Argentina

{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = ''República Argentina''{{spaces|2}}{{es icon}}
|common_name = Argentina
|conventional_long_name = Argentine Republic
|image_flag = Flag_of_Argentina.svg
|image_coat = COA of Argentina.svg
|image_map = LocationArgentina.svg
|national_motto = ''En unión y libertad''{{spaces|2}}{{es icon}} "In Union and Freedom"
|national_anthem = ''[[Argentine National Anthem|Himno Nacional Argentino]]''
|official_languages = [[Spanish language|Spanish]]
|capital = [[Buenos Aires]]
|latd=34 |latm=20 |latNS=S |longd=58 |longm=30 |longEW=W
|largest_city = [[Buenos Aires]]
|government_type = [[Federal republic|Federal]] [[Presidential system|presidential republic]]
|leader_title1 = [[President of Argentina|President]]
|leader_name1 = [[Cristina Fernández de Kirchner]]
|leader_title2 = [[Vice President of Argentina|Vice President]]
|leader_name2 = [[Julio Cobos]]
|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]]
|sovereignty_note = from [[Spain]]
|established_event1 = [[May Revolution]]
|established_date1 = [[25 May]] [[1810]]
|established_event2 = [[Argentine Declaration of Independence|Declared]]
|established_date2 = [[9 July]] [[1816]]
|established_event3 = Recognized
|established_date3 = 1821 (by [[Spain]])
|area_rank = 8{{th}}
|area_magnitude = 1_E12
|area_km2 = 2766890
|area_sq_mi = 1073514
|percent_water = 1.1
|population_estimate = 40,060,000
|population_estimate_year = 2007
|population_estimate = 40,301,927
|population_estimate_rank = 30{{th}}
|population_census = 36,260,130
|population_census_year = 2001
|population_density_km2 = 14
|population_density_sq_mi = 36
|population_density_rank = 168th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2007
|GDP_PPP = $671.508 billion
|GDP_PPP_rank = 18th
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $15,200<ref name="CIA">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2004rank.html CIA Rank of GDP per capita]</ref>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 67th<ref name="CIA"/>
|GDP_nominal = $212.702 [[1000000000 (number)|billion]]
|GDP_nominal_rank = 31st
|GDP_nominal_year = 2005
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $6,548
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 66th
|Gini = 52.8
|Gini_year = 2003
|Gini_category = high
|HDI_year = 2005
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.869
|HDI_rank = 38th
|HDI_category = high
|currency = [[Argentine peso|Peso]]
|currency_code = ARS
|time_zone = [[Time in Argentina|ART]]
|utc_offset = -3
|time_zone_DST = ART
|utc_offset_DST = -2
|demonym = Argentine
|cctld = [[.ar]]
|calling_code = 54
|footnotes = Argentina also has a [[Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands|territorial dispute]] with the [[United Kingdom]] over an additional {{unit sqkm|1000000|0|lk=on}} of [[Antarctica]], the [[Falkland Islands]] and [[South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands]] (total area {{unit sqkm|3761274|0}}).
}}
'''Argentina''', officially the '''Argentine Republic''' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]: ''República Argentina'', ''Nación Argentina'' (Argentine Nation) for many legal purposes), is a [[South America]]n country, second in size on the continent to [[Brazil]] and [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|eighth]] in the world. Argentina occupies a continental surface area of {{unit sqkm|2766890|0|lk=on}} between the [[Andes]] [[mountain range]] in the west and the southern [[Atlantic Ocean]] in the east and south.

It is bordered by [[Paraguay]] and [[Bolivia]] in the north, [[Brazil]] and [[Uruguay]] in the northeast, and [[Chile]] in the west and south. The country claims the [[United Kingdom|British]] controlled territories of the [[Falkland Islands]] ({{lang-es|Islas Malvinas}}) and [[South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands]]. Argentina also claims {{unit sqkm|969464|0}} of [[Antarctica]], known as [[Argentine Antarctica]], overlapping other claims made by [[Chile]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. It is an [[Emerging market]] with the highest [[standards of living]] in [[Latin America]] according to the [[Human Development Index]]. Argentina's nominal GDP is the 31st largest economy in the world.<ref>http://hdrstats.undp.org/countries/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_ARG.html</ref>

Argentina has one of the highest [[human development index]] levels and GDP per capita income in [[Latin America]]. Argentina is a [[newly industrialized country|newly industrialized economy]] classified as a [[developing country]],<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/appendix/appendix-b.html CIA Classification]</ref><ref>[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/01/data/groups.htm#oem IMF Country Classification]</ref> currently classified as an upper-middle income country by the [[World Bank]],<ref>[http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0,,contentMDK:20421402~pagePK:64133150~piPK:64133175~theSitePK:239419,00.html#Upper_middle_income Country Classifications by the World Bank]</ref> or as a secondary [[emerging country]].<ref>[http://www.ftse.com/Indices/Country_Classification/Downloads/FTSE_Country_Classification_2007_Update.pdf FTSE Country Classification]</ref>

== [[Etymology]] ==
{{main|Origin and history of the name of Argentina}}

The first [[Spain|Spanish]] [[conquistador]]s discovered the [[Río de la Plata]], they named the [[estuary]] ''Mar Dulce'' ('Sweet Sea', as in a [[fresh water]] sea). [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indigenous people]] gave gifts of silver to the survivors of the shipwrecked expedition, who were led by [[Juan Díaz de Solís]]. The legend of [[Sierra del Plata]] – a mountain rich in silver – reached Spain around 1524, and the name was first seen in print on a [[Republic of Venice|Venice]] map from 1536. The source of the silver was the area where the city of [[Potosí]] was to be founded in 1546. An expedition that followed the trail of the silver up the [[Paraná River|Paraná]] and [[Pilcomayo River|Pilcomayo]] rivers finally reached the source only to find it already owned by explorers who reached it from [[Lima]], the capital of the [[Viceroyalty of Peru]].

The name Argentina (from [[Latin]] ''argentum'': [[silver]]) was first used extensively in the 1612 book ''Historia del descubrimiento, población, y conquista del Río de la Plata'' (History of the discovery, population, and conquest of the Río de la Plata) by [[Ruy Díaz de Guzmán]], naming the territory ''Tierra Argentina'' (Land of Silver).<ref>{{es icon}} [http://www.profesorgentile.com.ar/publi/nombre.html What's our name?]</ref><ref>{{es icon}} [http://www.paisadentro.com.ar/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=20 My name is Argentina]</ref> Traditionally, the [[British English]] name for the country is "The Argentine", but this is no longer in common use.

==History==
[[Image:Toortse Rio de la Plata.png|thumb|left|200px|Río de la Plata aboriginals, as pictured by Hendrick Ottsen (1603).]]
{{main|History of Argentina}}
The first signs of human presence in Argentina are located in the [[Patagonia]] ([[Piedra Museo]], [[Santa Cruz Province (Argentina)|Santa Cruz]]), and date from 11,000 BC.{{Fact|date=November 2007}} Around 1 AD, several maize-based civilizations developed in the [[Andean]] region ([[Santa María (people)|Santa María]], [[Huarpes]], [[Diaguita]]s, [[Sanavirones]], among others). In 1480, the [[Inca Empire]] under the rule of emperor [[Pachacutec]] launched an offensive and conquered present-day northwestern Argentina, integrating it into a region called [[Collasuyu]]. In the northeastern area, the [[Guaraní]] developed a culture based on [[yuca]] and [[sweet potato]]. The central and southern areas ([[Pampas]] and Patagonia) were dominated by [[nomad]]ic cultures, unified in the [[17th century|seventeenth century]] by the [[Mapuche]]s.

[[Image:Buenos Aires shortly after its foundation 1536.png|thumb|right|210px|Buenos Aires in 1536.]]
European explorers arrived in 1516. [[Spain]] established a permanent colony on the site of [[Buenos Aires]] in 1580; the [[Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata]] was created in 1776. During the early part of this period it was largely a country of [[Spanish people|Spanish]] immigrants and their descendants, known as ''[[Spanish Creoles peoples|creoles]]'', some of them gathered in the [[Buenos Aires]] and other cities, others living on the ''[[pampas]]'' as [[gaucho]]s. Descendants of African slaves (See:[[Afro-Argentines]]) were present in significant numbers. Indigenous peoples inhabited much of the rest of Argentina. In 1806 and 1807 the [[British Empire]] [[British invasions of the Río de la Plata|launched two invasions]] to Buenos Aires, but the [[Criollo (people)|creole]] population repelled both attempts. On [[May 25]], [[1810]], after confirmation of the rumors about the overthrow of [[Ferdinand VII of Spain|King Ferdinand VII]] by [[Napoleon I of France|Napoleon]], citizens of [[Buenos Aires]] took advantage of the situation and created the [[Primera Junta|First Government Junta]] ([[May Revolution]]). Formal [[Argentine Declaration of Independence|independence from Spain]] was declared on [[July 9]], [[1816]] in [[Tucumán]].

In 1818, General [[José de San Martín]] [[Crossing of the Andes|crossed the Andes]] to free [[Chile]] and [[Peru]], thus eliminating the Spanish threat. [[Centralism|Centralist]] and [[Federalism|federalist]] groups (Spanish: ''[[Unitarian Party|Unitarios]]'' and ''[[Federales (Argentina)|Federales]]'') were in conflict until national unity was established and the [[Constitution of Argentina|constitution]] promulgated in 1853.

Foreign [[investment]] and [[Immigration in Argentina|immigration]] from Europe led to the adoption of modern agricultural techniques. In the 1880s, the "[[Conquest of the Desert]]" subdued or exterminated the remaining indigenous tribes throughout the southern [[Pampas]] and [[Patagonia]].<ref> Carlos A. Floria and César A. García Belsunce, 1971. ''Historia de los Argentinos'' I and II; ISBN 84-599-5081-6.</ref>

From 1880 to 1916, Argentina enjoyed increasing prosperity, prominence and became one of the top 10 richest countries in the world, through an agricultural export-led economy. The population of the country swelled sevenfold. [[Conservative]] forces dominated Argentine politics through non-democratic means until 1916, when their traditional rivals, the [[Radical Civic Union|Radicals]], won control of the first free-elected government. The military forced [[Hipólito Yrigoyen]] from power in 1930, leading to another decade of Conservative rule. Political change led to the presidency of [[Juan Perón]] in 1946, who tried to empower the working class and greatly expanded the number of unionized workers. The economy turned to more protectionist policies and the developing of industry. The self-proclamated [[Revolución Libertadora]] of 1955 deposed him.

[[Image:Juan Peron con banda de presidente.jpg|thumb|right|200px|President [[Juan Perón]] (1946).]]
From the 1950s to 1970s, soft military and weak civilian administrations traded power. During those years the economy grew strongly and poverty declined (to less than 7% in 1975). At the same time [[Political terrorism|political violence]] continued to escalate, fighting against the military government, demanding the return of Perón from his Spanish exile.
In 1973, Perón returned to the presidency, but he died within a year of assuming power. His third wife [[Isabel Martínez de Perón|Isabel]], the Vice President, succeeded him in office, but the [[coup d'état|military coup]] of [[March 24]], [[1976]] removed her from office.

The [[armed forces]] took power through a [[Military dictatorship|junta]] in charge of the self-appointed [[National Reorganization Process]] until 1983. The military government repressed opposition and leftist groups using harsh illegal measures (the "[[Dirty War]]"); thousands of dissidents "[[forced disappearance|disappeared]]", while the [[Secretaría de Inteligencia|SIDE]] cooperated with [[DINA]] and other South American [[Intelligence agency|intelligence agencies]], and with the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] in [[Operation Condor]]. Many of the military leaders that took part in the Dirty War were trained in the [[United States|U.S.]]-financed [[School of the Americas]], among them Argentine dictators [[Leopoldo Galtieri]] and [[Roberto Viola]]. The military dictatorship (1976-1983) greatly increased the extent of the country's foreign debt. From that point the economy of the country began to be controlled more and more by the conditions imposed on it by both its creditors and the IMF (International Monetary Fund) with priority given to servicing the repayment of the foreign debt. These and other economic problems, charges of corruption, public revulsion in the face of [[human rights]] abuses and, finally, the country's 1982 defeat by the British in the [[Falklands War]] discredited the Argentine [[military regime]].

Democracy was restored in 1983. [[Raúl Alfonsín]]'s Radical government took steps to account for the "disappeared", established civilian control of the armed forces, and consolidated democratic institutions. The members of the three military juntas were prosecuted and sentenced to life terms. Failure to resolve endemic economic problems and an inability to maintain public confidence led to Alfonsín's early departure six months before his term was to be completed.

The 1990’s began with [[hyperinflation]]. President [[Carlos Menem]] imposed a [[Argentine peso|peso]]-[[United States dollar|dollar]] [[Argentine Currency Board|fixed exchange rate]] in 1991 to stop [[hyperinflation]] and adopted far-reaching [[Market economy|market-based]] policies, dismantling [[protectionism|protectionist]] barriers and business [[deregulation|regulations]], and implementing a [[privatization]] program. These reforms contributed to significant increases in investment and growth with stable prices through most of the 1990s. However, the peso was tied to the dollar at an artificially high rate that could only be maintained by flooding the market with dollars. As a result the foreign debt increased enormously and state companies and services were privatized. The total opening up of the market to foreign goods, which up until then were produced locally, resulted in the collapse of local industry. So while part of the population was saving in dollars, traveling overseas, and purchasing imported and luxury goods cheaply, the rest of the population was experiencing an increase in both poverty and unemployment. The IMF and the world economists praised the liberalization of the Argentine market, and the country was presented as a “model student”. Toward the end of the 1990s, large fiscal deficits and overvaluation of the pegged peso caused a gradual slide into [[Crisis (economic)|economic crisis]]. In 1998 a period of profound economic recession began. This was a direct result of the economic measures which dominated the decade of the 90’s and which produced a false sense of stability and well being. By the end of his term in 1999, these accumulating problems and perceived corruption had made Menem unpopular.

The Menem and [[Fernando de la Rúa|de la Rúa]] administrations faced diminished competitiveness in exports, massive imports which damaged national industry and reduced employment, chronic fiscal and trade deficits, and the contagion of several economic crises. Unemployment reached as high as 25% of the economically active population, and another 15% had only part-time work. The [[Asian financial crisis]] in 1998 precipitated an [[capital outflow|outflow of capital]] that mushroomed into a [[recession]], and culminated in [[Argentine economic crisis (1999-2002)|economic crisis]] in November of 2001. The governing coalition was forced to undertake a series of measures including the freezing of bank accounts. This was done to halt the flow of capital out of the country and to stem the growing debt crisis. However, a climate of popular discontent was unleashed as a result. On the 20th of December 2001 Argentina was thrown into its worst institutional and economic crisis for several decades. There were violent street protests, which brought about clashes with the police and resulted in several fatalities. The increasingly chaotic climate, amidst [[December 2001 riots (Argentina)|bloody riots]], finally resulted in the resignation of President de la Rúa. The economic crisis accentuated the people’s lack of trust in their politicians. During this time street protests were accompanied by the cry “they all should go.” The "they" referred to the politicians, especially those involved in many reported acts of corruption. They were also accused of dealing fraudulently with public goods and money, without any judicial sanctions in place to curb the corruption.

In two weeks, several presidents followed in quick succession, culminating in [[Eduardo Duhalde]]'s being appointed interim [[President of Argentina]] by the [[Legislative Assembly]] on [[2 January]] [[2002]]. Argentina [[default (finance)|defaulted]] on its international debt obligations. The peso's near eleven year-old linkage to the United States dollar was abandoned, resulting in major [[depreciation (currency)|depreciation]] of the peso and a spike in [[inflation]].

With a more competitive and flexible [[exchange rate]], the country implemented new policies based on re-industrialization, [[import substitution]], increased exports, and consistent fiscal and trade surpluses. By the end of 2002 the economy began to stabilize, mainly thanks to the soybean and other cereals' boom and dirty flotation of the exchange rates. In 2003, [[Néstor Kirchner]] was elected president. During Kirchner's presidency, Argentina [[Argentine debt restructuring|restructured its defaulted debt]] with a steep discount (about 66 percent) on most bonds, paid off debts with the [[International Monetary Fund]], renegotiated contracts with utilities, and nationalized some previously privatized enterprises. Currently, Argentina is enjoying a period of [[economic growth]]. In 2007 [[Cristina Fernández de Kirchner]], was elected president, becoming the first woman to be elected president of Argentina. Also in 2007, Center-left [[Fabiana Ríos]] ([[Support for an Egalitarian Republic|ARI]]) became the first woman to be elected [[governor of Tierra del Fuego]] and first elected female governor in Argentina's history.

==Politics==
{{main|Politics of Argentina}}

===Government===

Argentina's political framework is a [[federation|federal]] [[presidential system|presidential]] [[representative democracy|representative democratic]] [[republic]], in which the [[President of Argentina|President of The Argentine Nation]] is both [[head of state]] and [[head of government]], complemented by a pluriform [[multi-party system]]. The current president (2007) is [[Cristina Fernández de Kirchner]], with [[Julio Cobos]] as vice president.

The [[Argentine Constitution of 1853]] mandates a [[separation of powers]] into [[executive (government)|executive]], [[legislature|legislative]], and [[judiciary|judicial]] branches at the national and provincial level.

[[Executive (government)|Executive]] power resides in the [[President of Argentina|President]] and his or her cabinet. The [[President of Argentina|President of The Argentine Nation]] and Vice President are directly elected to four-year terms, limited to two consecutive terms, and the [[cabinet (government)|cabinet]] ministers are appointed by the president.

[[Legislature|Legislative]] power is vested in the bicameral [[National Congress]] or ''[[Argentine National Congress|Congreso de la Nación]]'', consisting of a [[Senate]] (''[[Argentine Senate|Senado]]'') of seventy-two seats, and a [[Chamber of Deputies]] (''[[Argentine Chamber of Deputies|Cámara de Diputados]]'') of 257 members.

Senators serve six-year terms, with one-third standing for reelection every two years. Members of the Chamber of Deputies are directly elected to four-year term via a system of [[proportional representation]], with half of the members of the [[lower house]] being elected every two years. A third of the candidates presented by the parties must be women.

The [[judiciary]] is independent of the executive and the legislature. The [[Argentine Supreme Court of Justice]] has seven members who are appointed by the President in consultation with the Senate. The rest of the judges are appointed by the [[Council of Magistrates of the Nation]], a secretariat composed of representatives of judges, lawyers, the Congress, and the executive (see [[Law of Argentina]]).

Argentina is a member of an international bloc which has some legislative supranational functions. Mercosur is composed of five full members: Argentina, [[Brazil]], [[Paraguay]], [[Uruguay]], and [[Venezuela]]. It has five associate members without full voting rights: [[Bolivia]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]], and [[Peru]].

Argentina was the only country from [[Latin America]] to participate in the 1991 [[Gulf War]] under mandate of the [[United Nations]]. It was also the only Latin American country involved in every phase of the [[Operation Uphold Democracy|Haiti operation]]. Argentina has contributed worldwide to [[peacekeeping]] operations, including in [[El Salvador]]-[[Honduras]]-[[Nicaragua]], [[Guatemala]], [[Ecuador]]-[[Peru]], [[Western Sahara]], [[Angola]], [[Kuwait]], [[Cyprus]], [[Croatia]], [[Kosovo]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] and [[Timor Leste]]. In recognition of its contributions to [[international security]], [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[Bill Clinton]] designated Argentina as a [[major non-NATO ally]] in [[1998|January 1998]]. In 2005, it was elected as a temporary member of the [[UN Security Council]].

In 1993, Argentina launched the United Nations [[White Helmets]] indicative of [[humanitarian aid]].

On [[November 4]]-[[November 5]] [[2005]], the Argentine city of [[Mar del Plata]] hosted the [[Fourth Summit of the Americas]]. This summit was marked by a number of anti-U.S. protests. [[2006|As of 2006]], Argentina has been emphasizing [[Mercosur]] as its first international priority; by contrast, during the 1990s, it relied more heavily on its relationship with the [[United States]].

Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over the [[Falkland Islands]] (''Islas Malvinas''), the [[South Shetland Islands]], the [[South Sandwich Islands]] and almost 1 million km² in Antarctica, between the 25°W and the 74°W meridians and the 60°S parallel. For more than a century, there has been an Argentine presence at the [[Orcadas Base]].

Argentina is a founding signatory and permanent consulting member of the [[Antarctic Treaty System]] and the [[Antarctic Treaty Secretariat]] is established in [[Buenos Aires]].<ref>[http://www.ats.aq/]</ref>

===Military===
{{main|Military of Argentina}}
Argentina's armed forces are controlled by the Defense Ministry, with the country's [[President of Argentina|President]] as their [[Commander-in-Chief]]. Historically, Argentina's military has been one of the best equipped in the region (for example, developing its own advanced jet fighters as early as the 1950s),<ref>[http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2002/06/stuff_eng_profile_pulqui.htm Pulqui: Argentina's Jet Adventure]IPMStockholm.org</ref> but has faced expenditure cutbacks in comparison to other regional militaries. The age of allowable military service is 18 years; there is no obligatory [[military service]] and currently no [[conscription]].

The armed forces are composed of a traditional [[Argentine Army|Army]], [[Argentine Navy|Navy]], and [[Argentine Air Force|Air Force]]. Controlled by a separate ministry (the Interior Ministry), Argentine [[territorial waters]] are patrolled by the [[Argentine Naval Prefecture|Naval Prefecture]], and the border regions by the [[Argentine National Gendarmerie|National Gendarmerie]]; both arms however maintain liaison with the Defense Ministry. Argentina's Armed Forces are currently undertaking major operations in [[Haiti]] and [[Cyprus]], in accordance with [[Peacekeeping|UN mandates]].

== Provinces ==
[[Image:Argentina - Político 2.png|thumb|340px|Provinces of Argentina. Argentina claims the [[Falkland Islands]] (''Islas Malvinas'', a [[British overseas territory|UK overseas territory]]) and a slice of [[Antarctica]], both of which it considers a part of its [[Tierra del Fuego Province (Argentina)|Tierra del Fuego Province]] (#23 below).]]
{{main|Provinces of Argentina}}
{{seealso|Governors in Argentina}}
Argentina is divided into twenty-three [[province]]s (''provincias''; singular ''provincia''), and one [[autonomous city]] (commonly known as the ''capital federal,'' but officially ''Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires''):
{{columns
|col1 =
1. [[Buenos Aires|Buenos Aires (autonomous city)]]

2. [[Buenos Aires Province|Buenos Aires (province)]]

3. [[Catamarca Province|Catamarca]]

4. [[Chaco Province|Chaco]]

5. [[Chubut Province|Chubut]]

6. [[Córdoba Province (Argentina)|Córdoba]]

7. [[Corrientes Province|Corrientes]]

8. [[Entre Ríos Province|Entre Ríos]]

9. [[Formosa Province|Formosa]]

10. [[Jujuy Province|Jujuy]]

11. [[La Pampa Province|La Pampa]]

12. [[La Rioja Province (Argentina)|La Rioja]]

|col2 =
13. [[Mendoza Province|Mendoza]]

14. [[Misiones Province|Misiones]]

15. [[Neuquén Province|Neuquén]]

16. [[Río Negro Province|Río Negro]]

17. [[Salta Province|Salta]]

18. [[San Juan Province (Argentina)|San Juan]]

19. [[San Luis Province|San Luis]]

20. [[Santa Cruz Province (Argentina)|Santa Cruz]]

21. [[Santa Fe Province|Santa Fe]]

22. [[Santiago del Estero Province|Santiago del Estero]]

23. [[Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands Province|Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands]]

24. [[Tucumán Province|Tucumán]]
}}
Though [[Federalisation of Buenos Aires|declared the capital in 1853]], Buenos Aires didn't become the capital of the country until 1880. There have been moves to relocate the administrative centre elsewhere. During the presidency of [[Raúl Alfonsín]], a law was passed ordering the transfer of the federal capital to [[Viedma]], a city in the [[Patagonian]] province of Río Negro. Studies were underway when economic problems halted the project in 1989. Though the law was never formally repealed, it is now treated as a relic.

Provinces are divided into smaller secondary units called ''departamentos'' ("departments"), of which there are [[Departments of Argentina|376 in total]]. The province of [[Buenos Aires Province|Buenos Aires]] has 134 similar divisions known as ''partidos''. ''Departamentos'' and ''partidos'' are further subdivided into municipalities or districts.


In descending order by number of inhabitants, the [[List of cities in Argentina#Largest cities|major cities in Argentina]] are [[Buenos Aires]], [[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]], [[Rosario, Santa Fe|Rosario]], [[Mendoza, Argentina|Mendoza]], [[Tucumán]], [[La Plata]], [[Mar del Plata]], [[Salta]], [[Santa Fe, Argentina|Santa Fe]], [[San Juan, Argentina|San Juan]], [[Resistencia, Chaco|Resistencia]], and [[Neuquén, Argentina|Neuquén]].

==Geography==
[[Image:Argentina topo blank.jpg|260px|thumb|left|Topographic map of Argentina (including some territorial claims).]]
{{main|Geography of Argentina}}

===Main features===
The total surface area of Argentina (not including the Antarctic claim), is as follows:
* Total: 2,766,890 [[square kilometre|km²]]
* Land: 2,736,691 km²
* Water: 30,200 km²

Argentina is nearly 3,700 km long from north to south, and 1,400 km from east to west (maximum values). It can roughly be divided into four parts: the fertile plains of the [[Pampa]]s in the center of the country, the source of Argentina's [[agriculture|agricultural]] wealth; the flat to rolling, oil-rich plateau of [[Patagonia]] in the southern half down to [[Tierra del Fuego]]; the subtropical flats of the [[Gran Chaco]] in the north, and the rugged [[Andes]] [[mountain range]] along the western border with [[Chile]].

The highest point above [[sea level]] in Argentina is located in [[Mendoza Province|Mendoza]]. Cerro [[Aconcagua]], at 6,962 [[meter]]s (22,834 [[foot (unit of length)|feet]]), is the highest mountain in the [[Americas]], the [[Southern Hemisphere|Southern]],<ref>[http://home.comcast.net/~igpl/Mountains.html Mountains of the Earth] The Highest Mountain Peak on Each Continent</ref> and [[Western Hemisphere]].<ref>[http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150197/aconcagua.html Aconcagua, the highest in the Western Hemisphere]</ref> The lowest point is [[Laguna del Carbón]] in [[Santa Cruz Province|Santa Cruz]], −105 meters (−344 ft) below sea level.<ref>[http://home.comcast.net/~igpl/Depressions.html Depressions] The Lowest Surface Point on Each Continent</ref> This is also the lowest point on the South American [[continent]]. The geographic center of the country is located in south-central [[La Pampa Province|La Pampa]] province.

The country has a territorial claim over a portion of [[Argentine Antarctica|Antarctica]] (unrecognized by any other country), where, from 1904, it has maintained [[Orcadas Base|a constant presence]].

===Geographic regions===
[[Image:Argentina CIA WFB Map.PNG|260px|thumb|right|Source: CIA<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ar.html]</ref> Political map of Argentina showing the area it controls. The [[Falkland Islands]] (''Islas Malvinas'') are controlled by the [[United Kingdom]] but are claimed by Argentina.]]
The country is traditionally divided into several major geographically distinct regions:

; Pampas: The plains west and south from [[Buenos Aires]]. Called the [[Humid Pampa]], they cover most of the provinces of [[Buenos Aires Province|Buenos Aires]] and [[Córdoba Province (Argentina)|Córdoba]], and big portions of the provinces of [[Santa Fe Province|Santa Fe]] and [[La Pampa Province|La Pampa]]. The western part of [[La Pampa Province|La Pampa]] and the province [[San Luis Province|San Luis]] also have plains (the Dry Pampa), but they are drier and used mainly for grazing. The [[Sierra de Córdoba]] in the homonymous province (extending into San Luis), is the most important geographical feature of the pampas.

; Gran Chaco: The [[Gran Chaco]] region in the north of the country is seasonal dry/wet, mainly cotton growing and livestock raising. It covers the provinces of [[Chaco Province|Chaco]] and [[Formosa Province|Formosa]]. It is dotted with subtropical forests, scrubland, and some wetlands, home to a large number of plant and animal species. The province of [[Santiago del Estero Province|Santiago del Estero]] lies in the drier region of the Gran Chaco.

; Mesopotamia: The land between the [[Paraná River|Paraná]] and [[Uruguay River|Uruguay]] rivers is called [[Mesopotamia, Argentina|Mesopotamia]] and it is shared by the provinces of [[Corrientes Province|Corrientes]] and [[Entre Ríos Province|Entre Ríos]]. It features flatland apt for grazing and plant growing, and the [[Iberá Wetlands]] in central Corrientes. [[Misiones Province|Misiones]] province is more tropical and belongs within the [[Brazilian Highlands]] geographic feature. It features subtropical rainforests and the [[Iguazú Falls]].

; Patagonia: The [[steppe]]s of [[Patagonia]], in the provinces of [[Neuquén Province|Neuquén]], [[Río Negro Province|Río Negro]], [[Chubut Province|Chubut]] and [[Santa Cruz Province (Argentina)|Santa Cruz]], are of [[Tertiary]] origin. Most of the region is semiarid in the north to cold and arid in the far south, but forests grow in its western fringes which are dotted with several large lakes. [[Tierra del Fuego Province (Argentina)|Tierra del Fuego]] is cool and wet, moderated by oceanic influences. Northern Patagonia (roughly Río Negro south of the homonymous river, and Neuquén) can also be referred as the '''Comahue''' [[Comahue|region]] .

; Cuyo: West-central Argentina is dominated by the imposing [[Andes]] Mountains. To their east is the arid region known as [[Cuyo, Argentina|Cuyo]]. Melting waters from high in the mountains form the backbone of irrigated lowland oasis, at the center of a rich fruit and [[wine]] growing region in [[Mendoza Province|Mendoza]] and [[San Juan Province (Argentina)|San Juan]] provinces. Further north the region gets hotter and drier with more geographical accidents in [[La Rioja Province (Argentina)|La Rioja]] province.

; NOA or Northwest: This region is the highest in average elevation. Several parallel mountain ranges, several of which have peaks higher than 20,000 feet (6,000 m), dominate the area. These ranges grow wider in geographic extent towards the north. They are cut by fertile river valleys, the most important being the [[Calchaquí Valleys]] in the provinces of [[Catamarca Province|Catamarca]], [[Tucumán Province|Tucumán]], and [[Salta Province|Salta]]. Farther north the province of [[Jujuy Province|Jujuy]] near [[Bolivia]] lies mainly within the [[Altiplano]] plateau of the Central Andes. The [[Tropic of Capricorn]] goes through the far north of the region.

===Rivers and lakes===

Major rivers in Argentina include the [[Pilcomayo River|Pilcomayo]], [[Paraguay River|Paraguay]], [[Bermejo River|Bermejo]], [[Colorado River (Argentina)|Colorado]], [[Río Negro River (Argentina)|Río Negro]], [[Salado River, Argentina|Salado]], [[Uruguay River|Uruguay]] and the largest river, the [[Paraná River|Paraná]]. The latter two flow together before meeting the [[Atlantic Ocean]], forming the estuary of the [[Río de la Plata]]. Regionally important rivers are the [[Atuel River|Atuel]] and [[Mendoza River|Mendoza]] in the homonymous province, the [[Chubut River|Chubut]] in Patagonia, the Río Grande in Jujuy, and the San Francisco River in Salta.

There are several large [[lake]]s in Argentina, many of them in Patagonia. Among these are lakes [[Lake Argentino|Argentino]] and [[Lake Viedma|Viedma]] in Santa Cruz, [[Lake Nahuel Huapi|Nahuel Huapi]] in Río Negro and [[Lake Fagnano|Fagnano]] in Tierra del Fuego, and Colhué Huapi and Musters in Chubut. [[Lake Buenos Aires]] and [[O'Higgins/San Martín Lake]] are shared with Chile. [[Mar Chiquita, Córdoba]], is the largest salt water lake in the country. There are numerous [[reservoir (water)|reservoir]]s created by [[dam]]s. Argentina features various [[hot spring]]s, such as those at [[Termas de Río Hondo]] with temperatures between 30 °C and 65 °C.<ref>[http://www.liveargentina.com/SantiagodelEsteroRioHondo.htm About Termas de Río Hondo].</ref>

===Coastal areas and seas===
Argentina has {{unit km|4665|0}} of [[coastline]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.natlaw.com/pubs/sparcs1.htm|title=Global Argentina|publisher=National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade|year=1997}}</ref> The continental platform is unusually wide; in Argentina this shallow area of the [[Atlantic]] [[Ocean]] is called [[Mar Argentino]]. The waters are rich in fisheries and suspected of holding important [[hydrocarbon]] energy resources. Argentina's coastline varies between areas of [[sand]] dunes and cliffs. The two major [[ocean current]]s affecting the coast are the warm [[Brazil Current]] and the cold [[Falkland Current]] (Spanish: ''corriente antártica'' or ''corriente de las Malvinas''). Because of the uneveness of the coastal landmass, the two currents alternate in their influence on climate and do not allow temperatures to fall evenly with higher latitude. The southern coast of [[Tierra del Fuego]] forms the north shore of the [[Drake Passage]].

===Climate===
[[Image:Salta-VallesCalchaquies-P3140151.JPG|thumb|250px|Calchaquí Valleys in the province of Salta.]]
Because of longitudinal and elevation amplitudes, Argentina is subject to a variety of climates. As a rule, the [[climate]] is predominantly [[temperate climate|temperate]] with extremes ranging from [[subtropical climate|subtropical]] in the north to [[Subarctic climate|subpolar]] in the far south. The north of the country is characterized by very hot, humid summers with mild drier winters, and is subject to periodic droughts. Central Argentina has hot summers with thunderstorms (in western Argentina producing some of the world's largest [[hail]]), and cool winters. The southern regions have warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall, especially in mountainous zones. Higher elevations at all latitudes experience cooler conditions.

The hottest and coldest [[temperature]] extremes recorded in South America have occurred in Argentina. A record high temperature of {{unit °C|49.1|1|lk=on}}, was recorded at Villa de María, [[Córdoba Province (Argentina)|Córdoba]] on [[January 2]] [[1920]]. The lowest temperature recorded was {{unit °C|-39.0|1}} at Valle de los Patos Superior, [[San Juan Province|San Juan]], [[July 17]] [[1972]].

Major winds in Argentina include the cool [[Pampero]] blowing on the flat plains of Patagonia and the ''Pampas'' after a [[cold front]]; the [[Viento Norte]], a warm wind that can blow from the north in mid and late winter creating mild conditions; and the [[Zonda wind|Zonda]], a hot and dry wind (see also [[Föhn wind]]), affecting west-central Argentina. Squeezed of all moisture during the 6,000 meter descent from the Andes, Zonda winds can blow for hours with gusts up to 120 [[kilometre per hour|km/h]], fueling [[wildfire]]s and causing damage. When the Zonda blows (June-November), snowstorms and [[blizzard]] (''viento blanco'') conditions usually affect the higher elevations.

The [[Sudestada]] (literally “southeastern”) could be considered similar to the [[Noreaster]], though snowfall is rarely involved (but is not unprecedented). Both are associated with a deep winter low pressure system. The ''sudestada'' usually moderates cold temperatures but brings very heavy rains, rough seas, and coastal flooding. It is most common in late autumn and winter along the coasts of central Argentina and in the Río de la Plata [[estuary]].

The southern regions, particularly the far south, experience long periods of daylight from November to February (up to nineteen hours), and extended nights from May to August. All of Argentina uses [[UTC-3]] time zone. The country does observe [[daylight saving time]] ocassionally, the last summertime being started at 0:00 December 30, 2007.

Extremities
Argentina's eastermost continental point is northeast of the town of [[Bernardo de Irigoyen, Misiones|Bernardo de Irigoyen]], [[Misiones Province|Misiones]] ({{coor dm|26|15|S|53|38|W|}}), the westernmost in the Mariano Moreno Range in [[Santa Cruz Province (Argentina)|Santa Cruz]] ({{coor dm|49|33|S|73|35|W|}}). The northernmost point is located at the confluence of the Grande de San Juan and Mojinete rivers, [[Jujuy Province|Jujuy]] ({{coor dm|21|46|S|66|13|W|}}), and the southernmost is Cape San Pío in [[Tierra del Fuego Province (Argentina)|Tierra del Fuego]] ({{coor dm|55|03|S|66|31|W|}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hcdsc.gov.ar/biblioteca/ISES/geografiaargentina.asp|title=Argentine topography, hydrography, and climate|publisher=Chamber of Deputies of the Province of Santa Cruz|language=Spanish}}</ref>

===Enclaves and exclaves===
There is one Argentine [[Enclave and exclave|exclave]], the [[Martín García Island]] (co-ordinates {{coor dm|34|11|S|58|15|W|}}). It is near the confluence of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, a kilometer (0.62 mi) inside [[Uruguay]]an waters, and 3.5 kilometres (2.1 mi) from the Uruguayan coastline near the small town of [[Martín Chico]] (itself halfway between [[Nueva Palmira]] and [[Colonia del Sacramento]]).

An agreement reached by Argentina and Uruguay in 1973 reaffirmed Argentine jurisdiction over the island, ending a century-old dispute. Under the terms of the agreement, Martín García is to be devoted exclusively as a natural preserve. Its area is about 2 square kilometres (500 acres), and its population is about 200 people.

==Flora and fauna==
===Flora===
[[Image:Erythrina crista-galli2.jpg|thumb|180px|right|The [[ceibo]] is [[National Flower of Argentina|Argentina's national flower]].]]
Subtropical plants dominate the north, part of the [[Gran Chaco]] region of South America. The [[genus]] [[Dalbergia]] of trees is well disseminated with representatives like the ''[[Dalbergia|Brazilian Rosewood]]'' and the ''[[quebracho]]'' tree; also predominant are white and black ''[[algarrobo]]'' trees ([[prosopis alba]] and [[prosopis nigra]]). ''Savannah''-like areas exist in the drier regions nearer the [[Andes]]. Aquatic plants thrive in the wetlands dotting the region.

In central Argentina the ''humid [[pampas]]'' are a true [[tallgrass prairie]] [[ecosystem]]. The original ''pampa'' had virtually no [[trees]]; today along roads or in towns and country estates (''estancias''), some imported species like the [[American sycamore]] or [[eucalyptus]] are present. The only tree-like plant native to the ''pampa'' is the [[ombu|ombú]], an evergreen. The surface soils of the ''pampa'' are a deep black color, primarily ''humus'', known commonly as [[compost]]. It is this which makes the region one of the most agriculturaly productive on Earth. However, this is also responsible for decimating much of the original ecosystem, to make way for commercial [[agriculture]]. The western ''pampas'' receive less rainfall, this ''dry pampa'' is a plain of short grasses or [[steppe]].{{Fact|date=November 2007}}

Most of [[Patagonia]] in the south lies within the rain shadow of the [[Andes]]. The flora, shrubby bushes and plants, is well suited to withstand dry conditions. The soil is hard and rocky, making large-scale [[farming]] impossible except along [[river valleys]]. [[Coniferous]] forests grow in far western Patagonia and on the island of [[Tierra del Fuego]]. Conifers native to the region include [[Fitzroya|alerce]] (''Fitzroya cupressoides''), [[Austrocedrus|ciprés de la cordillera]] (''Austrocedrus chilensis''), [[Pilgerodendron|ciprés de las guaitecas]] (''Pilgerodendron uviferum''), [[Podocarpus nubigenus|huililahuán]] (''Podocarpus nubigenus''), [[Prumnopitys andina|lleuque]] (''Prumnopitys andina''), [[Saxegothaea|mañío hembra]] (''Saxegothaea conspicua''), and [[Araucaria araucana|pehuén]] (''Araucaria araucana''), while native broadleaf trees include several species of ''[[Nothofagus]]'' including coigüe or [[coihue]], [[Nothofagus pumilio|lenga]] (''Nothofagus pumilio''), [[ñire]] (''Nothofagus Antarctica''). Other introduced trees present in [[forestry]] [[plantation]]s include [[spruce]], [[Cupressus|cypress]], and [[Pinus|pine]]. Common plants are the [[Lapageria rosea|copihue]] and colihue (''[[Chusquea culeou]]'').<ref>[http://www.adventure-tours-south.com/flofau.htm] Animals in Argentina</ref>

In [[Cuyo]], semiarid thorny bushes and other [[xerophile]] plants abound. Along the many river [[oasis]], grasses and trees grow in significant numbers. The area presents optimal conditions for the large scale growth of [[grape vine]]s. In the northwest of Argentina there are many species of [[cactus|cacti]]. In the highest elevations (often above 4,000mts), no vegetation grows because of the extreme altitude, and the soils are virtually devoid of any plant life.

The ''ceibo'' flower, of the tree [[Erythrina crista-galli]], is the national flower of Argentina.

===Fauna===
{{seealso|List of national parks of Argentina}}
[[Image:Florida Panther.jpg|thumb|right|The ''puma'' inhabits the northeast of the country.]]
Many species live in the subtropical north. [[Big cat]]s like the [[jaguar]], [[cougar]], and [[ocelot]]; primates ([[howler monkey]]); large reptiles ([[crocodile]]s), and a species of [[caiman]]. Other animals include the [[tapir]], [[capybara]], [[giant anteater]], [[peccary]], [[bush dog]], [[raccoon]], [[maned wolf]], and various species of [[turtle]] and [[tortoise]]. There are many birds, notably [[hummingbird]]s, [[flamingo]]s, [[toucan]]s, and [[parrot]]s.

[[Image:Furnarius.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The hornero is one of the [[national emblem]]s of Argentina.]]
The central grasslands are populated by the [[armadillo]], [[pampas cat]], [[mara (mammal)|mara]] and the [[rhea (bird)|rhea]] (''ñandú''), a flightless bird. [[Hawks]], [[falcons]], [[herons]], [[partridges]] inhabit the region. There are also [[deer]] and [[foxes]]. Some of these species extend into [[Patagonia]].

The western mountains are home to different animals. These include the [[llama]], [[guanaco]], [[vicuna|vicuña]], among the most recognizable species of South America. Also in this region are the [[fox]], [[viscacha]], [[Andean Mountain Cat]], [[kodkod]] and the largest flying bird in the New World, the [[condor]].

Southern Argentina is home to the [[cougar]], [[Huemul (zoology)|huemul]], [[pudú]] (the world's smallest deer), and introduced, non-native [[wild boar]].<ref>[http://www.adventure-tours-south.com/flofau.htm] Animals in Argentina</ref> The coast of [[Patagonia]] is rich in animal life: [[elephant seals]], [[fur seals]], [[sea lions]], and species of [[penguin]]. The far south is populated by [[cormorant]] birds.

The territorial waters of Argentina have abundant ocean life; mammals such as [[dolphins]], [[orca]]s, and whales like the southern [[right whale]], a major tourist draw for naturalists. Sea fish include [[sardines]], [[hake|argentine hakes]], [[pompano dolphinfish|dolphinfish]], [[salmon]], and [[sharks]]; also present are [[squid]] and [[spider crab]] (''centolla'') in [[Tierra del Fuego]]. Rivers and streams in Argentina have many species of [[trout]] and the South American [[Dourado (Salminus)|dorado]] fish.<ref>[http://www.fishing-arg.com.ar Fishing and Argentina] Dorado vs. Trouts</ref> Outstanding snake species inhabiting Argentina include [[boa (genus)|boa constrictors]], and the very [[venomous]] ''yarará'' [[pit viper]] and South American [[rattle snake]].

The [[Hornero]] was elected the National Bird after a survey in 1928.<ref>[http://www.redargentina.com/Faunayflora/Aves/hornero.asp] Info about Hornero</ref>

==Economy==
===Contemporary developments===

{{main|Economy of Argentina}}
Argentina benefits from abundant [[natural resource]]s, a highly [[literate]] population, an export-oriented [[agriculture|agricultural]] sector, and a diversified [[industry|industrial]] base. The country is a [[newly industrialized economy]]<ref>http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=104766997</ref> that was once one of the wealthiest nations with a large middle class but this segment of the population has suffered by a succession of economic crises. Argentina otherwise maintains a relatively high [[standard of living]].

Argentina's economy started to slowly lose ground after 1945 when it went from a wealthy nation with a strong and prosperous economy to a deep recession in the mid 50s, losing its place in the position of prosperous industrialized nations. The economy further declined during the military dictatorship that lasted from 1976 to 1983.<ref>http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Argentina-ECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT.html</ref>

During this period, the government borrowed large loans with high interest rates from the IMF and private banking institutions. The country engaged in a disorganized and corrupt rapid liberalization that marked the end of its industrial hegemony in Latin America. During the military dictatorship over 400,000 companies of all sizes went bankrupt. The economic decisions made from 1983 till 2001 failed to revert the situation. Finally, in 2001, after 3 years of recession, the economy broke down and reached its worst point in history.

Although significant progress has occurred since then, the result is that, today, while a significant segment of the population is still financially well-off, they stand in sharp contrast with the millions who have seen their purchasing power drastically reduced. Since 2002, there has been an improvement in the situation of the poorer sectors and a strong rebound of the middle class.

The urban poverty rate dropped to 26.9% by 2007, down from 48 percent observed in 2003, but is still above the level prior to the recession.<ref>[http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/LACEXT/ARGENTINAEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20187088~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:316024,00.html "Argentina Country Brief,"] World Bank</ref>
From the late 1970s the country piled up public debt and was plagued by bouts of high [[inflation]]. In 1991, the government [[fixed exchange rate|pegged]] the peso to the [[United States dollar|U.S. dollar]] and limited the growth in the [[monetary base|money supply]]. It then embarked on a path of [[free trade|trade liberalization]], [[deregulation]] and [[privatization]]. Inflation dropped and [[gross domestic product]] grew, but external economic shocks and failures of the system diluted benefits, causing the economy to crumble slowly from 1995 until the [[Argentine economic crisis (1999-2002)|collapse in 2001]].

By 2002, Argentina had [[default (finance)|defaulted]] on its debt, its GDP had shrunk, [[unemployment]] was more than 25%, and the peso had [[depreciation (currency)|depreciated]] 75% after being [[devaluation|devalued]] and [[floating exchange rate|floated]]. However, careful spending control and heavy [[tax]]es on then-soaring exports allowed the state to regain resources and conduct [[monetary policy]].

In 2003, [[import substitution]] policies and soaring [[export]]s, coupled with lower inflation and expansive economic measures, triggered a surge in the GDP. This was repeated in 2004 and 2005, creating millions of jobs and encouraging internal consumption. [[Capital flight]] decreased, and [[foreign investment]] slowly returned. An influx of foreign currency from exports created a huge [[trade surplus]]. The Central Bank was forced to buy dollars from the market, and continues to do so from time to time to prevent the Argentine peso from appreciating significantly and cutting competitiveness.

The situation by 2006 was further improved. The economy grew 8.8% in 2003, 9.0% in 2004, 9.2% in 2005 and 2006 was on the same track (predictions are between 8.5% and 9.0%), though inflation, estimated at around 12 to 15% (official numbers are 9.8% for 2006), has become an issue again, and [[income distribution]] is still considerably unequal.<ref>International Monetary Fund.
{{PDFlink|[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/01/pdf/c1.pdf Economic Prospects and Policy Issues]|567 [[Kibibyte|KiB]]}}.</ref><ref>InfoBAE, [[20 September]] [[2006]]. [http://www.infobae.com/notas/nota.php?Idx=276924&IdxSeccion=100895 ''Para los bancos la Argentina seguirá creciendo en 2006''].</ref>

===Sectors===
{{seealso|Tourism in Argentina}}
In 2007, [[Agriculture|agricultural]] output accounted for 10% of [[GDP]], and nearly one third of all exports. [[Soy]] and [[vegetable oils]] are major export [[commodity|commodities]] at 32% of exports. [[Wheat]], [[maize]], [[oats]], [[sorghum]], and [[sunflower seeds]] totalled 7%.<ref>[http://www.indec.gov.ar INDEC]</ref> [[Cattle]] is also a major industry. [[Beef]], [[milk]], [[leather]] products, and [[cheese]] were 6% of total exports.<ref>[http://www.indec.gov.ar INDEC]</ref> [[Sheep]] and [[wool]] industries are important in [[Patagonia]], [[pigs]] and [[caprine]]s elsewhere.

[[Fruits]] and [[vegetables]] made up 4% of exports: [[apples]] and [[pears]] in the [[Río Negro (Argentina)|Río Negro]] valley; [[oranges]] and other [[citrus]] in the [[argentine Northwest|northwest]] and [[Mesopotamia, Argentina|Mesopotamia]]; [[grapes]] and [[strawberries]] in [[Cuyo]], and [[berries]] in the far south. [[Cotton]] and [[yerba mate]] are major crops in the [[Gran Chaco]], [[sugarcane]] and [[tobacco]] in the northwest, and [[olives]] and [[garlic]] in Cuyo. [[Banana]]s ([[Formosa Province|Formosa]]), [[tomatoes]] ([[Salta Province|Salta]]), and [[peaches]] (Mendoza) are grown for domestic consumption. Argentina is the world's fifth-largest [[wine]] producer, and fine wine production has taken major leaps in quality. A growing export, total [[viticulture]] potential is far from met. [[Mendoza Province|Mendoza]] is the largest wine region, followed by [[San Juan Province|San Juan]].<ref>[http://www.francoargentine.com/Espanol/PArg/vinos.htm La Franco Argentine](Spanish)</ref>

Industrial [[petrochemicals]], [[petroleum|oil]], and [[natural gas]] are Argentina's second group of exports, 20% of totals. The most important [[oil field]]s lie in [[Patagonia]] and [[Cuyo]]. An impressive network of [[pipeline transport|pipelines]] send raw product to [[Bahia Blanca]], center of the petrochemical industry, and to the [[La Plata, Argentina|La Plata]]-[[Rosario, Argentina|Rosario]] industrial belt. [[Coal]] is also mined.

[[Mining]] is a rising industry. The [[Argentine Northwest|northwest]] and [[San Juan Province]] are main regions of activity. Metals mined include [[gold]], [[silver]], [[zinc]], [[magnesium]], [[copper]], [[sulfur]], [[tungsten]] and [[uranium]]. In only ten years exports soared from US$ 200 million to 1.2 billion in 2004, 3% of total.<ref> {{PDFlink|[http://www.inversiones.gov.ar/documentos/mineria.pdf Investing in Argentina: Mining]}}Economy Ministry of Argentina {{es icon}}</ref> Estimates for 2006 are US$ 2bn, a 10 fold rise from 1996.

In [[fisheries]], [[hake|argentine hake]] accounts for 50% of catches, [[pollack]] and [[squid]] follow. [[Forestry]] has expanded in [[Mesopotamia, Argentina|Mesopotamia]]; [[elm]] for [[cellulose]], [[pine]] and [[eucalyptus]] for furniture, [[timber]], and [[paper]] products. Both sectors each account for 2% of exports.

[[Image:Central vista externa en gris.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Yacyretá Dam]] hydroelectric complex is the second largest in the world.]]
[[Manufacturing]] is the nation's leading single sector in GDP output, with 35% of the share.<ref>[http://www.indec.gov.ar INDEC]</ref> Leading sectors are [[automobile|motor vehicle]]s, [[auto part]]s, and [[transportation]] and [[tractor|farming]] equipment (7% of exports), [[iron]] and [[steel]] (3%), [[food processing|foodstuffs]] and [[textiles]] (2%). Other manufactures include [[cement]], industrial [[chemicals]], [[major appliance|home appliances]], and processed [[wood]]. The biggest industrial centers are [[Buenos Aires]], Rosario and [[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]].

The [[telecommunication]] sector has been growing at a fast pace, with an important penetration of [[mobile telephony]] (75% of population), [[internet]] (30%) and [[broadband]] services (3%). Regular [[telephone]] (85% of households) and [[mail]] are robust.<ref>[http://www.clarin.com/diario/2006/02/01/elpais/p-01301.htm Explosive Growth: 3 of 4 Argentines hav a a cell phone (01-02-2006)]Clarin.com [[1 February]] [[2006]] (Spanish)</ref><ref>[http://www.universia.com.ar/portada/actualidad/noticia_actualidad.jsp?noticia=17186 10 million people online]</ref>

The [[Service (economics)|service sector]] is the biggest contributor to total GDP. Argentina produces energy in large part through well developed [[hydroelectric]] resources; [[nuclear energy]] is also of high importance.<ref>[http://www.cnea.gov.ar/xxi/divulgacion/reactores/c_reactores_fii.html Themes in Nuclear Energy and Physics]www.cnea.gov.ar</ref> The country is one of the largest producers and exporters (with [[Canada]] and [[Russia]]) of [[Cobalt-60]], a [[radioactive]] [[isotope]] widely used in [[cancer]] therapy. [[Construction]] has led employment creation in the current economic expansion, and is 5% of GDP.

[[Tourism]] is increasingly important, now providing 7% of economic output. Argentines are traveling more within their borders, and foreigners are flocking to a country seen as affordable, safe, and incredibly diverse: Cosmopolitan [[Buenos Aires]] and [[Rosario, Santa Fe|Rosario]]; the [[Iguazu Falls]] and colonial [[Salta, Argentina|Salta]]; the South American indigenous [[Jujuy Province]] and fun-filled [[Córdoba Province (Argentina)|Córdoba]]; the [[wineries]] of [[Mendoza Province|Mendoza]]; the ski-suitable scenic [[Bariloche]] to the beaches of [[Pinamar]]; and [[Perito Moreno Glacier]] to [[Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands Province|Tierra del Fuego]]. 3.7 million tourists visited in 2005.<ref>[http://www.hostnews.com.ar/2006/prin/mar/020401.htm www.hostnews.com.ar]</ref>

===Transportation===
{{main|Transportation in Argentina}}
[[Image:Puente Rosario-Victoria 2.jpg|thumb|225px|left|A cargo ship in front of the [[Rosario-Victoria Bridge]].]]
Argentina's [[highway]] system is well-developed and paved roads reach all corners of the country. There are nearly 640,000 kilometers of highways and roads (with many privatized roads as well).<ref> http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761556250_8/Argentina.html</ref> Multilane highways now connect several main cities and more are now under construction.

The [[railway]] network was one of the largest in the world, at over 40,000 kilometers of tracks. After decades of decaying service and lack of maintenance, most passenger services shut down in 1992 when the rail company was privatized, and thousands of kilometers of track are now in disrepair. Railway services are currently being reactivated among several cities.

The country has around 3,000 kilometers of [[waterways]], the most significant among these being the [[Río de la Plata]], [[Paraná River|Paraná]], [[Uruguay River|Uruguay]], Río Negro and [[Paraguay River|Paraguay]] rivers.

===Water supply and sanitation===
[[Water supply and sanitation in Argentina]] faces five key challenges: (i) low coverage with higher levels of service provision for its income level; (ii) poor service quality; and (iii) high levels of pollution; (iv) low cost recovery; and (v) unclear allocation of responsibilities between institutions in the sector.

==Population==
===Contemporary figures===
The [[National Institute of Statistics and Census of Argentina]] (INDEC) 2001 [[census]] showed the population of Argentina was 36,260,130. It ranks third in South America in total population and 30th globally. The 2005 estimate is for a population of 38,747,000. Argentina's [[population density]] is 14 inhabitants per square kilometer. However, the population is not evenly distributed: areas of the city of Buenos Aires have a population density of over 14,000 inhab./km², while Santa Cruz province has less than 1 inhab./km². Argentina is the only nation in South America with a net positive [[Human migration|migration]] rate, of about +0.4 persons.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ar.html#People]</ref>

===Cities and metropolitan areas===
[[Image:Bulevar Oroño 3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Oroño Boulevard, Rosario]]
[[Image:BuenosAirestowers.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Catalinas Towers, Buenos Aires]]

[[Wikipedia:As of|As of]] 2005, Argentina's fifteen largest metropolitan areas are:
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right:60px"
! Rank !! City !! Province
! Population !! Region
|-
|align="center"| 1 || [[Buenos Aires]] || City + 24 ''partidos'' in [[Buenos Aires Province]]

|align="right"| 11,453,725 ||align="center"| Pampean
|-
|align="center"| 2 || [[Rosario, Santa Fe|Rosario]] || [[Santa Fé Province|Santa Fe]]
|align="right"| 1,513,200 ||align="center"| Pampean
|-
|align="center"| 3 || [[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]] || [[Córdoba Province (Argentina)|Córdoba]]
|align="right"| 1,295,100 ||align="center"| Pampean
|-
|align="center"| 4 || [[Mendoza, Argentina|Mendoza]] || [[Mendoza Province|Mendoza]]
|align="right"| 1,009,100 ||align="center"| Cuyo
|-
|align="center"| 5 || [[La Plata]] || [[Buenos Aires Province|Buenos Aires]]
|align="right"| 857,800 ||align="center"| Pampean
|-
|align="center"| 6 || [[Tucumán|San Miguel de Tucumán]]  || [[Tucumán Province|Tucumán]]
|align="right"| 833,100 ||align="center"|  NOA (northwest) 
|-
|align="center"| 7 || [[Mar del Plata]] || [[Buenos Aires Province|Buenos Aires]]
|align="right"| 699,600 ||align="center"| Pampean
|-
|align="center"| 8 || [[Salta, Argentina|Salta]] || [[Salta Province|Salta]]
|align="right"| 531,400 ||align="center"| NOA (northwest)
|-
|align="center"| 9 || [[Santa Fe, Argentina|Santa Fe]] || [[Santa Fe Province|Santa Fe]]
|align="right"| 524,300 ||align="center"| Pampean
|-
|align="center"| 10 || [[San Juan, Argentina|San Juan]] || [[San Juan Province|San Juan]]
|align="right"| 456,400 ||align="center"| Cuyo
|-
|align="center"| 11 || [[Resistencia, Chaco|Resistencia]] || [[Chaco Province|Chaco]]
|align="right"| 399,800 ||align="center"| Gran Chaco
|-
|align="center"| 12 || [[Neuquén, Argentina|Neuquén]] || [[Neuquén Province|Neuquén]]
|align="right"| 391,600 ||align="center"| Patagonian
|-
|align="center"| 13 || [[Santiago del Estero]] || [[Santiago del Estero Province|Santiago del Estero]] 
|align="right"| 389,200 ||align="center"| Gran Chaco
|-
|align="center"| 14 || [[Corrientes]] || [[Corrientes Province|Corrientes]]
|align="right"| 332,400 ||align="center"| Mesopotamia
|-
|align="center"| 15 || [[Bahía Blanca]] || [[Buenos Aires Province|Buenos Aires]]
|align="right"| 310,200 ||align="center"| Pampean
|}

==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Argentina}}
===Ethnicity===

Argentina is a melting pot of different peoples, both autochthonous and immigrants. Citizens of [[White Latin American|European descent]] make up the great majority of the population, with estimates varying from white 86.4%<ref>[http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Argentina.html]</ref> to 97%<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/ar.html]</ref> of the total population. The last national census, based on self-ascription, indicated a similar figure.<ref>[http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm Turismo de Argentina]</ref> The [[Multiracial|Amerindian admixture]], though not fully visible in physical appearance, has been estimated in a recent study to be present in a high percentage of the population, close to 56 percent, of which 10 percent were shown to have both [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Amerindian]] [[mitochondrial DNA]] and Amerindian [[Y chromosome]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Silvina | last=Henguy | title=El 56% de los argentinos tiene antepasados indígenas | url =http://www.clarin.com/diario/2005/01/16/sociedad/s-03415.htm | work =Clarin.com | accessdate = 2007-11-07 | language = Spanish }}</ref>

After the Spanish colonists, waves of European [[immigration in Argentina|settlers]] came to Argentina from the late nineteenth to mid-twentieth centuries. Major contributors included [[Italy]] (initially from [[Piedmont]], [[Veneto]] and [[Lombardy]], later from [[Campania]] and [[Calabria]]),<ref>[http://www.feditalia.org.ar/arg/federaciones/feditalia_org_fed_regionales.html Federaciones Regionales] www.feditalia.org.ar</ref> [[Spain]] (foremost among them [[Galicians]] and [[Basques]]{{Fact|date=May 2007}}), and [[France]] (mostly to Buenos Aires and Mendoza).{{Fact|date=November 2007}} Smaller but significant numbers of immigrants came from [[Germany]] and [[Switzerland]] (to the ''Lakes Region'' of Patagonia; and to Córdoba), [[Scandinavia]], ([[Denmark]], [[Norway]] and [[Sweden]]), [[Greece]], [[Lebanon]], the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] (to Buenos Aires, Santa Fé, and Patagonia; see also [[English settlement in Argentina]]), and [[Portugal]]. Eastern Europeans were also numerous, from [[Poland]], [[Hungary]], [[Russia]], [[Ukraine]], [[Croatia]]<ref>[http://www.monografias.com/trabajos14/inmg-fotografos/inmg-fotografos.shtml#RUMAN "Inmigración a la Argentina: Daguerrotipistas y fotógrafos"] - Monografías.com {{es icon}}</ref> and [[Lithuania]], as well as [[Balkan]] countries ([[Romania]] and [[Montenegro]], particularly in Chaco). There is a large [[Armenians|Armenian]] community, and the Patagonian Chubut Valley has a significant [[Wales|Welsh]]-descended population. Smaller waves of settlers from [[Australia]], [[South Africa]] and the [[United States]] are recorded in Argentine immigration records.{{Fact|date=November 2007}}

===Minorities===
{{see also|Welsh settlement in Argentina|Asian-Argentines}}

[[Image:GauchoArgen.jpg|thumb|250px|An Argentine [[gaucho]].]]
Small but growing numbers of people from East Asia have also settled Argentina, mainly in Buenos Aires. The first Asian-Argentines were of [[Japan]]ese descent; [[Korea]]ns, [[Vietnam]]ese, and [[Han Chinese|Chinese]] followed, now at over 60,000.<ref>[http://www.clarin.com/diario/2006/09/22/conexiones/t-01276347.htm Jóvenes Argenchinos] Clarin.com [[22 September]] [[2006]]</ref>

The majority of Argentina's [[Jewish]] community derives from immigrants of north and eastern European origin ([[Ashkenazi Jews]]), and about 15–20% from [[Sephardic]] groups from [[Syrian Jews|Syria]].{{Fact|date=November 2007}} Argentina is home to the fifth largest Ashkenazi Jewish community in the world. (See also [[History of the Jews in Argentina]]) 
Argentina has a large [[Arab people|Arab]] community, made up mostly of immigrants from [[Syria]] and [[Lebanon]]. Many have gained prominent status in national business and politics, including former president [[Carlos Menem]], the son of [[Syria]]n settlers from the province of La Rioja. Most of the Arab Argentines are [[Christianity|Christian]] of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Eastern Catholic]] Churches.

The officially recognized [[indigenous peoples of the Americas|indigenous]] population in the country, according to the "Complementary Survey of Indigenous Peoples" based on 2001 Census data, stands at approximately 402,921 people (about 1 percent of the total population)<ref>[http://www.indec.mecon.ar/nuevaweb/cuadros/2/ECPI_res_generales_junio2006.pdf INDEC: Encuesta Complementaria de Pueblos Indígenas (ECPI) 2004 - 2005] (in Spanish).</ref>

===Illegal immigrants===
[[Illegal immigration]] has been a relatively important factor in recent Argentine demographics. Most illegal immigrants come from [[Bolivia]] and [[Paraguay]], countries which border Argentina to the north. Smaller numbers arrive from [[Peru]], [[Ecuador]], [[Romania]],<ref>[http://www.clarin.com/diario/2007/03/04/sociedad/s-01373795.htm "El varieté de la calle Florida"] (Editorial) - [[Clarín (newspaper)|Clarín]] {{es icon}}</ref> and the [[People's Republic of China]]. The Argentine government estimates that 750,000 inhabitants lack official documents and has launched a program called ''Patria Grande'' ("Greater Homeland"),<ref>;[http://www.patriagrande.gov.ar ''Patria Grande'']</ref> to encourage illegal immigrants to regularize their status; so far over 670,000 applications have been processed under the program. [http://www.perfil.com/contenidos/2007/07/21/noticia_0035.html]

===Urbanization===
[[Image:Tucumán-Casa-Gobierno-1.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Government house of Tucumán.]]
[[Image:Mar-del-plata.JPG|thumb|180px|right|Beach on the Atlantic Ocean, [[Mar del Plata]].]]
{{main|List of cities in Argentina}}
Argentina's population is very highly urbanized. About 3.53 million people live in the autonomous city of [[Buenos Aires]], and 12.4 million in [[Gran Buenos Aires|Greater Buenos Aires]] (2007), making it one of the largest urban conglomerates in the world. Together with their respective [[metropolitan area]]s, the second- and third-largest cities in Argentina, [[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]] and [[Rosario, Santa Fe|Rosario]], comprise about 1.3 and 1.1 million inhabitants respectively.

Most European [[immigration in Argentina|immigrants to Argentina]] settled in the cities, which offered jobs, education, and other opportunities that enabled newcomers to enter the [[middle class]]. Many also settled in the growing small towns along the expanding railway system. Since the 1930s, many rural workers have moved to the big cities.

The 1990s saw many rural towns become [[ghost town]]s when train services ceased and local products manufactured on a small scale were replaced by massive amounts of cheap imported goods. Many slums (''[[villa miseria|villas miseria]]'') sprouted in the outskirts of the largest cities, inhabited by impoverished lower-class urban dwellers, migrants from smaller towns in the interior, and also a large number of immigrants from neighbouring countries that came during the time of the convertibility and did not leave after the 2001 crisis.


Argentina's urban areas have a European look, reflecting the influence of European settlers. Many cities are built in a Spanish-grid style around a main square (''plaza''). A cathedral and important government buildings often face the ''plaza''. The general layout of the cities is called a ''damero'', or checkerboard, since it is based on a pattern of square blocks, though modern developments sometimes depart from it (the city of La Plata, built at the end of the nineteenth century, is organized as a checkerboard plus diagonal avenues at fixed intervals). The El Faro Towers, show the modern architecture for urbanization.

==Culture==
[[Image:Buenos Aires-Center-P3050007.JPG|thumb|180px|European and modern styles in Buenos Aires.]]
{{main|Culture of Argentina}}
Argentine culture has been primarily informed and influenced by its European roots. [[Buenos Aires]], considered by many its cultural capital, is often said to be the most European city in South America, as a result both of the prevalence of people of European descent and of conscious imitation of European styles in [[Architecture of Argentina|architecture]]. The other big influence is the [[gaucho]]s and their traditional country lifestyle of self-reliance. Finally, indigenous American traditions (like [[yerba mate|mate tea]] drinking) have been absorbed into the greater cultural realm.

===Literature===
{{main|Argentine literature}}
Argentina has a rich history of world-renowned literature, including one of the twentieth century's most critically acclaimed writers, [[Jorge Luis Borges]]. The country has been a leader in Latin American literature since becoming a fully united entity in the 1850s, with a strong constitution and a defined nation-building plan. The struggle between the Federalists (who favored a loose [[confederation]] of provinces based on rural conservatism) and the Unitarians (pro-[[liberalism]] and advocates of a strong central government that would encourage European immigration), set the tone for Argentine literature of the time.


The ideological divide between [[gaucho]] epic ''[[Martín Fierro]]'' by [[José Hernández]], and ''Facundo''<ref>e-libro.net. Free digital books. {{PDFlink|[http://www.e-libro.net/E-libro-viejo/gratis/facundo.pdf ''Facundo'']|638 [[Kibibyte|KiB]]}}.</ref> by [[Domingo Faustino Sarmiento]], is a great example. Hernández, although a federalist, opposed to the centralizing, modernizing, and Europeanizing tendencies. Sarmiento wrote immigration was the only way to save Argentina from becoming subject to the rule of a small number of dictatorial ''[[caudillo]]'' families, arguing such immigrants would make Argentina more modern and enlightened to Western European thought, and therefore a more prosperous society.

Argentine literature of that period was fiercely nationalist. It was followed by the [[modernist literature|modernist]] movement, which emerged in [[France]] in the late nineteenth century, and this period in turn was followed by [[vanguardism]], with [[Ricardo Güiraldes]] as an important reference. [[Jorge Luis Borges]], its most acclaimed writer, found new ways of looking at the modern world in metaphor and philosophical debate, and his influence has extended to writers all over the globe. Borges is most famous for his works in short stories such as ''[[Ficciones]]'' and ''[[The Aleph (short story collection)|The Aleph]]''.

Argentina has produced many more internationally noted writers, poets, and intellectuals: [[Juan Bautista Alberdi]], [[Roberto Arlt]], [[Enrique Banchs]], [[Adolfo Bioy Casares|Adolfo Bioy Cásares]], [[Eugenio Cambaceres]], [[Julio Cortazar|Julio Cortázar]], [[Esteban Echeverría]], [[Leopoldo Lugones]], [[Eduardo Mallea]], [[Ezequiel Martinez Estrada|Ezequiel Martínez Estrada]], [[Tomás Eloy Martínez]], [[Victoria Ocampo]], [[Manuel Puig]], [[Ernesto Sabato]], [[Osvaldo Soriano]], [[Alfonsina Storni]], and [[Maria Elena Walsh|María Elena Walsh]]. [[Quino]] (born ''Joaquin Salvador Lavado''), has entertained readers the world over, while dipping into the events of modern times, with soup-hating [[Mafalda]] and her [[comic strip]] gang.

===Film and theatre===
[[Image:Buenos Aires-Av. 9 de julio.jpg|thumb|right|260px|The [[9 de Julio Avenue|Nueve de Julio Avenue]], the world's widest street. Its name honors Argentine Independence Day ([[July 9]] [[1816]]).]]
{{main|Cinema of Argentina}}
Argentina is a major producer of [[motion pictures]]. The world's first [[list of animated feature films|animated feature films]] were made and released in Argentina, by cartoonist [[Quirino Cristiani]], in 1917 and 1918. [[Cinema of Argentina|Argentine cinema]] enjoyed a 'golden age' in the 1930s through the 1950s with scores of productions, many now considered classics of Spanish-language film. The industry produced actors who became the first movie stars of Argentine cinema, often tango performers such as [[Libertad Lamarque]], [[Floren Delbene]], [[Tito Lusiardo]], [[Tita Merello]], [[Roberto Escalada]], and [[Hugo del Carril]].

More recent films from the "New Wave" of cinema since the 1980s have achieved worldwide recognition, such as ''[[The Official Story]] (La historia official)'', ''[[Nine Queens]] (Nueve reinas)'', ''[[Man Facing Southeast]] (Hombre mirando al sudeste)'', ''[[Son of the Bride]] (El hijo de la novia)'', ''[[The Motorcycle Diaries]] (Diarios de motocicleta)'', or ''[[Iluminados por el fuego]]''. Although rarely rivaling [[Hollywood]]-type movies in popularity, local films are released weekly and widely followed in Argentina and internationally. Even low-budget films have earned prizes in cinema festivals (such as [[Cannes]]). The city of [[Mar del Plata]] organizes its [[Mar del Plata Film Festival|own film festival]], while Buenos Aires has its [[Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema|independent cinema counterpart]]. The per capita number of screens is one of the highest in Latin America, and viewing per capita is the highest in the region. A new generation of Argentine directors has caught the attention of critics worldwide.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/4862388.stm About Gavin Esler's Argentina diary]news.bbc.co.uk [[3 April]] [[2006]].</ref> Additionally, Argentina is a major center of cinema, it is compared to other European countries in terms of people who attend movie theaters. An example of this was ''[[Spider-Man 3]]'' which took in 466,586 the first day a record in Argentina. In Italy it took in 400,000 and Germany 486,571, breaking all records for first day release.<ref>[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117964127.html?categoryid=13&cs=1]</ref>

Buenos Aires is one of the great capitals of [[theater]]. Besides the [[Teatro Colón]] (one of the great [[opera houses]] of the world), with its program of national and international caliber, ''Calle Corrientes'', or [[Corrientes Avenue]], is synonymous with the art. It is dubbed 'the street that never sleeps', and sometimes referred to as the [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]] of Buenos Aires.<ref name="Adams" >{{cite book |author=Adams, Fiona. |title=Culture Shock Argentina |publisher=Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company |location=Portland, OR |id=ISBN 1-55868-529-4 |year=2001}}</ref> Many great careers in acting, music, and film have begun in its many theaters. The ''Teatro General San Martín'' is one of the most prestigious along Corrientes Avenue; the ''Teatro Nacional Cervantes'' is designated the national theater of Argentina. Another important theater is the ''Independencia'' in [[Mendoza, Argentina|Mendoza]]. Florencio Sanchez and [[Griselda Gambaro]] are famous Argentine playwrights. [[Julio Bocca]] is one of the great [[ballet dancers]] of the modern era.
{{CinemaofArgentina}}

===Painting and sculpture===
[[Image:BQM Dia de Sol (1958).jpg|thumb|150px|left|'''Día de Sol''' (''Sunny Day'', 1958) by [[Benito Quinquela Martín]].]]
Perhaps one of the most enigmatic figures of Argentine culture is Oscar Agustín Alejandro Schulz Solari, ''aka'' [[Xul Solar]], whose [[watercolor]] style and unorthodox painting media draws large crowds at museums worldwide; he also 'invented' two imaginary languages. The works of [[Candido Lopez]] (in [[Naïve art]] style), [[Emilio Pettoruti]] ([[cubist]]), [[Antonio Berni]] ([[neo-figurative]] style), [[Fernando Fader]], and [[Guillermo Kuitca]] are appreciated internationally.

[[Benito Quinquela Martín]] is considered to be the quintesennial 'port' painter, to which the city of [[Buenos Aires]] and particularly the working class and immigrant-bound [[La Boca]] neighborhood, was excellently suited for. [[Lucio Fontana]] and [[Leon Ferrari]] are acclaimed [[sculpture|sculptors]] and [[conceptual art]]ists. [[Ciruelo]] is a world-wide famous fantasy artist and sculptor.

===Food and drink===
[[Image:Asado argentino.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Asado]]
{{main|Cuisine of Argentina}}
[[Cuisine of Argentina|Argentine food]] is influenced by cuisine from [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[Germany]], [[France]] and other European countries, and many foods from those countries such as pasta, sausages, and desserts are common in the nation's diet. Argentina has a wide variety of staple foods, which include ''[[empanada]]s'', a stuffed pastry; ''[[locro]]'', a mixture of corn, beans, meat, bacon, onion, and gourd; and ''[[chorizo]]'', a meat-based spicy sausage. The Argentine barbecue, ''[[asado]]'', is one of the most famous in the world and includes various types of meats, among them ''chorizo'', [[sweetbread]], [[chitterlings]], and [[blood sausage]]. Thin sandwiches, [[sandwiches de miga]], are also popular. Since the country is an important [[Argentine wine|wine]] producer, the yearly ''per capita'' consumption of wine is among the highest worldwide ([[Malbec]] has become a representative variety from Argentina). Also, a common custom among Argentines is drinking [[Yerba mate|mate]]. [[Dulce de Leche]] is a famous sweet caramel spread that is made of milk and sugar.

===Sports===
{{seealso|List of Argentines}} {{seealso|Sport in Argentina}}
[[Football in Argentina|Football]] ([[Football (soccer)|soccer]]) is the most popular [[sport in Argentina]], whose [[Argentina national football team|national team]] is twice [[FIFA World Cup]] Champion and one-time Olympic Gold medalist (also fourteen-time [[Copa América]] winners).<ref>[http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/team/profile.html?team=ARG]</ref>

Also widespread are [[volleyball]] and [[basketball]]; a number of basketball players participate in the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] and European leagues. Manu Ginobili, Andres Nocioni, Carlos Delfino, and Fabricio Oberto are a few, and the national team won Olympic Gold in the [[Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics|Athens Olympics]]. Argentina has an important [[Rugby union in Argentina|rugby union]] team, "Los Pumas" (see [[Argentina national rugby union team]]), with many of its players playing in Europe. Argentine [[tennis]] is very competitive on the world stage, with dozens of players, male and female, in active tour.

Other popular sports include [[field hockey]] (the top female sport, see ''[[Las Leonas]]''), [[golf]], and sailing. Argentina has the highest number of highly-ranked [[polo]] players in the world and the national squad has been the uninterrupted world champion ever since 1949. The Open Polo Championship of [[Buenos Aires]] is the most important polo-related event in the world. [[Cricket]] and [[baseball]] are played in a most limited fashion, as well as the Gridiron.<ref>[http://www.consumosculturales.gov.ar/ About the culture]</ref>

[[Motorsports]] are well represented in Argentina, with [[Turismo Carretera]] and [[TC 2000]] being the most popular car racing formats. People all over the country enjoy the races, but it is most fervently followed in small towns and rural Argentina, attracting a rather similar demographic as [[NASCAR]] in the [[United States]]. The [[Rally Argentina]] is part of the [[World Rally Championship]] (currently held in Córdoba Province). In Formula 1 racing, the country produced one world champion (Juan Manuel Fangio, five times) and two runners-up (Froilán González and [[Carlos Reutemann]], once each).

The official national sport of the country is [[pato]], played with a six-handle ball on horseback.

Argentina beat France in the Rugby World Cup 2007, placing them third in the competition. They beat France 34 - 10.

Famous Argentines in sport include:
{| style="background:transparent;"
|width="100px"| [[Formula 1]] || Five-time World Champion [[Juan Manuel Fangio]]</tr>
| [[Football (soccer)|Football]] || [[Diego Maradona]]{{·}} [[Alfredo Di Stéfano]]{{·}} [[Gabriel Batistuta]]{{·}}[[Osvaldo Ardiles]]{{·}}[[Mario Kempes]]{{·}} [[Jorge Valdano]]{{·}}[[Roberto Ayala]]{{·}} [[Ariel Ortega]]{{·}}[[Lionel Messi]]{{·}}[[Carlos Tevez]]{{·}}[[Juan Román Riquelme]]{{·}} [[Sergio Agüero]]{{·}}[[Matías Almeyda]] {{·}}[[Antonio Angelillo]]{{·}}[[Abel Balbo]]{{·}}[[Claudio Borghi]] {{·}}[[Jorge Burruchaga]] {{·}}[[Claudio Caniggia]] {{·}}[[Amadeo Carrizo]] {{·}}[[José Chamot]] {{·}}[[Hernán Crespo]]{{·}} [[Ramón Díaz]] {{·}}[[Ubaldo Fillol]] {{·}}[[Marcelo Gallardo]]{{·}} [[Américo Gallego]] {{·}}[[Sergio Goycochea]] {{·}}[[Claudio López]] {{·}}[[Juan Ramon Rocha]]{{·}} [[Silvio Marzolini]] {{·}}[[Lionel Messi]] {{·}}[[José Manuel Moreno]]{{·}} [[Julio Olarticoechea]] {{·}}[[Daniel Passarella]] {{·}}[[Roberto Perfumo]] {{·}}[[Antonio Rattín]] {{·}}[[Fernando Redondo]] {{·}}[[Oscar Ruggeri]] {{·}}[[Roberto Néstor Sensini]]{{·}} [[Diego Simeone]] [[Omar Sivori]] {{·}}[[Guillermo Stábile]] {{·}}[[Juan Sebastián Verón]]{{·}} [[Ricardo Villa]] {{·}}[[Javier Zanetti]] </tr>
| [[Tennis]] || [[Guillermo Vilas]]{{·}} [[Gabriela Sabatini]]{{·}} [[David Nalbandian]] {{·}} [[Paola Suárez]] {{·}} [[Juan Ignacio Chela]]{{·}} [[Guillermo Coria]]{{·}} [[Guillermo Cañas]]{{·}} [[Mariano Puerta]]</tr>
| [[Golf]] || [[Roberto DeVicenzo]]{{·}} [[Ángel Cabrera]]</tr>
| [[Basketball]] || [[Marcelo Milanesio]]{{·}} [[Manu Ginobili]]{{·}} [[Andrés Nocioni]]{{·}} [[Walter Herrmann]]{{·}} [[Carlos Delfino]] {{·}} [[Fabricio Oberto]] {{·}} [[Luis Scola]]</tr>
| [[Field hockey]] || [[Luciana Aymar]]</tr>
| [[Rugby Union]] || [[Hugo Porta]]{{·}} [[Agustin Pichot]]{{·}} [[Juan Martin Hernandez]]{{·}} [[Felipe Contepomi]]{{·}} [[Mario Ledesma]]</tr>
| [[Boxing]] || [[Carlos Monzón]]{{·}} [[Pascual Pérez (boxing)|Pascual Pérez]]{{·}} [[Nicolino Locche]]{{·}}[[Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena]]</tr>
| [[Polo]] || [[Heguy]] family{{·}} [[Novillo Astrada]] family</tr>
|[[Swimming]] || [[José Meolans]]</tr>

===Music===
{{main|Music of Argentina}}
''Tango'', the music ''and'' lyrics (often sung in a form of slang called [[lunfardo]]), is Argentina's musical symbol. The [[Milonga]] dance was a predecessor, slowly evolving into modern ''tango''. By the 1930s, ''tango'' had changed from a dance focused music to one of lyric and poetry, with singers like [[Carlos Gardel]], [[Roberto Goyeneche]], [[Hugo del Carril]], [[Tita Merello]], and [[Edmundo Rivero]]. The golden age of ''tango'' (1930 to mid-1950s) mirrored that of [[Jazz]] and [[Swing music|Swing]] in the [[United States]], featuring large orchestral groups too, like the bands of [[Osvaldo Pugliese]], [[Anibal Troilo]], [[Francisco Canaro]], and [[Juan D'Arienzo]]. After 1955 ''tango'' turned more intellectual and listener-oriented, led by [[Astor Piazzolla]]. Today tango has worldwide popularity, and the rise of [[Tango music#Neo-tango|''neo-tango'']] is a global phenomenon with groups like [[Tanghetto]], [[Bajofondo Tango Club|Bajofondo]] and [[Gotan Project]].

[[Argentine rock]], called ''rock nacional'', is the most popular music among youth. Arguably the most listened form of [[Spanish language|Spanish]]-language rock, its influence and success internationally owes to a rich, uninterrupted evolution. Bands such as [[Soda Stereo]] or [[Sumo (band)|Sumo]], and composers like [[Charly García]], [[Luis Alberto Spinetta]], and [[Fito Páez]] are referents of national culture. Mid 1960s [[Buenos Aires]] and [[Rosario, Santa Fe|Rosario]] were cradles of the music, and by 1970 Argentine rock was established among middle class youth (see [[Almendra]], [[Sui Generis]], [[Pappo]], [[Crucis]]). [[Seru Giran]] bridged the gap into the 1980s, when Argentine bands became popular across Latin America and elsewhere ([[Enanitos Verdes]], [[Fabulosos Cadillacs]], [[Virus (Argentine band)|Virus]], [[Andres Calamaro]]). There are many sub-genres: underground, pop oriented, and some associated with the working class ([[La Renga]], [[Attaque 77]], [[Divididos]], [[Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota|Los Redonditos]]). Current popular bands include: [[Babasonicos]], [[Rata Blanca]], [[El Otro Yo]], [[Attaque 77]], [[Bersuit]], [[Los Piojos]], [[Intoxicados]], [[Catupecu Machu]], and [[Miranda!]].

[[European classical music]] is well represented in Argentina. Buenos Aires is home to the world-renowned [[Colón Theater]]. Classical musicians, such as [[Martha Argerich]], [[Daniel Barenboim]], [[Eduardo Alonso-Crespo]], Eduardo Delgado, [[Lalo Schiffrin]], and classical composers such as [[Alberto Ginastera]], are internationally acclaimed. All major cities in Argentina have impressive theaters or opera houses, and provincial or city orchestras. Some cities have annual events and important classical music festivals like [[Semana Musical Llao Llao]] in [[San Carlos de Bariloche]] and the multitudinous Amadeus in [[Buenos Aires]].

Argentine folk music is uniquely vast. Beyond dozens of regional dances, a national folk style emerged in the 1930s. [[Juan Peron|Perón]]'s Argentina would give rise to [[nueva cancion|Nueva Canción]], as artists began expressing in their music objections to political themes. [[Atahualpa Yupanqui]], the greatest Argentine [[folk musician]], and [[Mercedes Sosa]] would be defining figures in shaping Nueva Canción, gaining worldwide popularity in the process. The style found a huge reception in [[Chile]], where it took off in the 1970s and went on to influence the entirety of [[Latin America]]n music.<ref>[http://www.myfavouritemusic.info/tovar42303030303938594c50.html Music: 'El Derecho de vivir en paz'] from http://www.msu.edu/~chapmanb/jara/enueva.html</ref> Today, [[Chango Spasiuk]] and [[Soledad Pastorutti]] have brought folk back to younger generations. [[Leon Gieco]]'s ''folk-rock'' bridged the gap between [[music of Argentina|argentine folklore]] and [[argentine rock]], introducing both styles to millions overseas in successive tours.

Other notable musicians include [[Gato Barbieri]] with his seductive [[saxophone]] and [[free jazz]] compositions, and [[Jaime Torres]] and his spacious [[andean music]].

===Religion===
[[Image:Catedral de Córdoba, Argentina.jpg|thumb|right|180px|The [[Cathedral of Córdoba (Argentina)|Cathedral of Córdoba]], dating back to the seventeenth century.]]
{{main|Religion in Argentina}}
{{seealso|State-Church relations in Argentina}}
Argentines are predominantly religious. Around 93% declare themselves [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] according to different surveys; the Church estimates an affiliation of 70%.<ref>Marita Carballo. ''Valores culturales al cambio del milenio'' (ISBN 950-794-064-2). [http://www.lanacion.com.ar/702434 Cited] in [[La Nación]], [[8 May]] [[2005]].</ref><ref>U.S. Department of State. [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71446.htm International Religious Freedom Report 2006].</ref>
According to the [[Constitution of Argentina|Constitution]], the Argentine government should support Roman Catholicism. However, this does not imply that it is the official religion of the Argentine Republic, nor does it imply that people working in the government should have this faith.

[[Protestantism|Evangelical]] churches have gained a foothold in Argentina since the 1980s, and their followers now number more than 3.5 million, about 10% of the total population. Traditional [[Protestant]] communities are present in most communities.

Members of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (Mormons) number over 330,300, the seventh-largest concentration in the world, are also present.<ref>[http://www.lds.org.ar/noticias2005/noti_ene2005/info_noti_ene2005_05.htm Number of Mormons in Argentina]</ref>

The country also hosts the largest [[Judaism|Jewish]] population in all of [[Latin America]], about 2 percent of the population.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ar.html#People Number of Jews in Argentina]</ref>

[[Islam in Argentina]] constitutes approximately 1.5% of the population, or an estimated 500,000-600,000 (93% [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]]).<ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71446.htm]</ref> Argentina is also home to one of the largest [[mosque]]s in Latin America, serving Argentina's [[Islam in Argentina|Muslim]] community.

Approximately 7% of Argentines can be considered [[non-religious]] or [[Secularity (non-religiosity)|secular]].

===Language===
{{seealso|Languages of Argentina|List of indigenous languages in Argentina}}
The official language of Argentina is [[Spanish language|Spanish]], usually called "Castellano" ([[Castilian]]) by Argentines.

A phonetic study conducted by the Laboratory for Sensory Investigations of [[CONICET]] and the [[University of Toronto]] showed that the accent of the inhabitants of [[Buenos Aires]] (known as ''[[porteño]]s'') is closer to the [[Neapolitan language|Neapolitan]] dialect of [[Italian language|Italian]] than any other spoken language. [[Italy|Italian]] immigration and other European immigrations influenced ''[[Lunfardo]]'', the slang spoken in the Río de la Plata region, permeating the vernacular vocabulary of other regions as well.

Argentines are the largest [[Spanish language|Spanish]]-speaking society that universally employs what is known as ''[[voseo]]'' (the use of the [[pronoun]] ''vos'' instead of ''tú'' (you), which occasions the use of alternate verb forms as well). The most prevalent dialect is [[Rioplatense Spanish|Rioplatense]], whose speakers are primarily located in the basin of the [[Río de la Plata]].

[[Standard German]] is spoken by between 400,000 and 500,000<ref>WorldLanguage [http://www.worldlanguage.com/Italian/Countries/Argentina.htm website]. Retrieved on [[2007-01-29]]</ref> Argentines of [[Germany|German]] ancestry, though it has also been stated that the there could be as much as 1,800,000.<ref>[http://www.swissinfo.org/spa/swissinfo.html?siteSect=43&sid=7080052 "Rápida recuperación económica tras la grave crisis"]</ref> German today, is the third or fourth most spoken language in Argentina.

According to a survey, there are around 1,500,000 [[Italian language|Italian]] speakers<ref name="Ethno">[http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=AR Languages of Argentina]</ref> (which makes it the second most spoken language in the country) and 1,000,000 speakers of Levantine [[Arabic language|Arabic]],<ref name="Ethno"/> but these numbers are probably no longer current, as the newer generations mostly switch to Spanish and do not speak the ancestral language in the home. The same phenomenon applies to the [[Galician language]] that was used by many Spanish immigrants, [[Yiddish]], and [[Japanese language|Japanese]]. The usage of these languages is in decline, as the respective immigration waves ended in the first half of the 20th century.

Some indigenous communities have retained their [[List of Native American languages in Argentina|original languages]]. [[Guaraní language|Guaraní]] is spoken by some in the northeast, especially in [[Corrientes Province|Corrientes]] (where it enjoys official status) and [[Misiones Province|Misiones]]. [[Quechua language|Quichua]] is spoken by some in the northwest, and has a local variant in [[Santiago del Estero Province|Santiago del Estero]]. [[Aymara language|Aymara]] is spoken by members of the Bolivian community who migrated to Argentina from [[Bolivia]].

In [[Patagonia]] there are several [[Welsh language|Welsh]]-speaking communities.

More recent immigrants have brought [[Chinese language|Chinese]] and [[Korean language|Korean]], mostly to Buenos Aires. [[English Language|English]], [[Brazilian Portuguese]] and [[French Language|French]] are also spoken in smaller extents. English is commonly taught at schools, with Portuguese and French behind.

===Education===
After independence, Argentina constructed a national public education system in comparison to other nations, placing the country high up in the global rankings of [[literacy]]. Today the country has a [[List of countries by literacy rate|literacy rate]] of 97% (2003 Est.) [http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/countryfacts/argentina.html]

[[Image:Delantales blancos 2.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The ubiquitous white uniform of Argentine school children; it is a national symbol of learning.]]
School attendance is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 17. The Argentine school system consists of a primary or lower school level lasting six or seven years, and a secondary or high school level lasting between five to six years. In the 1990s, the system was split into different types of high school instruction, called ''Educacion Secundaria'' and the ''Polimodal''. Some provinces adopted the ''Polimodal'' while others did not. A project in the Executive to repeal this measure and return to a more traditional secondary level system was approved in 2006.<ref> [http://www.clarin.com/diario/2006/07/20/sociedad/s-03901.htm La Iglesia salió a defender la ley de Educación que el Gobierno quiere modificar] Clarin.com [[20 July]] [[2006]] (Spanish)</ref> President [[Domingo Faustino Sarmiento]] is overwhelmingly credited in pushing and implementing a free, modern education system in Argentina. The [[University reform in Argentina|1918 University reform]] shaped the current tripartite representation of most public universities.

Education is funded by tax payers at all levels except for the majority of [[graduate studies]]. There are many private school institutions in the primary, secondary and university levels. Around 11.1 million people were enrolled in formal education of some kind:
* 9,551,728 people attended either kindergarten, primary (lower school), or secondary (high school) establishments
* 494,461 people attended non-university level establishments (such as training or technical schools)
* 1,125,257 people attended colleges or universities<ref> [http://www.indec.gov.ar INDEC] 2001 - [[National Institute of Statistics and Census of Argentina]] (Spanish)</ref>

Education in public schools (primary, secondary and tertiary) is free. Public education, which was perceived to be of the best quality during the mid 20th century,{{Fact|date=November 2007}} is now often perceived to be bad and in continuous decline because of lack of funding.{{Fact|date=November 2007}} This has helped private education to flourish, albeit it has also caused an imbalance in terms of who can afford it (usually middle and upper classes), as often private schools have no scholarship systems in place.

There are thirty-five public [[List of Argentine universities|universities across the country]], as well as several private. The Universities of [[University of Buenos Aires|Buenos Aires]] (the largest one, has 300,000 students), [[Universidad Nacional de Córdoba|Córdoba]] (110,000 students), [[Universidad Nacional de Rosario|Rosario]] (75,000 students), [[Universidad Nacional de La Plata|La Plata]] (75,000 students) and [[National Technological University|UTN]] (National Technological University, 70,000 students) are among the most important. Public universities faced cutbacks in spending during the 1980s and 1990s, which led to a decline in overall quality.

===Holidays===
{{main|Public holidays in Argentina}}
Public holidays include most of the Catholic holidays, though holidays of other faiths are respected. The main historic holidays include the anniversaries of the [[May Revolution]] ([[May 25]]), the [[Argentine Declaration of Independence|Independence Day]] ([[July 9]]), [[Flag of Argentina|National Flag]] day ([[June 20]]), and the death of national hero [[José de San Martín]] ([[August 17]]).

On Christmas Eve, the extended family gathers at 9 p.m. for dinner, music, and often dancing. Candies are served just before midnight, when fireworks displays begin. The evening also includes opening gifts from Papá Noel (Father Christmas). New Year's Day is marked with fireworks as well. Other holidays include Good Friday and Easter; Labor Day ([[1 May]]); Anniversary of the May Revolution ([[25 May]]); Malvinas Day ([[2 April]]); Flag Day ([[20 June]]); Independence Day ([[9 July]]); Death of General José de San Martín, who is known as “the liberator” of Peru, Chile, and Argentina for his defeat of the Spanish in 1812 ([[17 August]].); Student Day ([[21 September]]—first day of spring, marked by students gathering in parks for picnics and soccer); and Columbus Day ([[12 October]]). In 2006, Memory Day ([[24 March]]) was established to remember the [[Dirty War]].

==Science and technology==
Argentina has contributed many distinguished doctors, scientists, and inventors to the world, including three [[Nobel Prize]] laureates in sciences.

[[Image:Luis Federico Leloir - young.jpg|thumb|right|Luis Federico Leloir won the [[Nobel Prize]] for Chemistry in 1970.]]
Argentines have been responsible for major breakthroughs in world [[medicine]]. [[René Favaloro]] developed the techniques and performed the world's first ever coronary [[bypass surgery]], and [[Francisco de Pedro]] invented a more reliable artificial [[cardiac pacemaker]]. Medicine's [[Nobel laureate]] [[Bernardo Houssay]] discovered the role of [[pituitary gland|pituitary hormones]] in regulating [[glucose]] in animals; Medicine's [[Nobel laureate]] [[César Milstein]] did extensive research in [[antibody|antibodies]]; and Chemistry's [[Nobel laureate]] [[Luis Leloir]] discovered how organisms store energy converting glucose into [[glycogen]], and the compounds which are fundamental in [[metabolism|metabolizing]] [[carbohydrate]]s. [[Luis Agote]] performed one of the first two [[blood transfusion]]s with pre-stored blood in history. [[Enrique Finochietto]] designed operating table tools such as the surgical scissors that bear his name ("Finochietto scissors"), and a rib-spreader.<ref>[http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/372127 Enrique Finochietto]</ref> [[Roberto Zaldivar|Roberto Zaldívar]] is a pioneer in laser-eye procedures and research. Argentine research has led to advancement in wound-healing therapies, [[heart disease]], and in several forms of [[cancer]].

Argentina's [[Nuclear power|nuclear program]] is highly advanced. Argentina developed its nuclear program without being overly dependent on foreign technology. Nuclear facilities with Argentine technology have been built in [[Peru]], [[Algeria]], [[Australia]], and [[Egypt]]. In 1983, the country admitted having the capability of producing weapon-grade [[uranium]], a major step to assemble [[nuclear weapon]]s. Since then Argentina has pledged to use nuclear power only for peaceful purposes.<ref>[http://www.ceip.org/programs/npp/nppargn.htm Argentina] Non-Proliferation</ref>

In other areas, [[Juan Vucetich]] is the father of modern dactiloscopy<ref>Julia Rodríguez, Columbia University. [http://www.trincoll.edu/events/diaspora/sympapers.htm The Argentine Fingerprint System].</ref> (see [[fingerprint]]), [[Raúl Pateras de Pescara]] demonstrated the world's first flight of a [[helicopter]], Hungarian-Argentine [[László Bíró]] mass-produced the first modern [[ball point pen]]s, and Eduardo Taurozzi developed the more efficient pendular combustion engine.<ref>[http://www.argentinaahora.com/extranjero/ingles/bot_servicios/infoutil/infonews_.asp?id_noticia=930 Argentine Talent Without Frontiers]</ref> [[Juan Maldacena]], an Argentine-American scientist, is a leading figure in [[string theory]]. An Argentine satellite, the PEHUENSAT-1<ref>[http://www.aate.org/pehuensat.html PEHUENSAT-1]</ref> was successfully launched on [[January 10]] [[2007]] using the [[PSLV]] .


==Communications and media==
===Print===
The printed media in Argentina is highly developed and independent. There are over two hundred [[newspapers]] in the country, influential in their home cities and regions. The major national newspapers are from Buenos Aires, including the centrist ''[[Clarín (newspaper)|Clarín]]'', one of the best selling daily in the Spanish speaking world.{{Fact|date=November 2007}} Other national papers are ''[[La Nación]]'' (center-right), ''[[Página/12]]'' (left), ''[[Ámbito Financiero]]'' (business conservative), ''[[Argentinisches Tageblatt]]'' in German, ''Le Monde Diplomatique'' in Spanish and French and ''[[Crónica (newspaper)|Crónica]]'' (populist). Regional papers of importance include ''[[La Capital]]'' ([[Rosario, Santa Fe|Rosario]]), ''[[Los Andes (Mendoza)|Los Andes]]'' ([[Mendoza, Argentina|Mendoza]]), ''[[La Voz del Interior]]'' ([[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]]), and ''[[El Tribuno]]'' ([[Salta]]). [[Buenos Aires Herald|''The Buenos Aires Herald'']] is a well-respected English language daily.

The Argentine [[publishing]] industry is together with those in [[Spain]] and [[Mexico]] the most important in the Spanish-speaking world. Argentina features the largest [[bookstore]] chains in Latin America, the ''[[El Ateneo]]'' and ''[[Yenny (bookstore)|Yenny]]'' bookstores; numerous well-stocked independent stores abound. A number carry titles in English and other languages. There are hundreds of [[magazine]] publications covering a plethora of issues and hobbies, which are sold in kiosks on city sidewalks and in bookstores.

===Radio and television===
Argentina was a pioneering nation in radio broadcasting. At 9 pm on [[August 27]], [[1920]], ''Sociedad Radio Argentina'' announced: ''"We now bring to your homes a live performance of [[Richard Wagner]]'s ''[[Parsifal]]'' opera from the [[Coliseo Theater]] in downtown Buenos Aires"''; only about twenty homes in the city had a receiver to tune in. The world's first radio station was the only one in the country until 1922, when ''Radio Cultura'' went on the air. By 1925, there were twelve stations in Buenos Aires and ten in other cities. The 1930s were the "golden age" of radio in Argentina, with live variety, news, soap opera, and sport shows.<ref>[http://www.swl.net/patepluma/south/misc/argendx.html Radio With a Past in Argentina] Don Moore</ref>

At present there are more than 1,500 radio stations licensed in Argentina; 260 are [[AM broadcasting]] and 1150 [[FM broadcasting]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Radio remains an important medium in Argentina. Music and youth variety programs dominate FM formats; news, debate, and sports are AM radio's primary broadcasts. [[Amateur radio]] is widespread in the country. Radio still serves a vital service of information, entertainment and even life saving in the most remote communities.

The Argentine television industry is large and diverse, widely viewed in Latin America, and its productions seen around the world. Many local programs are broadcast by networks in other countries, and others have their rights purchased by foreign producers for adaptations in their own markets. Argentina has five major networks. All provincial capitals and other large cities have at least one local station. Argentina boasts the highest penetration of cable and satellite television in Latin America, similar to percentages in North America.<ref>[http://lanic.utexas.edu/project/tilan/statistics/cable_table.html Homes with Cable TV in Latin America] Trends in Latin American networking</ref> Many cable networks operate from Argentina and serve the Spanish-speaking world, including [[Utilísima Satelital]], [[Torneos y Competencias|TyC Sports]], [[Fox Sports en Español]] (with the United States and México), MTV Argentina, Cosmopolitan TV, and the news network Todo Noticias.

==Trivia==
{{Trivia|date=November 2007}}
* [[Nobel laureates by country#Argentina|Five Argentines]] have won the [[Nobel Prize]] (for Chemistry, Medicine and Peace).
* The city of [[La Plata, Argentina|La Plata]] was the first in South America with electric street illumination.<ref>[http://www.edelap.com.ar/120/llego.htm]</ref>
* The Buenos Aires [[Buenos Aires Metro|Subway]] was the first built in Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere<ref>[http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/Argentina/Buenos-Aires-Transport--Subway/26]</ref>
* The city of [[Mendoza, Argentina|Mendoza]] is one of the eight wine capitals of the world.<ref>[http://www.amazingmendoza.com/capital.html]</ref>
* Argentines have the highest consumption of [[red meat]] in the world.<ref>[http://www.choicesmagazine.org/2006-2/tilling/2006-2-12.htm]</ref>

==International rankings==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Organization
! Survey
! Ranking
|-
| [[Heritage Foundation]]/''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''
| [[Index of Economic Freedom#Current ratings|Index of Economic Freedom]]
| 107 out of 157
|-
| ''[[The Economist]]''
| [http://www.economist.com/theworldin/international/displayStory.cfm?story_id=3372495&d=2005 Worldwide Quality-of-life Index, 2005]
| 40 out of 111
|-
| [[Reporters Without Borders]]
| [[Reporters Without Borders#Worldwide press freedom index|Worldwide Press Freedom Index]]
| 76 out of 167
|-
| [[Transparency International]]
| [[Corruption Perceptions Index]]
| 105 out of 163
|-
| [[United Nations Development Programme]]
| [[List of countries by Human Development Index|Human Development Index]]
| 38 out of 177
|}

==See also==
{{Argentina-related topics}}
* [[Southern Cone]]
* [[Buenos Aires]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

===Bibliography===
{{wikisource|CIA World Fact Book, 2004/Argentina}}

* {{es icon}} [http://www.csjn.gov.ar Supreme Court of Justice of Argentina]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.presidencia.gov.ar Presidency of Argentina]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.cancilleria.gov.ar/ ''Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto''] (official website of the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Relations, International Trade and Worship)
* [http://www.resdal.org/producciones-miembros/art-flemes4.html The Special Relationship between Argentina and Brazil]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.argentina-rree.com/historia_indice00.htm ''Historia de las Relaciones Exteriores Argentinas''. History of Argentine foreign relations.]

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Argentina}}

===Government===
* {{es icon}} {{en icon}} [http://www.argentina.gov.ar Argentina.gov.ar] - Official national portal
* {{es icon}} [http://www.info.gov.ar Gobierno Electrónico] - Government website
* {{es icon}} [http://www.presidencia.gov.ar Presidencia de la Nación] - Presidential website
* {{es icon}} [http://www.senado.gov.ar Honorable Senado de la Nación] - Website of the Senate
* {{es icon}} [http://www.diputados.gov.ar Honorable Cámara de Diputados de la Nación] - Website of the CHamber of Deputies
* {{en icon}} (also: {{es icon}} {{pt icon}}) [http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm Secretaría de Turismo de la Nación] - National Tourism Secretariat website
* {{en icon}} (also: {{es icon}} {{pt icon}}) [http://www.argentina.ar Argentina.ar] - General information about the country

===Directories===
* {{en icon}} [http://www.loc.gov/rr/international/hispanic/argentina/argentina.html Library of Congress]
* {{en icon}} [http://dmoz.org/Regional/South_America/Argentina Open Directory Project]
* {{en icon}} [http://www.britannica.com/nations/Argentina Encyclopaedia Britannica - Argentina's Country Page]
* {{en icon}} {{CIA World Factbook link|ar|Argentina}}
* {{en icon}} [http://www.ontheroadtravel.com/travel-advice/Argentina - Travel Advice & Recommendations From Local Experts]
* For links to online newspapers, see ''[[List of newspapers in Argentina]]''.
* {{en icon}} [http://numismondo.com/pm/arg Argentina Paper Money]
* {{en icon}} [http://wikitravel.org/en/Argentina WikiTravel's Argentina Page]

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{{G15 nations}}
{{South American Community of Nations (CSN)}}
{{Mercosur/Mercosul (Southern Common Market)}}
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{{South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone}}
}}


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[[User:Daniel C|Daniel_C]] ([[User talk:Daniel C|talk]]) 18:35, 5 January 2008 (UTC)