Argentine Republic By: Javier de Petris

Where is the Argentine Republic? Where is the Argentine Republic?  The Argentine Republic or Argentina is located in the Eastern Coast of South America.  It is bordered by Chile on the west and south, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north and Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast.

Pre-revolutionary History of Argentina  Argentina was scarcely populated until the Spanish arrival.  The first European contact with Argentina was made by Amerigo Vespucci.  It was controlled by the Spanish until the Argentine revolution in the early 1800’s led by Jose de San Martin.  The Argentine Declaration of Independence was written in 1816.

Modern History of Argentina  Juan Manuel de Rosas ruled Argentina from 1832 to 1852 a period in which he fought several military campaigns until he was removed by his governors and the Argentine constitution was written and approved in  Buenos Aires rejected the Constitution and the left the Confederation and fought a war that ended in the Buenos Aires victory at the Battle of Pavon, however Buenos Aires rejoined the Confederation.  Argentina grew during the late 19 th century and became the 10 th richest nation on earth.  Argentina was heavily affected by the Great Depression and remained neutral after the attack on Pearl Harbor until it joined the allies a month before the end of the war.  After the war Argentina was attacked by communist insurgents causing 9,000-30,000 dead.  Argentina lost the short lived Falkland War against the UK.

Physical Geography of Argentina  Argentina has 23 provinces and the autonomous city of Buenos Aires.  Argentina also claims to have the Falklands islands and part of Antarctica.  2,780,400 km 2 land area or 1,073,518 sq mi.  8 th biggest of the world.

Foreign policy and military of Argentina  Argentina is part of the G-20 major economies, the Union of South American countries, Mercosur and the UN.  The Argentinean army is 70,000 strong and has the budget of 3 billion USD  Has strong military ties with Chile, US, Germany, France, Israel and Italy.  Has claimed control of the Falkland islands, causing conflict with the UK and the Falkland War.

Economy and Infrastructure of Argentina  Argentina is Latin America’s third largest economy.  Argentina’s GDP total is $ billion and the GDP per capita is $18,205.  Argentina has the 22nd highest GDP in the world.  The currency is pesos in Argentina.

Religions and Races of Argentina  Around 76.5% of all Argentineans are Catholic,11.3% are Atheist, 1.9% are Muslim and 1.3% are Jewish.  85% percent of Argentineans are white 1.1% are Mestizo, 1% are Amerindian and 2.9% are other races.

Sports in Argentina  Soccer (or football) is the most popular sport of Argentina.  Maradona and Messi amongst other soccer players were born and played for Argentina.  Rugby and basketball are also popular in Argentina.

5 interesting facts about Argentina  Argentina is the most visited country in South America.  Argentina is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world.  Argentina has recently elected Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner the first female president of Argentina.  Buenos Aires is the third biggest city in Latin America and the second biggest in South America.