The outline of the city extends longitudinally from north to south, and its historic center has been called "Typical Zone" (Zona Típica).

[2] According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Putaendo spans an area of 1,474.4 km2 (569 sq mi) and has 14,649 inhabitants (7,344 men and 7,305 women).

As a commune, Putaendo is a third-level administrative division of Chile, administered by a municipal council, which is headed by a directly elected alcalde.

The council has the following members:[1] Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Putaendo is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Marco Antonio Núñez (PDC) and Gaspar Rivas (RN) as part of the 11th electoral district, together with Los Andes, San Esteban, Calle Larga, Rinconada, San Felipe, Santa María, Panquehue, Llaillay and Catemu.

The commune is represented in the Senate by Ignacio Walker Prieto (PDC) and Lily Pérez San Martín (RN) as part of the 5th senatorial constituency (Valparaíso-Cordillera).