Home Our Poder What Makes Santiago de Chile the Smartest City in Latin America? 

What Makes Santiago de Chile the Smartest City in Latin America? 

Santiago de Chile has emerged as Latin America’s smartest city, according to a recent ranking by IESE Cities in Motion (ICIM), placing 91st globally. This ranking, which measures sustainability, innovation, and quality of life, has positioned Santiago above regional capitals like Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Mexico City.  

Why Santiago de Chile Is So Smart

While the Chilean capital scored highly in governance and economy, it was in mobility and transportation where the city particularly shone, ranking 44th. Since 2023, 30 percent of Santiago’s public transport has been electric, a shift that has garnered widespread praise. This transition is especially significant for improving commute times for low-income residents who live far from work, while also reducing noise pollution and improving air quality, an issue Santiago struggles with, especially during the winter months. 

ICIM’s ranking highlights that a smart city is one that can navigate the challenges of climate change and increasing urbanization with innovative solutions. Santiago is making significant strides in this direction, leading Latin America in sustainable transport. The city’s electric buses and newly constructed metro lines have transformed daily commutes, cutting down travel times from peripheral areas such as La Granja, San Ramón, and La Pintana. With over 2,400 electric buses — the largest fleet outside China — Santiago is setting a global standard, incorporating features like air conditioning, security cameras, Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and universal accessibility. 

Even though Santiago leads in transportation, other Latin American capitals have made advances in different areas. Buenos Aires excels in urban planning, international projection, and human capital development, with Montevideo, Mexico City, and Panama rounding out the top five smartest cities in the region. Yet, despite these advancements, Latin American cities still lag behind global leaders like London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Berlin in terms of urban intelligence. These cities have set the bar with efficient mobility, renewable energy use, proper waste management, and robust digital connectivity. 

Santiago’s example is proof that Latin American cities can be global leaders in smart urban solutions, pushing forward with transformative projects that benefit both people and the planet. 

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