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Argentina
Physical.
Argentina, in southern South America, borders the South Atlantic Ocean, with
Chile (west) and Uruguay (east). About the size of the US east of the
Mississippi River, Argentina’s climate is temperate, though arid in the
southeast and sub-Antarctic in the southwest. The terrain includes rich plains
in the north (the Pampas), Patagonia’s flat to rolling plateau in the south, and
the rugged Andes Mountains along the western border. Natural resources include
lead, tin, iron ore, copper, manganese, and petroleum.
People.
More than 39 million people live in Argentina. Spanish is the official language,
but English, Italian, German, and French are also spoken. Ethnically, the
country is 97% white (mostly Spanish and Italian) while the remaining 3% are
Mestizo, Amerindian, or other non-white groups.
Religions found here are: Roman Catholic (92% but with less than 20% practicing)
Protestant (2%) and Jewish (2%). The country is divided into two distinct
cultures, urban and rural, with 88% of the population in urban centers.
Government.
President Nestor Kirchner was elected in May 2003, following the severe economic
crisis of 2002. In this crisis the currency was devalued due to declining export
revenues, high unemployment and the withholding of additional loans from the IMF.
In refusing to make the concessions sought by the IMF, Kirchner noted IMF had
abandoned Argentina in 2001, bringing about the crisis. Kirchner successfully
negotiated a deal in accord with Argentine economic realities. President
Kirchner, having stood up to the demands of the IMF, has now steadily moved away
from Washington's free trade agenda. He also moved closer to Chavez of
Venezuela and signed a series of economic agreements. By identifying with
populist leaders in South America, Kirchner has established Argentina's
independence from the US.
Economy.
With rich natural resources, a high literacy rate, an export-oriented
agricultural sector and a solid industrial base, Argentina has the foundation
for a strong economy.
Renewed confidence in government and economic recovery are positive indicators
for Argentina.
Areas of Concern.
While the economic picture is improving, Argentina needs to continue building
its economy. Accounting for the “disappeared” people from the era of military
rule is still a concern. Erosion, soil degradation and the pollution of
rivers are the country’s greatest environmental concerns.
Argentina statistics
Geography
Area: 1,100,000 square
miles
Capital: Buenos Aires (pop 11,802,000)
Environmental concerns: soil erosion and degradation; air and water pollution;
desertification
Geographical features: rich plains of the Pampas in the north; flat to rolling
plateau of Patagonia in the south; the Andes along the western border
Climate: mostly temperate and sub-Antarctic in the southwest
People
39,144,753 people; white (97%); Mestizo, Indian
and others (3%)
Annual growth rate: 1.02%
Major languages: Spanish; Italian, English, German, French
Religions: Roman Catholic (90% with fewer than 20% practicing); Protestant
(2%); Jewish (2%)
Health and social
issues
Life expectancy: Men, 72 years;
women, 76 years
Infant mortality: 15.66 deaths per 1000 live births
51.7% of the population lives in poverty
1 physician per 376 people
HIV/AIDS rate in adults: 0.7%
97.1% of adults are literate
Compulsory education (ages): 6-14; free
Communication and
transportation
8,009,400 main telephone lines
4,100,000 Internet users
135,549 miles of highway
23,549 miles of railroad
1,359 airfields
6,100,000 motor vehicles
Government
Argentina is a republic that gained
its independence from Spain on July 9, 1816
President Nestor Kirchner is both the head of state and government
3 major political parties
Universal suffrage and compulsory at 18
Military
Military expenditures are 1.3% of
the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Current disputes: indefinite boundary with Chile; claims on UK-administered
islands; territorial claim in Antarctica
Economy
Currency: pesos
Per capita income: $11,200
GDP: $ 432 billion
GDP growth rate: 8%
Inflation rate: 3.7%
Labor force: NA
Resources and industry
Natural resources: fertile plains;
lead; zinc; tin; copper; iron ore; manganese; petroleum; uranium
Agriculture: wheat; corn; sorghum; fruits; soybeans; tobacco; tea; livestock
Industry: food processing; motor vehicles; consumer durables; textiles;
chemicals and petrochemicals; printing; metallurgy; steel
Exports: $29.6 billion
Imports: $13.2 billion
Suggested web sites
http://www.find-our-community.net
www.embassy.org/embassies/ar.html
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