Argentina

Argentina With a land area 1,068,302 square miles, Argentina is South America’s second-largest country, after Brazil. In the western part of Argentina are the Andes, which attract tourists for skiing and hiking. At 22,834 feet tall, Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere.

Andes Covers the western part of Argentina. Snowcapped peaks and clear blue lakes Draws in Tourists for skiing and hiking. In Andes Mountains flow mountain streams where farmers used to grow grains, cotton and grapes.

The Andes Aconcagua

Patagonia Southeast of Andes Dry winds swept plateau Little rain and poor soil. The only economic activity is sheep raising.

Patagonia

Facts Argentina is about the size of the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. Within the vast area, you can find mountains, deserts, plains, and forests.

Pampas

North of Patagonia Many vast treeless plains called pampas. Similar to the great plains. Located central Argentina. Stretch from Andes to Atlantic ocean. Fertile soil and mild climate. Many farmers that grow grains and raise cattle. 2/3 of Argentina's population lives here.

Buenos Aires Argentina’s capital and largest city. Located where pampas meet Rio de la Plata. Rio de la Plata is a funnel shaped bay that enters the Atlantic ocean. It is not a river. Rio de la Plata was formed by the Parana and Uruguay rivers.

The Northwest Heavy summer rains help forests grow in areas called the Gran Chaco. Subsistence Farming Argentines harvest Quebracho trees for tannin- a substance used in processing leather

The East Hot/ humid grasslands It lies between the Parana and Uruguay rivers. Farmers graze livestock and grow crops on fertile farmland.

Why do people live in where they live? The Andean region & Patagonia have harsh climates, so settlement in those areas is sparse. Buenos Aires and the Pampas have a mild & sometimes humid climate that makes these areas more attractive to settlers.

Before arrival of Europeans, Native Americans farmed and hunted on the land In the late 1500s, Spaniards settled the area that is now Buenos Aires By the 1800s, Buenos Aires was a flourishing port

Most of the Native Americans in this region had died from disease or were killed by Europeans In 1816 a general named Jose de San Martin led Argentina in its fight for freedom from Spain

After independence, the country was torn apart by conflict between the national government in Buenos Aires & various outlying regions By mid-1850s, a strong national government had emerged

Economy Argentina entered a time of prosperity that lasted until the end of the 1800s Growth of livestock raising & other industries brought wealth to some of Argentina’s people Because it was hard to make a living, many poor farmers migrated to the cities

Argentina’s Economy Has vast grasslands so the economy depends on farming and ranching. Major farm products include beef, sugarcane, wheat, soybeans, and corn. Grow most of the produce in the Pampas and the northeastern part of the country.

Argentina’s Economy Huge Estancias or ranches cover the Pampas. Owners of the ranches hire Gauchos or cowhands to care for the livestock. Gauchos are the national symbol of Argentina. They are admired for their independence and horse riding skills. The livestock that the gauchos herd and tend are a vital part of Argentina's economy.

Argentina’s Economy Beef and Food Products are Argentina’s chief exports. One of the most industrialized countries in South America. Most of the factories are in or near Buenos Aires. They make food, products, automobiles, chemicals, textiles, books, and magazines.

Argentina’s Economy Their most important resource is Petroleum. There are oil fields in Patagonia and the Andes. Other important minerals are zinc, iron, copper, tin and uranium.