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 About Argentina |
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The second-largest country in South America, Argentina is a country of diverse terrain that is subtropical in the north and subantarctic in the south. The country includes part of the rugged Andes mountains, the vast plains of the Pampas, the barren beauty of Patagonia, the “end of the world” Tierra del Fuego, and a long coastline.
Known for their passion and love of life, the Argentine people gave the world the tango. They are avid soccer fans, and recognized as outstanding polo players. The gaucho, a solitary, independent ranch-hand of the Pampas, reflects the Argentine love of horses.
From the late 19th century on, Argentina exported large amounts of agricultural goods, and became the first South American country to industrialize. It was long the wealthiest country on the continent, enjoying a living standard equivalent to that of Europe. But since the 1940s, Argentina has experienced repeated economic difficulties, including severe inflation, high unemployment, and a large national debt. The Asian financial crisis of 1998 precipitated an outflow of capital that mushroomed into a four-year depression, followed by Argentina defaulting on $88 billion in debt, the largest sovereign debt default in history. Over the past few years, Argentina has witnessed solid economic recovery. |
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Location |
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Occupying most of the southern half of South America that is east of the Andes Mountains, Argentina shares borders on the north with Bolivia and Paraguay, the northeast with Brazil and Uruguay, and the south and west with Chile. The Atlantic Ocean is to the east of Argentina. The country may be divided to four main geographical areas: the Andes, the North and Mesopotamia, the Pampas, and Patagonia.
Argentina includes the province of Tierra del Fuego, which comprises the eastern half of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and a number of adjacent islands to the east, including Isla de los Estados. Since the 1950s, Argentina has claimed a section of Antarctica, and also several lightly settled southern Atlantic islands, including the Falkland Islands, or Islas Malvinas, currently controlled by the United Kingdom. A brief war was waged between the UK and Argentina in 1982 over control of the islands, and the political fate of these islands continues to be under discussion. A number of nations, including the United States, do not recognize Argentine claims to part of Antarctica and these South Atlantic islands. |
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Population |
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With close to 40 million people, the population of Argentina is made up of people from diverse national and ethnic groups. Waves of immigrants from many European countries, but predominantly from Italy and Spain, arrived in Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Syrians, Lebanese, and other Middle Eastern immigrants also came, mainly to urban areas. In recent years, there has been an influx of immigrants from neighboring Latin American countries. The indigenous population, estimated at 700,000, is concentrated in the provinces of the north, northwest, and south.
Argentines are overwhelmingly Catholic, comprising about 91% of the population. The Jewish population is the largest in Latin America, estimated at about 300,000. There are minorities who adhere to Protestantism, and other non-Christian religions. Although the constitution guarantees freedom of worship, the Roman Catholic Church has long enjoyed a position resembling that of an established church. The 1994 constitution repealed a requirement that the president and vice president of the country must be Roman Catholic. However, the reform maintained the clause mandating that the “federal government shall uphold the Roman Catholic Apostolic faith.”
Eighty percent of the people in Argentina live in cities or towns of more than 2,000, and over one-third live in the greater Buenos Aires area. With 13 million inhabitants, this sprawling metropolis is the focus for national life. While Argentines enjoy comparatively high standards of living, following the economic crisis of 2002, 38.5% of the population was living below the poverty line in the 28 largest urban areas. |
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Language |
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Spanish is the official language of Argentina and is spoken by the overwhelming majority of the people. |
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Education |
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Argentina’s literacy rate of 97% is one of the highest in Latin America, and the country can boast one of the best educational systems in the Western Hemisphere. However, the system’s quality has been affected as budgets were tightened in the late 20th century, and the conservative influence of successive military governments shaped the curriculum.
Primary education is free and compulsory from ages five to 14. There are state and private schools for primary and secondary level, those schools in the city areas are usually better equipped than those in the country. Access to higher education is based on the bachillerato or secondary school-leaving certificate, which is usually awarded after 12 years of primary and secondary education. Argentina's academic calendar is on the southern hemisphere schedule, with classes usually beginning in March and ending in December.
In the early 2000s Argentina had about 30 national (federal government-funded) universities, and about 20 private universities. The largest public university is the University of Buenos Aires, founded in 1821. Others are located at Córdoba, La Plata, Mendoza, and Rosario. The Catholic University of Argentina, and National Technological University are both in Buenos Aires. Since the 1980s Argentina’s state-run universities and colleges have suffered from inadequate investment in facilities, a lack of full-time faculty, and a failure to modernize the curriculum. |
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Weather |
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Because of great differences of latitude and altitude, the climate of Argentina varies considerably, ranging from subtropical with rain throughout the year in the north, to sub-arctic in the Tierra del Fuego in the south. The main central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer, which is from December to February, and cool in winter. |
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Money and Cost of Living |
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Argentina may be considered expensive when compared to other South American countries. But in comparison to North America or Europe, the cost of living in Argentina is extremely reasonable. Median salaries in Argentina are the equivalent of about $586/€650 a month, but with a big disparity between regions. In Patagonia, the median monthly salary equals about $710/€788, while in the northwest, it is the equivalent of about $397/€441.
The banking hours are Mon-Fri 1000-1500. |
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Currency |
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Argentina’s currency is the Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Peso notes are in denominations of P100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of P1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos
The Government has changed the Peso fixed rate to the US Dollar, thus the Peso was devaluated, and its worth is now subject to a floating exchange rate. |
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Health |
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Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, though once outside of Buenos Aires, quality will vary. Medical insurance is recommended, as there are no reciprocal health agreements. Physicians often expect immediate cash payment.
No vaccinations are required for entry to Argentina, but before moving it is recommended to be up-to-date on immunizations for hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus-diptheria, and measles.
A malaria risk in rural areas of the Salta and Jujuy provinces along the Bolivian border, and Misiones and Corrientes provinces along the border with Paraguay is present. People who will be in these areas should take chloroquine, an antimalarial drug. Dengue, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), and leishmaniasis, diseases carried by insects, can also occur in Argentina. Protecting yourself against insect bites will help to prevent these diseases.
Tap water is considered safe to drink. Outside the main cities and towns, drinking water may be contaminated and sterilization is advisable. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe for consumption. Pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe, but unpasteurized milk should be avoided.
In the Andes, ascents should be made gradually to allow time for the body to adjust to the high altitude, which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and altitude sickness. Also, the risk of sunburn is greater at high altitudes, and the use of at least 15 SPF sunblock is prudent. |
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Weights and Measures |
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Argentina uses the metric system, with units in grams and kilograms, and milliliters and liters. |
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Electricity |
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Argentina uses 220V and 50Hz electricity with C and I plugs. C plugs are the round pin attachment type, and can also be used with E, F, and some L receptacles. C plugs are common in most "universal" adaptor sets. I plugs are oblique flat blades with ground (inverted V).
In Argentina, the neutral and active wires are reversed from what is used in other countries. |
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