martinez Colina (UDI)

Nueva Mayoría
 * Jaime Castillo Soto (PDC)
 * Paula Mendoza Bravo (PS)
 * Patricia Hidalgo Jeldes (PPD)
 * Alejandra Placencia Cabello (IND)

Frente Amplio
 * Emilia Ríos Saavedra (RD)
 * Camilo Brodsky Bertoni ((MA)

Ñuñoa and Providencia make up the 21st electoral district, currently represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Maya Fernández (PS) and Mayor Sabat's daughter, Marcela Sabat (RN). Ñuñoa is also part of the 8th senatorial constituency (Eastern Santiago), represented in the Senate by Carlos Montes (PS) and Manuel José Ossandón (RN).

Education
Private schools: Public 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


 * Colegio República de Costa Rica