Country Information on Argentina

Terrain Argentina's terrain can be divided into three main regions: the mountains, the upland areas, and the plains. The western boundaries of the country fall entirely within the Andes, the great mountain system of the South American continent. For considerable stretches the main ridge of the Andes, which is also the continental divide, demarcates the Argentine-Chilean border. From the northern extremity of this range to the Bolivian border, the western part of Argentina is occupied by the main Andean cordillera, with a number of peaks above approx. 6,400 m. Aconcagua (6,960 m), the highest of these peaks, is the greatest elevation in the world outside Central Asia. Several parallel ranges and foothills of the Andes project deeply into northwestern Argentina. Eastward from the base of the Andean system, the terrain of Argentina consists almost entirely of a flat or gently undulating plain. This plain slopes gradually from an elevation of about 600 m to sea level. In the north the Argentine plains consist of the southern portion of the South American region known as the Gran Chaco. The Pampas, treeless plains which include the most productive agricultural sections of the country, extend about 1,600 km south from the Gran Chaco. In Patagonia, south of the Pampas, the terrain consists largely of arid, desolate steppes. Climate Temperate climatic conditions prevail throughout most of Argentina, except for a small tropical area in the north-east and the subtropical Gran Chaco in the north. In Buenos Aires the average temperature range is from 17 to 29°C in January and from 6 to 14°C in July. In Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes to the west, the average temperature range is from 16 to 32°C in January and from 2 to 15°C in July. Considerably higher temperatures prevail near the Tropic of Capricorn in the north, where extremes as high as 45°C are occasionally recorded. Climatic conditions are generally cool and temperate in the Andes, in Patagonia, and on Tierra del Fuego. Fauna/Flora The country can be divided into four major physiographic regions: the Andes to the west (with arid basins, grape-filled foothills, glaciers, and the lake district), the fertile lowland in the north (with subtropical rainforests), the central Pampas (a flat mix of humid and dry expanses) and Patagonia (a combination of steppes and glaciers). 22 national parks preserve large areas of these varied environments and protect wildlife (much of it unique) such as caimans, pumas, guanacos, Andean llamas, condors, flamingos, various marine mammals, and rare seabirds. History/Politics Nomadic or farming tribes sparsely populated the area which is now Argentina when Spanish explorers arrived in the early 16th century. Colonization began in 1535, and Spain gradually won control over the area. In 1816, Argentina gained independence from Spain. The year 1826 marked the foundation of the Argentinian nation state based on the territories of the former United Provinces of Rio de la Plata. In 1853, the Argentine Republic adopted a constitution based on a federal republican model with a president as head of state. Subsequently, Argentina made striking economic and social progress, emerging as one of South America's leading nations. The world economic crisis of the 1930s affected Argentina badly. Unemployment and other adversities led to social and political unrest. In 1944, Colonel Juan Perón took over and ruled the country with short interruptions until 1974. Argentina then experienced a period of military governments that launched severe terror campaigns against political opponents. Thus, from 1976 on, thousands of Argentines were assassinated or disappeared. In 1981, General Leopold Galtieri took office as president of Argentina, but had to resign in 1982. He was succeeded by Raúl Alfonsín, who came to power through democratic elections. Under Alfonsín the economic situation deteriorated. In 1989, he became the first Argentine head of state after almost half a century to be removed from office by the people through elections. Alfonsín was relieved of his duties by Carlos Saúl Menem, son of a Syrian immigrant and leader of the Peronist party, Partido Justicialista. His popularity dwindled, however, when the recession got worse and unemployment figures increased. In 1999, Fernando de la Rúa won the presidential elections. Economy Agriculture has always been Argentina's main source of revenue. Argentina is one of the major countries of exportation of beef, animal skins, and wool. In addition, the country exports large quantities of grain, maize, linseed, soy beans, and cotton. Major industries comprise food processing and the production of motor vehicles, consumer goods, textiles, and chemicals. The printing industry and the iron and steel industry play an important part, as well. Coal and petroleum production, once relatively small-scale, has increased significantly in recent years. Culture Argentina has a rich Spanish heritage, which in turn was influenced by other European immigrants, especially Italians, in the 19th century. There is an enormous interest in the country's history, which is above all embodied by the Gauchos, the "cowboys" of the Pampas. For the fine arts France has served as a model. Only in folk art Indian elements can still be found. Prominent Argentine writers are Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, Ernesto Sábato, Manuel Puig and Osvaldo Soriano. Argentine music shows Spanish and African influences and Indian elements. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Italian opera music, palm court music, and the symphony came to Argentina. Subsequently, a conservatoire was founded. The Argentines are proud of their tango - a dance and music which had its origins in the urban poor districts and in the brothels and which is nowadays danced in a modified version. It developed in the early 20th century and became famous worldwide in the twenties