Argentina

Argentina is a sovereign country in the southern part of South America. It spans subtropical plains in the north to subantarctic landscapes in the south and includes the Andes, the Pampas, and Patagonia. The capital and largest city is Buenos Aires, a major cultural and economic hub.

Indigenous peoples inhabited the region before Spanish colonization. Argentina won independence in 1816 and developed as a republic with periods of political instability, including a military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. Today it is a federal republic consisting of 23 provinces and the autonomous city of Buenos Aires, with a president as head of state and government and a bicameral legislature.

The economy is diversified, with agriculture, industry, and services. Major exports include soybeans and oilseeds, beef, grains, and wine. Argentina possesses significant natural resources, including lithium, and pursues energy projects in hydro, wind, and solar. The peso circulates as the currency, and inflation and debt levels have posed challenges in recent years.

Spanish is the official language; numerous immigrant communities have shaped culture, notably Italian and other European heritages. Indigenous languages remain spoken in some areas. The country has a rich cultural life, with tango music and dance, literature, and football as prominent elements. Argentina features diverse landscapes and attractions such as Iguazu Falls, the Andes, and Patagonia, as well as wine regions in Mendoza and historical towns across the interior.