Argentina

Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a large country in the southern part of South America. It is the second-largest country in South America. Argentina shares borders with several countries, including Chile to the west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, and Uruguay to the east. It also has coastlines along the South Atlantic Ocean and the Drake Passage.

The country is made up of twenty-three provinces and one autonomous city, Buenos Aires, which is both the capital and the largest city. Argentina has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with early human settlements and later influence from the Inca Empire. The country began to take shape during Spanish colonization in the 16th century and declared independence in 1816.

Throughout its history, Argentina has had times of stability and times of political change. Today, it is considered a regional power with a strong economy. Argentina is an important member of many international groups, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the G20. The country is known for its diverse culture, influenced by waves of European immigrants, especially from Italy and Spain.

Etymology

Main article: Etymology of Argentina

The name Argentina means "made of silver" or "silver coloured." Early sailors from Italy gave the country this name. It comes from the Latin word argentum for silver.

People first used the name in a Spanish poem in 1602. Over time, the country had many names, but today we call it Argentina. In English, people once said "the Argentine," but now we just say "Argentina."

History

Pre-Columbian era

Humans lived in parts of what is now Argentina as early as 21,000 years ago. Fossils of a large, extinct animal were found near Buenos Aires. Farther south, the Piedra Museo site has old human remains and tools, including spearheads. The Cave of the Hands has handprints and pictures of hunting made between 7,300 BC and 700 AD.

Before Europeans came, Argentina had many different cultures. They were grouped into three types: simple hunters and gatherers without pottery, like those in the far south; better hunters and gatherers in the center-east and south; and farmers with pottery in the northeast and northwest.

Colonial era

Europeans arrived in 1502. Spanish explorers visited the area in the early 1500s, and in 1536, they founded Buenos Aires, but it was left not long after. More settlements were started from nearby places like Paraguay, Peru, and Chile. The Spanish Empire controlled the area, taking wealth from mines in Bolivia and Peru.

Buenos Aires successfully defended against British attacks in 1806 and 1807. New ideas from other parts of the world led to growing unrest against Spanish rule.

Independence and civil wars

The May Revolution of 1810 started Argentina’s path to independence, replacing the Spanish leader with a local government in Buenos Aires. Early battles were hard because of challenges from nearby areas. Over time, leaders like José de San Martín helped Argentina, Chile, and Peru become independent.

Argentina’s first years as an independent country had conflicts between two groups: the Centralists and the Federalists. The Congress of Tucumán formally declared independence on July 9, 1816, now celebrated as Independence Day. General José de San Martín led an army across the Andes to help Chile and Peru gain independence.

Rise of the modern nation

After defeating a rival leader in 1861, Bartolomé Mitre became the first president of a united Argentina. His presidency and those of Domingo Sarmiento and Nicolás Avellaneda helped create the modern Argentine state.

Starting in 1880, presidents focused on economic growth. Many people from Europe moved to Argentina, changing society and the economy. By 1908, Argentina was one of the richest countries in the world. The country became a big exporter of wheat and beef, and its railways grew a lot. Better education led to higher literacy rates.

Between 1878 and 1884, Argentina tried to grow its land by having conflicts with local people, called the Conquest of the Desert.

In 1912, President Roque Sáenz Peña gave voting rights to men, allowing Hipólito Yrigoyen to become president in 1916. Argentina stayed out of World War I. Yrigoyen's second term had money problems caused by the Great Depression.

Peronist years

Juan Perón became president in 1946 and brought big changes. He improved rights for workers and started social programs, but also suppressed some political opponents. Perón was reelected in 1951, but as money problems grew, his support fell. In 1955, he was removed from power and went into exile.

Revolución Libertadora

A new leader stopped Peronist political activities. In 1958, Arturo Frondizi won the election and tried to work with both Peronists and the military, but faced problems and changes in leaders.

Perón's return and death

After years of military rule, elections in 1973 brought Perón back, though he was at first replaced by another president. Perón returned later that year and faced problems in his party and from armed groups. He died in 1974 and was succeeded by his wife, Isabel Perón. Her time as president was short and had many political problems.

National Reorganization Process

A military junta took control and began a time known as the National Reorganization Process. They closed Congress, stopped political parties, and used force against people they saw as opponents. The junta got support from some United States leaders.

The military also fought groups that used secret weapons. In 1982, Argentina took the Falkland Islands, starting a fight with the United Kingdom. After losing the war, the military leaders left, and efforts began to return to democratic rule.

Return to democracy

Raúl Alfonsín won the 1983 election and worked to punish those responsible for human rights abuses during the military rule. Money problems led to the presidency of Carlos Menem in 1989, who made economic changes. Later leaders faced money problems and changes in government.

Néstor Kirchner became president in 2003 and worked on improving the economy and human rights. His wife, Cristina Kirchner, followed as president. In 2015, Mauricio Macri won the presidency and faced money problems. Alberto Fernández became president in 2019, facing challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, Javier Milei won the presidential election and began making economic changes.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Argentina

Argentina is a big country in the south part of South America. It is the second-biggest country in South America. Argentina touches many countries: Chile to the west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, and Uruguay to the east. It also touches the South Atlantic Ocean and the Drake Passage.

The highest point in Argentina is Aconcagua in Mendoza province. It is also the highest point in the Southern and Western Hemispheres. The lowest point is Laguna del Carbón in Santa Cruz province.

Main article: Environment of Argentina

Argentina has many different plants and animals. The country has many kinds of places where animals and plants live.

Main articles: Climate of Argentina and Climatic regions of Argentina

Argentina has many kinds of weather because it is so big. In the north, it is warm and wet. In the south, it can be cold and dry. Some places have rainy summers, and others are very dry. The country has different weather, including cool winds and big rains sometimes.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Argentina and Elections in Argentina

Argentina has had many changes in its government over the years. Since 1983, Argentina has been a steady democracy. People vote in regular elections to choose their leaders.

Argentina is a country where people choose their leaders. The government has three main parts: the group that makes laws, the leader and their team who run the country, and the group that checks that everyone follows the rules. The president is chosen by the people to lead the country for four years and can serve again once more.

Provinces

Main article: Provinces of Argentina

Argentina is made up of twenty-three areas called provinces and one special city, Buenos Aires. Each province has its own local government and makes its own rules, but they all follow the same big rules for the whole country. Some provinces have two groups making laws, while others have just one.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Argentina

Argentina works with many other countries around the world. It is part of important groups like the United Nations and helps keep peace in faraway places. Argentina also has special ties with its neighbors in South America and works together on many projects.

Military

Main article: Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic

The president leads the country's armed forces, which include the army, navy, and air force. These groups protect Argentina and help in times of need, like natural disasters or helping other countries. People choose to join the military when they are old enough, and no one is forced to join. The military works to keep Argentina safe and supports peace around the world.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Argentina

See also: Industry in Argentina and Argentine foreign trade

Argentina has a large economy and is the third largest in Latin America. It is rich in natural resources and has a good education system. The country grows important crops like soybeans, maize, and wheat. It is also known for making meat, wine, and many other products.

Argentina makes things like cars, clothes, and machines. It has many factories and mines, especially for lithium and silver. The country also has oil and natural gas. Argentina is working to improve its economy.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Argentina

Argentina welcomes many visitors each year. People often visit its capital, Buenos Aires, and its beautiful national parks. The country has many places to see, including the Nahuel Huapi National Park and its famous lake.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Argentina

Argentina has many roads, but some are not well kept. It also has a large railway system. The country has many ports and airports, with Buenos Aires being the most important.

Energy

Main article: Electricity sector in Argentina

Most of Argentina's electricity comes from natural gas, oil, and coal. A smaller part comes from hydropower, wind, solar, and nuclear energy. The country is working on using more renewable energy sources.

Science and technology

Main article: Science and technology in Argentina

Argentine scientists have made important discoveries in areas like hormones, energy storage, and heart treatments. The country has its own space program and has built satellites. Argentine scientists are known for their work in many areas of science and technology.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Argentina and Argentines

In 2022, Argentina had about 46 million people. The population grew from 40 million in 2010 to around 47 million in 2024. Argentina is the third most populous country in South America. The country has 15 people per square kilometre, which is less than the world average.

Argentina has more older people now. About 25% of people are under 15 years old, and around 11% are 65 or older. The country has a low infant mortality rate. Life expectancy is around 77 years.

Attitudes towards LGBT people in Argentina are generally positive. In 2010, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalise same-sex marriage.

Urbanisation

See also: List of cities in Argentina by population and List of cities in Argentina

Most people in Argentina live in cities—about 92% of the population. The largest city is Buenos Aires, with around 3 million people in the city and about 13 million in the larger area. Other big cities include Córdoba and Rosario, each with around 1.3 million people. Several other cities have at least half a million people.

Ethnography

Main article: Argentines

See also: Ethnography of Argentina and Immigration to Argentina

Argentina is often called a "melting pot" because of its diverse population. Most people have European ancestry, especially from Italy and Spain. There are also people with indigenous, African, and Asian backgrounds. Many people from Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru have moved to Argentina in recent years.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Argentina

Spanish is the official language and is spoken by almost everyone. Argentina has its own way of speaking Spanish, called Rioplatense, which is influenced by Italian and other European languages. Many people also speak other languages such as English, Italian, Arabic, German, and Guaraní.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Argentina

Christianity is the most common religion in Argentina, with most people being Catholic. However, more people are not following any religion now. Argentina also has communities of Muslims, Jews, and people of other faiths. In 2013, an Argentine, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas.

Education

Main article: Education in Argentina

Argentina’s education system has four levels: early childhood, primary school, secondary school, and higher education. Most children go to school for free. Many people go to university, and there are both public and private universities.

Health

Main article: Health care in Argentina

Healthcare in Argentina comes from both public and private systems. There are many hospitals, doctors, and dentists. Life expectancy has improved, and infant mortality has gone down, though it is not as high as in some developed countries. Common causes of death include diseases of the heart and tumours.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Argentina

See also: List of Argentines

Argentina has many different cultures. People from Italy, Spain, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom helped shape its culture. Cities often look and feel like European places.

Museums, cinemas, and galleries are common in big cities. You can also find traditional bars with live music. Amerindian and African cultures also influence music and art. The gauchos, skilled cowboy figures, are important to Argentina’s traditions.

Literature

Main article: Argentine literature

Argentina has a long and rich history of literature. Famous writers include Jorge Luis Borges, known for books like Ficciones and The Aleph, and Julio Cortázar. Other important authors are Adolfo Bioy Casares and Ricardo Güiraldes.

Music

Main article: Music of Argentina

Tango is a famous musical style from Argentina. It became very popular from 1930 to the mid-1950s. Later, Astor Piazzolla created a new style called Nuevo tango. Today, tango is enjoyed around the world.

Argentina also has strong classical music and dance traditions. Famous artists include Alberto Ginastera, Martha Argerich, and Daniel Barenboim. Folk music grew in the 1930s with singers like Atahualpa Yupanqui and Mercedes Sosa. Argentine rock began in the 1960s. Today, new styles are popular.

Theatre and cinema

Main articles: Theatre in Argentina and Cinema of Argentina

Buenos Aires is a big center for theatre. The Teatro Colón is famous for opera and classical music. Argentina’s film industry has been strong since 1896. It made the world’s first animated feature films. Argentine films have won top awards.

Visual arts and architecture

See also: Argentine painting and Architecture of Argentina

Argentina has many well-known painters. The country’s architecture mixes Spanish, Italian, and French styles.

Mass media

Main article: Communications in Argentina

Argentina has many newspapers, including Clarín and La Nación. Radio began in 1920. Television is popular across Latin America, and many people use the internet.

Cuisine

Main article: Argentine cuisine

Argentine food includes pasta, sausage, and desserts from Europe. Local dishes include empanadas, locro, and humita. The country eats a lot of red meat, often cooked as asado (barbecue). Desserts include facturas and dulce de leche. Argentine wine, especially Malbec, is famous.

Sport

Main article: Sport in Argentina

Pato is Argentina’s national sport, played on horseback. The most popular sport is football. The national team has won the World Cup three times. Famous players include Alfredo Di Stéfano, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi.

The women’s field hockey team has won many titles. Basketball is also popular. Rugby, boxing, tennis, and polo are widely followed. Juan Manuel Fangio is one of the greatest race car drivers ever.