Atlantic South America Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay

Early on  Originally, groups of Natives lived in what is now known as Argentina. They hunted wild game in the Pampas and used irrigation in the north to grow crops. Today, almost none remain.

Early Argentine History  The first Europeans to come were the Spanish in the 1500’s. They came looking for silver and even named the land for this = Argentina means land of silver.

Early Argentine History  Spanish built settlements by the monarch granting land to colonists who then built the settlements. Landowners were also given the right by their monarch to force the natives there to work on their land – sweet!

Early Argentine History  The Pampas would become a major agricultural area where cattle and horses were raised – herded by Gauchos on the open grasslands. Today it is still an important farming region, sans the Gauchos.

Early Argentine History  In the early 1800’s, Argentina fought Spain for independence. A period of violent transition followed. Many of the Natives were killed or driven away during this time.

Modern Argentina  As the natives were being killed off, immigrants from German, Spain and England came. The railroads were being built during this time making it easier to transport goods across the country for export – beef being a big product.

Modern Argentina  Through the 1900’s, Argentina remained one of the wealthiest of South American nations, however, the country was plagued by dictators and military governments during this time.

Modern Argentina  Some leaders were popular such as Eva Peron (Evita). However, some were infamous for abusing human rights. The “Dirty War” of the 1970’s those disagreeing with government were tortured and killed.

Modern Argentina  The country’s economy would suffer greatly during this time, as well as the people. Finally, int the late 1980’s, the military gave up control of the government to elected officials.

People and Culture  Most of the people in Argentina are descended from Spanish, Italian or other European roots. Native Argentines and mestizos only make up 3% of the population. Most Argentines are Roman Catholics.

People and Culture  Beef is a big part of Argentine culture and cuisine. A popular dish is parilla – grilled sausage and steak. Supper is usually eaten quite late in Argentina.

Argentina Today  Most of the people in Argentina live in Buenos Aires, the country’s capital and 2 nd largest city in Argentina. It is located on the coast and near the Pampas which has helped develop the economy.  The Pampas is the largest agricultural area. 11% of the people work in agriculture. Ranches and farms produce beef, wheat and corn for export.

Argentina and Mercosur  In the 1990’s, Argentina made reforms to help the economy. They joined Mercosur, a group that promotes economies of southern and eastern countries of South America. By 2000, debt and government spending put the economy in a crisis.

Uruguay  Uruguay is tucked between Brazil and Argentina. Its capital is Montevideo, located on the north shore of the Rio de la Plata.  Portugal originally claimed Uruguay, but the Spanish soon took control in the 1770’s. In 1825, Uruguay declared independence from Spain. Since then, military governments have ruled the country, however it has a tradition of political freedom. Today it is a democracy.

Uruguay People  Most of the people in Uruguay are of European descent, with only 12% being of African, Native or mestizo background. Most people are Roman Catholic and Spanish is the official language, although many speak Portuguese.

Uruguay People  90% of the people live in cities, with 1/3 of them living in or near Montevideo. They have a high literacy rate and many have good jobs with good pay. This creates good demand for consumer goods/

Uruguay Economy  Uruguay’s economy is tied to its neighbors – more than half its trade with Brazil and Argentina. Beef is a big export item and agriculture and some manufacturing is the basis of the economy

Paraguay  Paraguay borders Brazil, Bolivia and Brazil and is a landlocked country. The Paraguay river divides the country into two regions. East of the river is the country’s farmland and the area for grazing beef. Paraguay was claimed by Spain in the 1530’s. It would gain independence in From that time it was ruled off and on by dictators, but today it has elected leaders and a democratic government.

Paraguay People  About 95% of the people are of meztizo descent. The remainder are of Native or European descent. They have two official languages, Spanish and Guarani a native language. Most folks are Roman Catholic, like the other countries we have seen.

Paraguay People  Paraguay’s capital and largest city is Asuncion. It is located near the border of Argentina along the Paraguay river. Most of the people in Paraguay are rural.

Paraguay Economy  Most of the wealth in Paraguay is controlled by a few rich families. These families and large companies have a huge effect on the government

Paraguay Economy  Agriculture is big part of the economy with almost half of the people working in that area. Many of these farmers are subsistence farmers, growing corn, cotton, soybeans and sugarcane.

Paraguay Economy  Paraguay has a lot of small businesses, but little industry. The future may be promising when they learn to use their resources – Dams providing hydroelectric power, enough to sell the excess to Brazil and Argentina is one example.

And so …  Exit: How are the people of Paraguay different than those of Uruguay and Argentina?  Stay tuned nest time for Atlantic South America Review.