Argentina
| Argentina | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | Country |
| Demographics | ~45 million, highly urbanized, mixed European and indigenous heritage |
| Governance | Federal presidential republic with 23 provinces and Buenos Aires City |
| Related | South America; MERCOSUR; Spanish language |
| Domain | Geography and society |
| Culture | Tango; mate; football |
| History | Spanish colonization; 1816 independence; dictatorship era and 1983 return to democracy |
| Economy | Agriculture, energy, services |
| Overview | Southern South American nation from Andes to Atlantic, temperate to subpolar climates, biodiverse landscapes |
| Key terms | Pampas; Andes; Buenos Aires |
| Wikidata | Q414 |
Argentina is a country in South America, covering much of the southern part of the continent. Its official name is the Argentine Republic. With an area of about 2.78 million square kilometers, Argentina is the world’s eighth-largest nation by land area. It is bordered to the west by Chile along the Andes Mountains, to the north by Bolivia and Paraguay, to the northeast by Brazil and Uruguay, and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. The capital city, Buenos Aires, sits on the southeastern coast. Argentina’s population is roughly 47 million (2025 estimate), and its official language is Spanish. The country is largely urban (over 90% of residents live in cities, especially in the Greater Buenos Aires area). Argentina is known for its rich natural landscapes and cultural traditions such as tango music and dance, its beef and agriculture, and its passionate football (soccer) culture.
Geography and Climate
Argentina’s geography is extremely diverse. The country has a roughly triangular shape, wide in the north and narrowing toward Tierra del Fuego in the south. It stretches about 3,800 km (2,360 miles) from north to south and about 1,420 km (880 miles) from east to west at its widest. The northern half of Argentina includes parts of the Amazon basin and the Gran Chaco region – a hot, subtropical lowland with thorny forests and seasonal flooding. Mesopotamia in the northeast lies between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers and is home to subtropical rainforests (including the famous Iguazú Falls on the border with Brazil and Paraguay). In the center of the country lies the Pampas: vast grassy plains stretching to the Atlantic coast. These flat fertile lands are the country’s agricultural heartland, supporting cattle ranching and grain crops. To the west, along the Chilean border, runs the Andes mountain range. The Andes in Argentina include South America’s highest peak, Aconcagua (nearly 6,960 meters). These high Andes have alpine conditions, volcanoes, and glacial lakes. Farther south, Patagonia extends from roughly the Colorado River to the Strait of Magellan. Patagonia is a windy, mostly arid plateau cut by occasional mountain ranges and glaciers, with weather moderated by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It includes the Lake District in the northwest, with deep glacial lakes and forested valleys, and the Bekaa steppe of the far south. Argentina also claims a sector of Antarctica and several Atlantic islands, including the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands.
This geography produces a wide range of climates. Most of Argentina lies in the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere. The north has a subtropical climate (hot and humid with summer rains), while the central and eastern Pampas have a temperate climate with hot summers and cool winters. The far north (provinces like Formosa and Misiones) can see tropical air masses and occasional rainforests. The central Andes and heights experience alpine and even polar conditions at very high elevations. Patagonia is mostly cold-temperate to subpolar; the southern tip has strong westerly winds and cool summers. The eastern coast can be humid, but much of western Argentina (especially the Monte Desert in San Juan and Mendoza provinces, and the Patagonian plateau) is semiarid to arid. Precipitation generally comes from the east, so the eastern Pampas and parts of Mesopotamia receive abundant rains, whereas the rain shadow of the Andes and the deserts of Patagonia get much less rainfall. Average temperatures stay well above freezing most of the year, as Argentina’s southern position is moderated by the nearby oceans; southern Argentina rarely gets as cold as continental lands at similar latitudes. The range of climates – from hot subtropical to near-polar – contributes to Argentina’s ecological diversity.
Population and Demographics
Argentina’s people are predominantly of European descent. Large waves of immigrants, especially from Spain and Italy, settled Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a result, today roughly 90% of Argentines are of full or mixed European ancestry. Mestizo (mixed European–indigenous) and indigenous populations make up smaller portions, while other groups include people of African, Jewish, Middle Eastern, and Asian heritage. The largest ethnic minority is the indigenous peoples, who historically lived across the land but currently make up a few percent of the population; indigenous communities like the Quechua, Mapuche, and Guaraní still exist mainly in the north and the Andes.
Spanish is the official language and is spoken by nearly everyone. Argentina’s Spanish has a distinctive accent and some unique vocabulary influenced by Italian immigration. A few minority languages are legally recognized in provinces (for example, Guaraní in Corrientes Province and some Mapuche or Quechua in the northwest), and there are also pockets of communities speaking Italian, German, Welsh or other languages. Roman Catholicism is the largest religion (most people are at least nominally Catholic), though Argentina’s society is largely secular and diverse. Other religions such as Protestantism, Judaism, Islam, and folk indigenous beliefs are present to varying degrees.
The population of Argentina is very urbanized and relatively young. Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city, has a metropolitan population of over 17 million, roughly one-third of the country. Other major cities are Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, Tucumán, and La Plata, each with several hundred thousand to a few million people. Over 90% of Argentines live in cities or towns; the rural population is small and scattered. Life expectancy is around the mid to upper 70s, and literacy is high (around 98%). Population growth is slow or modest in recent years due to lower birth rates; like many countries, Argentina has an aging trend, though still with a large working-age population compared to elders and children.
History
Argentina’s history begins with indigenous peoples who lived on the plains, mountains, and forests before the 16th century. Those included hunter-gatherer groups in Patagonia and the pampas, and agricultural groups in the north and Mesopotamia. In the 16th century, Argentine territory became part of the Spanish Empire. Initially, it was governed as part of the Viceroyalty of Peru; in 1776 Spain created the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata with Buenos Aires as its capital, separating it from Peru. Under Spanish rule, the economy centered on trading cattle hides (silver was only found in legend/polemics). Indigenous and African-descended populations were exploited by the colonial authorities.
At the beginning of the 19th century, independence movements grew. In 1816, leaders from various provinces declared independence from Spain in Tucumán. José de San Martín and others led armies that liberated Argentina and then marched to help free Chile and Peru from Spanish rule. By 1818–1825, the core of modern Argentina was free of colonial rule, though internal political unity was still unsettled. Throughout the 19th century, Argentina underwent civil struggle between centralist governments (favoring strong federal control) and federalist (provincial autonomy) factions. Caudillos (regional strongmen) like Juan Manuel de Rosas dominated much of politics before being overthrown in 1852. A new constitution (1853) established a federal republic. By the late 1800s, the country was transformed by massive European immigration, railroad-building, and export agriculture. This “Golden Age” (1880s–1920s) made Buenos Aires a cosmopolitan city; Argentina became one of the world’s richest nations per capita, with an economy based on beef, wheat, wool and other exports.
The 20th century saw many upheavals. A military coup in 1930 began decades of instability. The most famous political figure, Juan Domingo Perón, rose to power in the 1940s. Perón’s populist movement (Peronism) and the role of his wife, Eva Perón, reshaped society with labor rights and social welfare, but also with authoritarian tendencies. Perón was overthrown by a coup in 1955, leading to alternating democratic presidencies and military governments in the 1950s–70s. Violence between political groups and repression escalated in the 1970s. From 1976 to 1983 a military dictatorship ruled: thousands of suspected dissidents “disappeared,” and human rights abuses were widespread. This junta led Argentina into the 1982 Falklands War (against British forces over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands), suffering a defeat that undermined military rule.
In 1983 democracy returned. Raúl Alfonsín was elected president and the military rulers were prosecuted. Since then, Argentina has remained a civilian-led democracy, though often troubled by economic crises. The 1980s and 1990s saw hyperinflation, debt defaults, and two very different approaches: during the 1990s President Carlos Menem implemented free-market policies (privatizing state-owned industries and pegging the peso to the U.S. dollar), which ended in a major financial collapse in 2001. The default led to riots and the resignation of the government. In the 2000s, Néstor Kirchner and later his wife, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, returned the country to a more interventionist economic model, focusing on social programs and national industrialization while also running large deficits. Inflation rose again under those policies. In 2015, economically conservative leader Mauricio Macri was elected and attempted market-oriented reforms, but inflation and debt remained high. In 2019, Peronist Alberto Fernández (with Cristina Kirchner as vice president) took power and Argentine economy again struggled with inflation, currency devaluation, and recession.
Most recently, economist Javier Milei won the presidency in late 2023 with pledges to radically reform the economy. His agenda has included cutting subsidies, unifying the currency, and seeking IMF support. Early results (as of 2025) show a severe recession in 2024 turning into rebounding growth in 2025, and sharp decreases in inflation rates. Every president and political movement since Perón has been influenced by his legacy. Despite political turmoil, Argentina’s democratic institutions have endured since the 1980s, and elections are regularly held (the president is elected to a four-year term, with the possibility of re-election). The nation’s history of alternation between military rule and civilian government has given way to a period of democratic governance, though debates continue over political and economic direction.
Government and Politics
Argentina is a federal republic. Its system is defined by the Constitution of 1853 (as amended) and consists of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The President of Argentina serves as both head of state and head of government, elected for a four-year term (recently re-election has been allowed). The president appoints a cabinet of ministers and oversees national policies. The current (2025) president is Javier Milei, a right-wing libertarian-leaning economist, who succeeded Alberto Fernández. The vice-president also holds a position similar to a senate speaker.
The national legislature is bicameral. The Senate has 72 members, three from each of the 23 provinces and three from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires; senators serve six-year terms. The Chamber of Deputies has 257 members, who are elected by population representation and serve four-year terms. Both houses must pass legislation, subject to presidential approval (or veto). Provinces also have significant self-government: Argentina has 23 provinces plus the capital city (Buenos Aires), each with its own constitution, governor, legislature, and judiciary. This federal structure means that many decisions (especially on education, health, police) lie with provincial or even municipal authorities.
Argentina’s party system is historically dominated by two broad currents. One is Peronism (named for Juan Perón), which today exists mainly in the Justicialist Party (Partido Justicialista). Peronists are often populist, supporting social welfare, labor rights, and public ownership, although there are left-wing and right-wing factions within Peronism. The other major stream is anti-Peronist or liberal parties, historically led by the Radical Civic Union and more recently by center-right or conservative parties (for example, the “Cambiemos” coalition that brought President Macri to power in 2015). There are also smaller parties on the left (socialists, communists), libertarians (like Milei’s coalition), and others. Election contests often center on economic issues (inflation, social spending, debt) and questions of social policy. Voting is mandatory for people aged 18 to 70, which leads to high turnout.
The judiciary is independent in theory, with the Supreme Court at the top, but in practice the legal system can be influenced by politics and corruption has been an ongoing challenge. Argentina traditionally follows continental civil law, and notable judicial matters include dealing with past human rights abuses (the so-called “Trials of the Juntas”) and prosecuting corruption. In summary, Argentine governance today is a competitive, democratic system with regular elections and multiple political parties, though it has faced obstacles such as economic crises, institutional distrust, and regional inequalities. Overarching national issues include balancing public spending, controlling inflation, and addressing social inequality while maintaining federal unity.
Economy
Argentina has one of the largest economies in Latin America. Its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is well over half a trillion US dollars, making it comparable to that of neighboring Brazil or Mexico. The economy is diverse but historically strongly based on agriculture and natural resources. Argentina has rich soil and a mild climate that allow plentiful production of food. It is a leading exporter of beef, grains (especially soybeans, wheat, maize), and other agricultural commodities. The heartland Pampas region is sometimes called the “breadbasket” or “cow country” of South America. Argentina also produces wine in the western provinces (Mendoza, San Juan, etc.), fruits (like apples and pears in the south), and dairy products. Livestock ranching and cereal farming have long been key economic drivers.
Besides agriculture, Argentina has mineral and energy resources. It has large reserves of natural gas and petroleum (especially in the Neuquén Basin and off the Patagonian coast) and is developing shale oil and gas (e.g., in Vaca Muerta, the giant shale field). Argentina may also become important in the global lithium market due to large salt flats (salars) in the northwest that contain lithium – a crucial component for batteries. Hydroelectric power (shared with Paraguay) and nuclear energy contribute to electricity production. In recent years Argentina has also been developing wind and solar energy, especially in the windy Patagonia and the desert northwest respectively.
Industry and services together make up much of the economy as well. Argentina has a significant manufacturing sector, including food processing, motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, and textiles. In the past the country had strong industrialists, though competition and fluctuating exchange rates have made manufacturing challenging. There is a growing technology sector: Argentina is now known for software development and startups (with internationally known companies like MercadoLibre). Tourism is also important – both international tourism (to destinations like Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, and Bariloche) and domestic travel. Financial and business services in Buenos Aires support much of the economy.
Despite these strengths, Argentina’s economy has been unstable. It is prone to booms and busts, high inflation, large fiscal deficits, and foreign debt crises. In the 1980s and again in 2001 it suffered severe financial meltdowns. Inflation rates in the 2010s often exceeded 20–30% per year. The government has sometimes resorted to printing money or maintaining multiple exchange rates to manage debt, which has worsened inflation. Poverty and unemployment rise during economic crises. In recent years (2023–2025), under President Milei, Argentina has adopted dramatic measures: cutting subsidies on utilities and fuel, unifying the currency (ending multiple exchange rate systems), and running a tighter budget. Early results (according to World Bank data) show that inflation has cooled (falling to around 30–35% annually by 2025 from much higher a year earlier), and poverty has decreased somewhat. The economy contracted in 2024 (affected by a severe drought and austerity measures) but began growing again in 2025, with exports and private investment increasing. International institutions like the IMF and World Bank have provided loans conditioned on reforms, and Argentina aims to stabilize its currency and public finances.
The standard of living in Argentina is relatively high for the region when measured by social indicators: literacy and education levels are high, and health outcomes are good overall. However, inequality and poverty remain issues, and economic volatility has left Argentina with a higher debt burden and foreign currency shortage than ideal. In short, Argentina possesses wealth in land, human capital, and natural resources, but converting that into stable prosperity remains a core challenge. Its economy today is mixed, with a big role for private enterprise in agriculture and services, but usually significant government intervention (through subsidies and regulations) especially in times of crisis.
Culture and Society
Argentine culture is vibrant and reflects a blend of European, indigenous, and regional influences. Socially, the country is often considered part of Western European culture due to its large European immigrant heritage. Argentines generally share Roman Catholic traditions (feasts, architecture) though many are secular or not strictly religious. Family life tends to be central; public life often revolves around cafés, parks and folk customs.
The most famous cultural export is the tango, a dance and music style born in Buenos Aires and Montevideo around the turn of the 20th century. Tango’s passion and drama made it internationally famous, and it remains a symbol of Argentine urban culture. Folk music also plays a role, especially in the provinces: styles like chacarera or zamba (folk dance tunes) celebrate the rural gaucho heritage. The gaucho – the South American cowboy – still figures in national mythology and folklore (as seen in gaucho festivals, rodeos and literary works). The traditional drink mate (pronounced MAH-teh), an herbal infusion sipped socially from a shared hollow gourd, is a daily ritual and marker of Argentine (and Uruguayan) identity.
Argentine literature and art are internationally renowned. Writers such as Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, and more recently Ernesto Sábato and Ricardo Piglia are highly respected for their contributions to world literature (Borges in particular is known for his imaginative short stories). Visual artists and filmmakers also have acclaim: for example, painter Xul Solar and film directors like Juan José Campanella (the Oscar-winning The Secret in Their Eyes). Argentina hosts many cultural events and festivals: the Buenos Aires Film Festival, Book Fair, Carnival celebrations, and folk festivals in the provinces. The culinary culture is famous for beef. Asado (barbecue) is a social feast, and restaurants and parrillas (steakhouses) serve world-famous Argentine steaks. Italian influence is strong in cuisine too (e.g., pastas, pizza, and milanesas). Dulce de leche (a sweet milk caramel) is a national favorite, seen in pastries, cakes and ice cream.
Sport is also central to Argentine life. Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport; Argentina has won multiple World Cups, and players like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi are national icons. Other popular sports include basketball, rugby, and polo (Argentina has won world championships in polo). Argentina also has a strong hunting and outdoor sports tradition, linked to its ranching culture.
Socially, Argentina is urban, multicultural, and often politically passionate. The country has a strong tradition of intellectual debate and has produced many writers, philosophers, and scientists; it has taken leading roles in regional affairs and international organizations. Education is highly valued – public universities are free, and literacy is nearly universal. Nonetheless, society faces challenges of inequality: some neighborhoods in cities are affluent and developed, while others, especially in rural regions or shantytowns on city outskirts, suffer poverty. Political discussions in daily life often revolve around economic issues, reflecting the central role of the economy in people’s lives. Cultural traditions like dance, music, and family lunches serve as important sources of community and identity across the social spectrum.
Environment and Conservation
Argentina’s environmental landscape is as varied as its geography. The country hosts many ecosystems: rainforests (e.g., Yungas in the northwest), grasslands (Pampas), dry forests (Gran Chaco), montane forests in the Andes, Patagonian steppes, and marine environments along the Atlantic. This variety sustains diverse wildlife: jaguars and tapirs in the north, guanacos and condors in Patagonia, whales and penguins along the coast. Argentina has established numerous national parks and reserves to protect unique natural areas, from the Iguazú Falls park in the northeast to Los Glaciares (with the Perito Moreno Glacier) in the south, and Valdés Peninsula (for marine life, including southern right whales).
However, the environment faces threats. Deforestation is a major issue, especially in the Gran Chaco forest where extensive clearing has occurred for agriculture and cattle grazing. In fact, between 2007 and 2021 roughly 30% of the Gran Chaco’s forests were lost. A recent court order (August 2024) temporarily halted new deforestation in Chaco Province amid investigations of illegal land clearance. In the Pampas and Patagonia, the spread of farming and oil drilling has also altered ecosystems. Climate change has begun to impact Argentina: glaciers in the Andes are retreating, there are more frequent and severe droughts in agricultural areas (as seen in a 2023–24 drought affecting crop yields), and changing rainfall patterns. Large urban areas like Buenos Aires face pollution and occasional flooding challenges as well.
In response, Argentina participates in international environmental agreements and has enacted domestic measures. It is a party to the Paris Climate Agreement and has goals to expand renewable energy – wind farms in Patagonia and solar arrays in the north are increasing to reduce fossil fuel use. In 2023, the province of Chubut (in Patagonia) created a large coastal-marine provincial park (Patagonia Azul) covering almost 300,000 hectares to protect marine biodiversity (including penguins, whales, and seabirds). Community-driven conservation also occurs, such as Mapuche-led efforts to restore burned forests in Neuquén. Notably, southern right whales along the Valdés Peninsula have made a comeback from near-extinction, thanks to long-term protections and eco-tourism that promotes conservation.
National law provides for protected areas and wildlife management, but enforcement can be inconsistent. Indigenous communities in the north have also been active in protesting environmentally damaging projects. Overall, while Argentina’s natural endowment is rich, balancing economic development (especially in agriculture and mining) with environmental preservation remains an ongoing challenge. Conservationists emphasize strategies that combine protecting key habitats (like rainforests and marine sanctuaries) with sustainable tourism and forestry. The concept of “30x30” – protecting 30% of habitats by 2030 – has gained traction among policymakers and NGOs. In summary, Argentina’s environment is treasured for its biodiversity and beauty, but faces modern pressures; growing awareness and recent initiatives show a movement toward sustainable stewardship of its land and waters.