Argentines

Argentines are people from Argentina, a country in South America. The term covers citizens and those of Argentine nationality, including those of Argentine descent living abroad. Argentina’s population is diverse, reflecting major European immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—especially from Italy and Spain—alongside Indigenous peoples and Afrodescendants, which together shape the country’s cultural heritage.

The predominant language is Spanish, though several Indigenous languages such as Quechua and Guarani are spoken in certain regions, and communities with Italian, German, and other ancestries maintain distinctive linguistic and cultural practices. Argentine Spanish features regional varieties, including the use of voseo and unique pronunciation patterns.

Geographically, Argentines are concentrated in urban areas, particularly Greater Buenos Aires. The interior encompasses regions such as Patagonia, Cuyo, and the Mesopotamia, each with its own regional traditions and economic activities. The country exhibits a broad urban-rural dynamic and provincial diversity within a federal framework.

Culture and identity in Argentina include tango, literature, cinema, and a strong tradition of football (soccer). Cuisine emphasizes asado (barbecue), empanadas, and dulce de leche, and mate remains a widely consumed social beverage. These cultural elements reflect a blend of European influence and local innovations.

Historically, Argentina gained independence from Spain in 1816 and experienced substantial European immigration, economic fluctuations, and political change, including a military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983, followed by a transition to democracy. The modern Argentine society continues to evolve within a diverse and interconnected national community.