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 Argentina: Facts
General:
Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, a long period of Peronist authoritarian rule and interference in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983, and numerous elections since then have underscored Argentina's progress in democratic consolidation.
It is the second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Cerro Aconcagua is South America's tallest mountain, while Laguna del Carbon is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere.
23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 autonomous city (distrito federal); Capital - Buenos Aires.
Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Over the past decade, however, the country has suffered problems of inflation, external debt, capital flight, and budget deficits.
Area:
- Total: 2,766,890 sq km
- Land: 2,736,690 sq km
- Water: 30,200 sq km
Climate:
- Mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest.
Population:
- 39,537,943 (July 2005 est.)
Religions:
- Roman Catholic 92 % (less than 20 % practicing), Protestant 2 %, Jewish 2 %, other 4 %.
Languages:
- Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French.
Research and Education:
» Country report in German (external link), provided by "Kooperation international".
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