Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. It is located on the southwest of the Río de la Plata. With a population of 3.1 million in the city itself and 16.7 million in its urban area, it is the 21st most populous metropolitan area in the world.

The city is known for its preserved European architecture and rich cultural life. It is a multicultural city home to many ethnic and religious groups. Since the 19th century, Buenos Aires has welcomed immigrants from all over the world, making it a melting pot where many different people live together.

In 1880, after the Argentine Civil War, Buenos Aires became a separate district and was no longer part of Buenos Aires Province. A change in the constitution in 1994 gave the city autonomy, and in 1996, citizens elected their first Chief of Government instead of having a mayor appointed by the President of Argentina. The surrounding area, known as Greater Buenos Aires, includes many nearby cities and is the fourth-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas.

Etymology

Main article: Names of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires got its name from sailors who thanked "Holy Mary of the Good Winds" for helping them reach the coast. They believed she gave them good winds to travel safely. The city's full original name was "City of the Most Holy Trinity and Port of Saint Mary of the Fair Winds." Over time, the short form "Buenos Aires" became the common name. Today, people often call the city "Capital" or "CABA" for short.

History

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Buenos Aires.

Timeline of Buenos Aires
Historical affiliations

Kingdom of Spain - Habsburg, 1536–1700
Kingdom of Spain - Bourbon, 1700–1808
Kingdom of Spain - Bonaparte, 1808–1810
United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, 1810–1831
Argentine Confederation, 1831–1852
State of Buenos Aires, 1852–1861
Argentina, 1861–present

Viceregal times

In 1516, explorer Juan Díaz de Solís was the first European to reach the Río de la Plata. The city of Buenos Aires was first established in 1536 by Spanish explorers. A second, permanent settlement was created in 1580.

From early on, Buenos Aires relied on trade. Spanish ships were often threatened by pirates, so they created a protected trade system that made goods very expensive and took a long time to arrive. This frustrated traders in Buenos Aires, who began trading secretly with others.

Charles III of Spain later eased trade restrictions and made Buenos Aires an open port. He also created the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata with Buenos Aires as its capital. However, these changes did not prevent local people from wanting independence from Spain.

War of Independence

See also: Argentine War of Independence

During the British invasions of the Río de la Plata, British forces attacked Buenos Aires twice. In 1806, they succeeded at first, but were later defeated by local forces. In 1807, another invasion was repelled. These events changed power dynamics in the city.

In 1810, a local group successfully removed the Spanish leader, starting the Argentine War of Independence. Independence from Spain was formally declared in 1816. Buenos Aires remained the capital throughout this period.

19th and 20th centuries

During much of the 19th century, the city's political status was debated. In 1880, the city became the seat of government, with its mayor appointed by the president.

Health conditions were poor in some areas, with many people suffering from diseases. Public health campaigns were not always followed.

The city's economy grew due to trade, fertile land, and railroad development. By the late 1800s, Buenos Aires became a multicultural city with many immigrants from Europe. It became a center for arts, entertainment, and modern buildings.

In the 20th century, the city continued to grow, attracting people from Argentina and neighboring countries. Some areas developed into crowded neighborhoods. Political movements, such as Peronism, gained support among workers.

The city faced difficult times during the 1970s and 1980s, including conflicts and periods of military rule. Democ­racy returned in 1983, followed by economic and cultural growth in the 1990s.

21st century

In 1996, Buenos Aires held its first elections for mayor under new rules. The city has continued to elect its leaders through popular voting. Mayors have included Fernando de la Rúa, Aníbal Ibarra, Mauricio Macri, and Horacio Rodríguez Larreta. The city has used electronic voting since 2015. In 2023, Jorge Macri became the new mayor.

Geography

The city of Buenos Aires is located in the pampa region, except for some areas such as the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve, the Boca Juniors sports area, Jorge Newbery Airport, the Puerto Madero neighborhood, and the main port. These areas were built on land reclaimed from the coasts of the Rio de la Plata, the world's widest river.

Buenos Aires has many parks and green spaces, especially in the eastern neighborhoods of Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Palermo, and Belgrano. Some important parks include Parque Tres de Febrero, which was expanded by Carlos Thays, who also designed the Zoological Gardens and the Botanical Gardens. The Buenos Aires Japanese Gardens are the largest of their kind outside Japan. Plaza de Mayo has been important in Argentina's history, and Plaza San Martín is a popular park in the Retiro neighborhood.

The climate of Buenos Aires is humid subtropical. Summers are hot and humid, with January being the warmest month. Winters are cool, with July being the coldest month. The city can experience heat waves and cold spells, and snow is very rare. Spring and autumn have changing weather, and the city can flood during heavy rain.

Government and politics

Government structure

Since 1996, Buenos Aires has had a democratically elected leader called the Chief of Government. This person is chosen by the people along with a Deputy Chief of Government, who leads the city's City Legislature. Both are elected for four-year terms, with half of the Legislature's members being renewed every two years.

The city's courts include the Supreme Court of Justice and other important judicial groups. While Buenos Aires has its own government, some important areas are still managed by the national government of Argentina. The city is also represented in the national Argentine Senate by three senators and 25 national deputies in the Argentine Chamber of Deputies.

Law enforcement

Buenos Aires used to have a special civilian group called the Guardia Urbana de Buenos Aires, which helped with safety in the city. This group did not carry weapons and focused on helping people stay safe. In 2017, a new police force called the Buenos Aires City Police was created, combining parts of older police groups. This police force now keeps the city safe, with over 25,000 officers working in 56 stations across Buenos Aires. The police are led by a Chief of Police, who is chosen by the city's leader.

Demographics

See also: Demographics of Argentina

Census data

In 2010, about 2.9 million people lived in Buenos Aires. The larger area around the city, called Greater Buenos Aires, had about 13.1 million people. The city has about 13,700 people for every square kilometer, but the areas just outside the city have only about 2,400 people for every square kilometer.

The number of people in Buenos Aires has stayed close to 3 million since 1947. This is because not many babies are being born and many people are moving out to live in the suburbs. However, the areas around Buenos Aires have grown a lot, with about 10 million people now living there.

In 2001, Buenos Aires had many older people compared to the rest of Argentina. About 17% of people were younger than fifteen, and 22% were older than sixty. Most people in the city live in apartment buildings, while some live in houses. Not many people in the city are very poor.

Districts

Main articles: Barrios of Buenos Aires and Communes of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is divided into neighborhoods called barrios. There are 48 official neighborhoods, and some of them, like Palermo, are divided into smaller parts. The city is also divided into 15 areas called comunas.

Population origin

See also: Immigration in Argentina

Most people in Buenos Aires have European ancestors, especially from Spain and Italy. Many people came to Argentina in the 1800s and early 1900s, which made the city's population grow quickly.

Other people came from countries like France, Germany, Ireland, and Poland. There are also people from Japan, China, and other places. In the city, some people have ancestors from Indigenous groups like the Quechua and Guaraní.

Urban problems

Some areas on the edges of Buenos Aires have neighborhoods without many services, and there have been problems with crime there.

Buenos Aires does not have a lot of parks and green spaces — there is less than 2 square meters of green space for each person. This is much less than in cities like New York or Paris. Even so, the city feels green because there are small parks and trees on many streets.

Language

See also: Cocoliche and Belgranodeutsch

People in Buenos Aires speak Spanish in a special way called Rioplatense Spanish. This way of speaking includes using voseo and other special sounds. In the past, many people from Italy came to Buenos Aires and spoke their own languages, which mixed with Spanish. Today, most people speak Spanish, but some older people still remember words from Italian or other languages.

Religion

Buenos Aires used to have many Catholic people, but today fewer people go to Catholic churches. Many people now do not follow any religion, and there are also people who follow other religions like Evangelical Christianity and Judaism.

Buenos Aires has many different religious groups, including Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, Buddhist, and others. The city is also where the main Catholic leader in Argentina lives.

Education

See also: Education in Argentina, University Revolution, and List of Argentine universities

Children in Buenos Aires go to school for primary education, which lasts seven years. After that, they choose what they want to study in secondary school, which lasts three years. Some schools have four years.

There are many universities in Buenos Aires, both public and private. The University of Buenos Aires is one of the most famous and has educated many important people. In 2024, people in Buenos Aires protested to ask for more money for universities.

Economy

Puerto Madero, in the Buenos Aires Central Business District, is the largest urban renewal project in the city. It has become one of the most successful waterfront renewal projects in the world.

Buenos Aires is the financial, industrial, and commercial center of Argentina. In 2020, the city’s economy was worth about US$102.7 billion. Services make up most of the city’s economy, especially finance and real estate. Manufacturing is also important, with industries like meat processing, automobile making, and oil refining.

Tourism

Main articles: Tourism in Buenos Aires and Landmarks in Buenos Aires

Tourism in Buenos Aires has been growing since 2002. In 2008, visitors voted it the second most desirable city to visit after Florence, Italy. The city offers many things to see and do, including tango shows, traditional meals, and famous places connected to famous Argentines. Buenos Aires is known for its nightlife, with bars and nightclubs open late. The city has many hotels and other places to stay, making it easy for visitors to explore.

Transportation

People in Buenos Aires spend about 79 minutes each weekday getting to and from work using public transportation. About 23% of these travelers spend more than two hours each day. Waiting for a bus or train takes about 14 minutes on average, but 20% of people wait longer than 20 minutes. The average trip is about 8.9 kilometers, but 21% of trips are longer than 12 kilometers.

Roads

Buenos Aires is laid out in a grid pattern, with blocks called manzanas that are usually 110 meters long. Some streets in the center are car-free zones, making the city easy to walk around. The city has many wide streets and avenues that help move traffic. Some important streets include Avenida 9 de Julio, Rivadavia Avenue, and Corrientes Avenue.

Airports

The main airport is Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also called Ezeiza Airport. It is about 22 kilometers south of the city and handles most international flights. Another airport called Aeroparque Jorge Newbery is inside the city and mostly serves short trips within Argentina and nearby countries.

Urban rail

See also: Rail transport in Argentina

The Buenos Aires Underground, or Subte, is a subway system that has been in use since 1913. It has six lines and over 100 stations. The system is growing with new stations and lines being added. The underground is busy, with about 1.7 million people using it each weekday.

The city also has many train lines that connect different parts of Buenos Aires and nearby areas. There are four main train stations in the city center.

Cycling

Main article: EcoBici (Buenos Aires)

The city has a bike-sharing program with over 850 bicycles at 31 stations. There are also special bike paths to make cycling safer and more comfortable.

Buses

Main article: Metrobus (Buenos Aires)

Buenos Aires has many bus lines called Colectivos. These buses run often and go to many parts of the city. There is also a special bus system called Metrobus that uses special lanes to help buses move quickly through busy areas.

Port

Main article: Port of Buenos Aires

The port of Buenos Aires is very busy and connects the city to many places in South America. It handles millions of tons of goods each year.

Ferries

Main article: Buquebus

There is a ferry service called Buquebus that takes people between Buenos Aires and cities in Uruguay. Many people use this service each year.

Taxis

A large number of taxis can be found on the streets at all times. There are also ride-sharing services that are becoming popular.

Culture

See also: Culture of Argentina

Buenos Aires is strongly influenced by European culture, and the city is sometimes called the "Paris of South America". The city has many theaters and shows, with about 300 active theaters every weekend. This makes it one of the top cities in the world for live theater, even more than London or New York. The city also has many cultural festivals, placing it second worldwide after Edinburgh. The Palacio Libertad in Buenos Aires is the largest cultural center in Latin America.

Buenos Aires is home to the Teatro Colón, a famous opera house. There are several symphony orchestras and choral groups. The city has many museums about art, history, and music, as well as preserved homes of famous artists and writers. It also has many bookstores, libraries, and cultural groups. The city has a zoo, a botanical garden, parks, and churches of many styles.

The city is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a "City of Design" since 2005.

Art

See also: Argentine painting and Museums in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has a rich arts scene, with many museums. The neighborhoods of Palermo and Recoleta are traditional centers for art, but new places have appeared in areas like Puerto Madero and La Boca. Famous spots include MALBA, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and Faena Arts Center. A special event is "La Noche de los Museos" ("Night of the Museums") in November, when museums and art spaces open for free late into the night.

Art in Buenos Aires grew with the country’s political freedom, especially after the University Reform of 1918. Influences from the Paris School helped shape local art groups. The city has been home to many important artists and movements, including the Paris Group and La Boca artists.

Buenos Aires is also a major center for contemporary street art. The city’s history and politics have inspired many artists, and street art is used to tell stories and protest. Murals and graffiti are common in neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo. International artists also come to create here.

Literature

See also: Argentine literature

Buenos Aires is a key literary center in Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world. The city has a long history of rich literary production. By the 1930s, it was the leading literary capital, with influential magazines and writers arriving from Spain.

Today, Buenos Aires has many bookstores—one of the highest numbers in the world. The city is known for its love of reading, linked to waves of immigration and a strong interest in psychology. The Buenos Aires International Book Fair is a major yearly event, drawing millions of visitors. In 2011, UNESCO named Buenos Aires the World Book Capital.

Music

See also: Music of Argentina, Argentine tango, and Argentine rock

Argentina has a rich tradition of art music, and Buenos Aires has many professional orchestras and music schools. Italian music was very important in the 19th century, and local composers also created operas and other works. A nationalist style grew in the 1800s, and modern styles like twelve-tone techniques appeared in the 1930s.

The city is famous for tango, considered a symbol of Buenos Aires. The city hosts many tango events, with famous composers like Carlos Gardel and Ástor Piazzolla. Tango was named a world cultural treasure by UNESCO in 2009.

Buenos Aires also hosts many music festivals, including electronic dance music events, jazz festivals, and rock concerts. Other popular sports and music events happen in the greater Buenos Aires area.

Cinema

Main article: Cinema of Argentina

Argentine cinema began in Buenos Aires in 1896. The first movies often featured tango culture. The "Golden Age" of Argentine film was in the 1930s and 1940s, with many films about Buenos Aires and tango.

In the 1960s, new filmmakers brought modern styles to Argentine cinema. During a difficult time for the country, some films protested social issues. Later, in the 1980s, Argentine films gained international attention, with movies like Camila and La historia oficial.

Buenos Aires is home to the Pablo Ducrós Hicken Museum of Cinema, the only one in the country. The city also hosts film festivals, including the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema and Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre for horror films.

Media

Main article: Media of Argentina

Buenos Aires is home to five Argentine television networks: America, Television Pública Argentina, El Nueve, Telefe, and El Trece. Four of them are located in Buenos Aires, and America’s studios are in La Plata.

Fashion

People in Buenos Aires have always been interested in fashion. Designers show their work at the Buenos Aires Fashion Week each year. The city is an important fashion center in Latin America, ranking 20th in the world.

In 2005 and 2007, Buenos Aires was named a UNESCO City of Design. The city hosts fashion events and supports new designers. Neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo are known for their fashion and design.

Architecture

See also: Architecture of Argentina

Buenos Aires has a mix of architectural styles, influenced by European cultures. The city has buildings in Colonial, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic, and French Bourbon styles. Many famous buildings were designed by Italian and French architects in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Notable buildings include the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, Palacio Barolo, and the Kavanagh Building. Modern skyscrapers like the Le Parc Tower and Repsol-YPF Tower show the city’s growth.

Theaters

Buenos Aires has over 280 theaters, the most of any city in the world. The city is known as the "World's Capital of Theater". Theaters offer many types of shows, from musicals to ballet.

• Teatro Colón is one of the best opera houses in the world, known for its great sound. It is located near 9 de Julio Avenue.
• Cervantes Theater has three halls, including a large main stage and a smaller hall for chamber music.
• Teatro Gran Rex opened in 1937 and is an Art Deco-style theater.
• Teatro Avenida opened in 1908 and was directed by María Guerrero, who helped popularize classical drama in Argentina.

Sports

Main pages: Category:Sport in Buenos Aires and Football in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has bid to host the Summer Olympic Games three times. The city hosted the first Pan American Games in 1951 and many world championship events, including the 1978 FIFA World Cup, which Argentina won.

Football is very popular in Buenos Aires, with 24 professional teams—the most of any city. The rivalry between Boca Juniors and River Plate is famous, known as the Superclásico.

Other popular sports include basketball, boxing, horse racing, polo, rugby, tennis, and golf. The city has hosted many international sports events, including the 1950 and 1990 FIBA World Championships, the 1951 Pan American Games, and the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics.

International relations

Twin towns and sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Argentina

Buenos Aires has friendly relationships with many cities around the world. These partnerships began at different times, showing the city's connections.

The city is also part of a group called the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities, which started in 1982. This group includes many important cities from countries that speak Spanish or Portuguese.

Partner cities

Buenos Aires also has special partner relationships with several other cities worldwide.