Metro
Argentina population, official language and more…
The country faced political instability, military coups, exiled presidents, territorial disputes and dictatorships over the years. Argentina also experienced economic and social crises, such as the Great Depression, the Dirty War, the Falklands War, the hyperinflation and the 2001 crisis. Argentina is currently a federal constitutional republic with a presidential system of government. The current president is Alberto Fernández, who took office in 2019.
Argentina
The Population:
Argentina has an estimated population of 45.8 million people as of 2023, making it the 31st most populous country in the world. The population is mostly of European descent, with some indigenous, African and Asian minorities. The population is unevenly distributed, with most people living in urban areas, especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires.
The Landmarks: Argentina has many natural and cultural landmarks that attract tourists and locals alike. Some of the most famous ones are: Glacier Perito Moreno: A massive ice formation in Patagonia that covers 250 square kilometers and is one of the few glaciers in the world that is advancing rather than retreating. Mt Fitzroy: A stunning mountain peak in Patagonia that is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Iguazu Falls: A spectacular waterfall system on the border with Brazil that consists of 275 individual falls and spans 2.7 kilometers. Salt Flats Jujuy: A vast expanse of salt crust in the northwest of the country that creates a surreal landscape of white and blue. Casa Rosada: The pink-hued presidential palace in Buenos Aires that is a symbol of the country’s politics and history. The Obelisk of Buenos Aires: A 67-meter-high monument on Avenida de Mayo that commemorates the 400th anniversary of the city’s founding. Teatro Colón: A magnificent opera house in Buenos Aires that is renowned for its acoustics, architecture and performances.
The Official Language: Argentina’s official language is Spanish, but it is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. Argentinian Spanish has influences from Italian, French, English and indigenous languages. Most Argentinians speak Spanish as their first or second language, but there are also other languages spoken by minorities, such as Guarani, Quechua, Welsh, German and Italian.
The Culture: Argentina has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its history and geography. Some of the main aspects of Argentinian culture are: Tango: A passionate dance and music genre that originated in Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late 19th century and became popular worldwide. Mate: A traditional infusion made from yerba mate leaves that is shared among friends and family as a social ritual. Football: The most popular sport in Argentina, with a fervent fan base and a proud national team that has won two World Cups and produced legendary players like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Gaucho: The iconic figure of the Argentine cowboy who lives in the pampas (grasslands) and embodies the values of freedom, courage and independence. Literature: Argentina has a rich literary tradition that includes Nobel laureates like Jorge Luis Borges and Mario Vargas Llosa, as well as acclaimed writers like Julio Cortázar, Ernesto Sabato and Manuel Puig.
The Economic Stability: Argentina has a mixed economy that is based on agriculture, industry, services and tourism. The country has abundant natural resources, a highly educated workforce and a large domestic market. However, Argentina has also faced economic instability, inflation, debt crises and corruption over the years. The country is currently recovering from a recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and negotiating with its creditors to restructure its debt.
THE GDP
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total value of goods and services produced in a country in a given period of time.
According to the World Bank, Argentina’s GDP was approximately US$610 billion in 2022, making it one of the largest economies in Latin America.
Argentina’s GDP per capita, which is the GDP divided by the population, was about $3,256 in 2022.
THE CURRENCY
The currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso, identified by the symbol $ or ARS.
It is subdivided into 100 centavos, but due to rapid inflation, coins with a value below one peso are rarely used.
As of August 3, 2023, one US dollar was equal to 278.35 Argentine pesos.
THE FOOD
Some of the most popular dishes in Argentina are:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Asado | A barbecue of various cuts of meat, often accompanied by chimichurri sauce and salads. |
| Empanadas | Pastry pockets filled with meat, cheese, vegetables or fruits. |
| Locro | A hearty stew of corn, beans, squash, meat and spices |
| Dulce de leche | A caramel sauce made from milk and sugar, used in desserts and pastries. |
The largest city and the capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires, which has a population of about 15 million people in its metropolitan area. Buenos Aires also has two major airports:
Ministro Pistarini International Airport for international flights and Jorge Newbery Airport for domestic flights and flights to Uruguay. The second largest city in Argentina is Córdoba, which has a population of about 1.5 million people. Córdoba is also a cultural and educational center, hosting the National University of Córdoba, the oldest university in the country and one of the oldest in Latin America.
The largest seaport in Argentina is the Port of Buenos Aires, which handles about 80% of the country’s foreign trade. Other important seaports include the Port of Dock Sud, the Ports of Bahia Blanca, the Port of La Plata, the Port of Quequen, and the Port of Ushuaia, among others. The largest school system in Argentina is the public education system, which is free and compulsory for all children between 5 and 18 years old. The public education system consists of three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. There are also many private schools, some of which are religious or bilingual. The highest ranked university in Argentina is the University of Buenos Aires, which is ranked 66th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2022. Other prestigious universities include the National University of La Plata, the National University of Córdoba, the National University of Rosario, and the National Technological University, among others.
