Argentina

Sol de Mayo-Bandera de Argentina

File:United States Navy Band - Himno Nacional Argentino.ogg

Cueva de las Manos (6811931046)

La Reconquista de Buenos Aires

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Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic (República Argentina), is a country located mostly in the southern half of South America. Sharing the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, the country is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Drake Passage to the south. With a mainland area of 2,780,400 km², Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, the fourth largest in the Americas, and the second largest in South America after Brazil.

History

The history of Argentina can be divided into four main parts: the pre-Columbian time or early history (up to the 16th century), the colonial period (15th century to 18th century), the period of nation-building (19th century), and the history of modern Argentina (from around the 20th century).

Before the Spanish colonization of the Americas, the area that now is known as Argentina was sparsely populated by a wide number of diverse cultures with different social organizations, which can be divided into three main groups: hunters and gatherers, sedentary farmers, and semi-sedentary farmers.

The Spanish navigators and conquistadors arrived in the territory of the current Argentine Republic in 1516. The struggle for independence from Spain was fought in the early 19th century, and independence was formally declared on July 9, 1816. Following independence, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals and between civilian and military factions.

After World War II, a period of significant industrial growth and political instability followed. The most notable period of political turmoil occurred during the 1976–1983 military dictatorship, during which thousands of people were disappeared by the government in the so-called "Dirty War".

Geography

Argentina is a country of vast natural resources and immense biodiversity. Located in the southern part of South America, its geography varies from the fertile plains of the Pampas in the north to the rugged Andes mountain range in the west and the subantarctic forests and marshes of Patagonia in the south. The highest point is Aconcagua in the Mendoza province, which is also the highest peak in the Americas.

Economy

Argentina has a mixed economy with abundant natural resources, a well-educated population, a diversified industrial base, and an export-oriented agricultural sector. The country is one of the world's largest producers of beef and soybeans. The Buenos Aires metropolitan area is the third-largest in Latin America, and Argentina's economy is classified as upper-middle income.

Culture

Argentine culture has significant European influences. The country is known for its traditional dance and music, particularly the tango. Argentina has a rich literary tradition and is the birthplace of many internationally recognized writers. Argentine cinema and theater are also important aspects of the national culture. Sports, particularly football (soccer), are a national passion.

Government and Politics

Argentina is a federal republic in the form of a representative democracy. The President of Argentina is both head of state and head of government. Legislative power is vested in the two chambers of the Argentine National Congress. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Demographics

Argentina is a multiethnic and multicultural country with a population of over 45 million people. Spanish is the official language, and the majority of the population is Roman Catholic, with vibrant Jewish and Muslim communities as well.

See also

• List of cities in Argentina
• Argentine cuisine
• Education in Argentina
• Foreign relations of Argentina