Argentine

Argentine refers to Argentina and its people. The term is used as both a noun and an adjective: Argentines are the inhabitants; Argentine or Argentinean can describe things related to the country. In formal usage, Argentine is the standard form.

Geography and demographics: Argentina occupies much of the southern cone of South America. It borders Chile to the west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast, and has an Atlantic coastline to the east; the Andes run along its western edge. The capital and largest city is Buenos Aires; other major urban centers include Córdoba, Rosario, and Mendoza. The population is around 45–50 million, with a large share living in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area.

Language and culture: The official language is Spanish; Rioplatense Spanish is typical in the urban core. Indigenous languages are spoken in certain regions, and there are communities of Italian, German, and other ancestry due to immigration. Argentine culture is known for tango, beef and asado, dulce de leche, and mate. The country has a strong literary and film tradition and a prominent football culture, with figures such as Jorge Luis Borges and Diego Maradona.

Government and economy: Argentina is a federal republic consisting of 23 provinces and the autonomous city of Buenos Aires. The president serves as head of state and government, and a bicameral Congress enacts laws. The economy is diversified, anchored by agriculture (notably soy and beef), industry, and services. It is a member of Mercosur and has faced recurring inflation and debt challenges.

History: Indigenous peoples inhabited the region before Spanish colonization. It became part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, gained independence in 1816, and later experienced waves of European immigration. The 20th century included periods of military rule and a transition to democracy in 1983; since then Argentina has pursued economic and political stabilization amid cycles of volatility.