Argentina

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); its people are a fusion of diverse national and ethnic groups, with descendants of Italian and Spanish immigrants predominant.
Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals and between civilian and military factions.
After World War II, a long period of Peronist authoritarian rule and interference in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976.
Democracy returned in 1983, and numerous elections since then have underscored Argentina's progress in democratic consolidation.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

border countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay

related countries: Spain

Official Name:
República Argentina
for purposes of legislation: Nación Argentina (Argentine Nation)
short form: Argentina
int'l long form: Argentine Republic

ISO Country Code: ar

Time:
Local Time = UTC -3h

Country Calling Code: +54

Capital City: Buenos Aires (pop. 3 million)

Other Cities:
Córdoba (pop. 1 350 000), Rosario (pop. 1 158 000), Mendoza (pop. 800 000 ), Santa Fe (pop. 360 000), Mar del Plata, La Plata, Tucuman.

Government:
Type: Republic.
Independence: 9 July 1816 (from Spain). Constitution: 1 May 1853; revised August 1994.

Geography:
Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay.
Area: 2.8 million sq. km. (1.1 million sq. mi.); second-largest country in South America.
Terrain: Rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border.

Climate: Varied--predominantly temperate with extremes ranging from subtropical in the north to arid/sub- Antarctic in far south.

People:
Nationality: Argentine(s).
Population: 38 million.
GNI per capita PPP: $ 13 153 (year)
Ethnic groups: European 97%, mostly of Spanish and Italian descent; Mestizo, Amerindian or other nonwhite groups 3%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%.
Languages: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French.
Literacy (2001): 97%.

Natural resources: Fertile plains (pampas); minerals--lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron, manganese, oil, and uranium.

Agriculture products: Grains, oilseeds and by-products, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock.

Industries: Food processing, oil refining, machinery and equipment, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals.

Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Argentina in numbers
More Argentina statistical figures.