About
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 has persisted
despite numerous challenges, the most formidable of which was a severe economic crisis in 2001-02 that led to violent public
protests and the resignation of several interim presidents.
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Source: The World Factbook
Population: 39,537,943 (July 2005 est.)
Capital: Buenos
Aires
Languages: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French
Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%
Government: republic
Climate: mostly temperate; arid in southeast;
subantarctic in southwest
Terrain: rich plains of the
Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border
Geography: 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
Ethnic groups: white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo (mixed white and
Amerindian ancestry), Amerindian, or other non-white groups 3%
Economy: 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. Growth in 2000 was a negative 0.8%, as both domestic and foreign investors remained
skeptical of the government's ability to pay debts and maintain the peso's fixed exchange rate with the US dollar. The
economic situation worsened in 2001 with the widening of spreads on Argentine bonds, massive withdrawals from the banks, and a
further decline in consumer and investor confidence. Government efforts to achieve a "zero deficit," to stabilize the banking
system, and to restore economic growth proved inadequate in the face of the mounting economic problems. The peso's peg to the
dollar was abandoned in January 2002, and the peso was floated in February; the exchange rate plunged and real GDP fell by
10.9% in 2002, but by mid-year the economy had stabilized, albeit at a lower level. GDP expanded by about 8% per year from
2003 to 2005. Growth is being led by a revival in domestic demand, solid exports, and favorable external conditions. The
government boosted spending ahead of the October 2005 midterm congressional elections, but strong revenue performance will
allow Argentina to exceed its primary budget surplus target for this year of 3.2 percent of GDP. Inflation has been rising
steadily and is expected to reach 11.8 percent this year.
GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $13,600 (2005 est.)
GDP real growth: 8.2% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 11.1% (September 2005)
Internet country code: .ar
Dial code: +54
Cities
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Local currency is the Argentine Peso
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