Argentina

South America’s Southern Giant – Land of Tango, Andes, and Economic Resilience

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America by area and the eighth-largest in the world. It stretches from the tropical north to the glacial south, bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its rich natural landscapes, passionate culture, and historical political shifts, Argentina is a nation striving to overcome economic instability and globalize its innovation-driven sectors.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples including the Mapuche, Guaraní, and Diaguita.

  • Colonized by Spain in the 16th century; became part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata.

  • Declared independence from Spain on July 9, 1816.

  • Experienced cycles of military dictatorships and democratic transitions.

  • Returned to democracy in 1983 and continues facing complex economic challenges.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Argentine Republic (República Argentina)
Capital Buenos Aires
Continent South America
Official Language Spanish
Currency Argentine Peso (ARS)
Area Approx. 2.78 million sq. km
Population Approx. 46.5 million (2025 est.)
Time Zone Argentina Time (UTC−3)
ISO Code AR
Internet TLD .ar
Calling Code +54

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Roman Catholicism ~62%
Protestantism ~15%
Unaffiliated / Atheist / Agnostic ~18%
Other (including Judaism, Islam) ~5%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
President Javier Milei
Vice President Victoria Villarruel
Government Type Federal presidential constitutional republic
Legislature Bicameral – National Congress (Senate & Chamber of Deputies)
Judiciary Supreme Court of Justice, lower federal and provincial courts

Administrative Divisions (Provinces)

Argentina is divided into 23 provinces and 1 autonomous city (Buenos Aires):

  1. Buenos Aires (Province)

  2. Catamarca

  3. Chaco

  4. Chubut

  5. Córdoba

  6. Corrientes

  7. Entre Ríos

  8. Formosa

  9. Jujuy

  10. La Pampa

  11. La Rioja

  12. Mendoza

  13. Misiones

  14. Neuquén

  15. Río Negro

  16. Salta

  17. San Juan

  18. San Luis

  19. Santa Cruz

  20. Santa Fe

  21. Santiago del Estero

  22. Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands

  23. Tucumán

  24. Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (Capital Federal)

Local Government Structure

  • Federal system: Provinces have their own constitutions, governors, and legislatures.

  • Municipalities have elected mayors and councils.

  • Buenos Aires City functions as an autonomous district with its own government.

Leadership & Governance

  • Emphasis on libertarian economic reforms under President Javier Milei.

  • Focus on shrinking state spending, privatization, and anti-inflation measures.

  • Reforms in energy, taxation, and labor laws.

  • Digital governance and transparency initiatives in progress.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • National security bodies:

    • Argentine Federal Police

    • National Gendarmerie

    • Prefectura Naval (Coast Guard)

    • Provincial police forces

  • Issues:

    • Urban crime, drug trafficking, and political protests in metropolitan areas

    • Reforms ongoing to improve transparency in policing

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Agriculture: Soybeans, wheat, corn, beef

    • Energy: Oil, gas, lithium (especially in the northwestern provinces)

    • Services: Tech startups, finance, tourism

    • Manufacturing: Automobiles, food processing, textiles

  • GDP (2024): Approx. USD 540 billion

  • Inflation: High but targeted for reduction under new monetary policies

  • Trade Partners: Brazil, China, USA, EU

Education & Institutions

  • Education is free and compulsory from ages 5–18

  • Renowned universities:

    • University of Buenos Aires (UBA)

    • National University of La Plata

    • University of Córdoba

  • Challenges:

    • Inequality in rural vs. urban access

    • Budget constraints in public institutions

Healthcare

  • Universal healthcare system with both public and private providers

  • Major hospitals:

    • Hospital de Clínicas (UBA)

    • Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires

  • Issues:

    • Underfunding and wait times in public facilities

    • High-quality care in urban centers

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads: Extensive highway and road network connecting provinces

  • Rail: Revival of long-distance passenger services; cargo rail modernization ongoing

  • Airports:

    • Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) – main international hub

    • Domestic airports in most provincial capitals

  • Ports:

    • Port of Buenos Aires

    • Rosario, Bahía Blanca (agricultural exports)

Tourism & Attractions

Natural:

  • Iguazú Falls – one of the world’s largest waterfall systems

  • Patagonia – glaciers, lakes, and wildlife

  • Andes Mountains – skiing, hiking, and mountaineering

Cultural:

  • Buenos Aires – tango shows, historic cafés, European architecture

  • Mendoza – wine tourism

  • Salta and Jujuy – indigenous culture and colonial heritage

UNESCO Sites: Los Glaciares National Park, Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic roots: Primarily European descent (Spanish, Italian, German), with indigenous and mestizo minorities

  • Language: Spanish with regional dialects (Rioplatense Spanish in Buenos Aires)

  • Cuisine: Asado (barbecue), empanadas, milanesa, dulce de leche

  • Cultural identity: Deep pride in football, literature, cinema, and tango music

  • Famous figures: Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Pope Francis, Jorge Luis Borges

Summary

Argentina is a diverse and dynamic nation balancing natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic reform. As it navigates a new political era in 2025, Argentina continues to assert its role in Latin American leadership, global trade, and creative expression.