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Argentina

Argentina

Capital:Buenos Aires
Population:41.3M
Currency:Argentine Peso (ARS)
Language:Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French, indigenous (Mapudungun, Quechua)
Valle de la luna, Argentina

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Argentina.

Argentina Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Prosperity, family, education, and personal relationships are important values to Argentines.

Urban Argentines tend to be cosmopolitan, progressive, and outgoing. Those who live in rural areas are more conservative and traditional. Throughout the country, it is important to show respect to the elderly and to honor friendships.

Cultural Attributes

Prosperity, family, education, and personal relationships are important values to Argentines.

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Valle de la luna, Argentina

Passion, Tango, and the Roof of the Americas

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

It is customary to address people by a title (Señor, Señora, Doctor, among others) when being introduced. A handshake and slight nod show respect. Women are most likely to kiss each other, but a man and woman may greet in this manner if well acquainted. When approaching someone such as a police officer or a customs official for information, one should always greet the official before asking any questions.

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Diet

Beef has long been the staple of the Argentine diet. A favorite way to entertain is the weekend "asado" (barbecue). At such an event, friends and relatives will gather to eat grilled meat, sharing side dishes and spending hours relaxing. Other popular dishes include baked stuffed beef and "empanadas" (meat or vegetable pies). A preferred winter stew is "locro" (with meat, corn, and potatoes). More people are incorporating salads and other fresh produce into their diets.

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Valle de la luna, Argentina

Family

The responsibility of raising children lies with the mother. Women working outside the home comprise less than thirty percent of the Argentine work force. Men are often occupied with work, even in the evening. Families are smaller than in other countries, with on average just two children. A good education is important to Argentines and families sacrifice to make it possible for their children.

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Dating Customs

Group dating between young men and young women often begins at age fifteen. The fifteenth birthday is the girls' most important birthday as it marks the end of their childhood. Young couples' favorite activity is dancing. Going to the movies or eating at cafes are also popular dating activities.

Recreation

Recreation in Argentina: Argentina's national game is "futbol" (soccer), which was introduced in the 1860s by British soldiers. In the streets of Buenos Aires, as elsewhere, important matches are often the topic of discussion--even among strangers.

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Student Life

Although there is some variety when school begins, most children must get up between 7:00 and 7:30 to get ready for school. Breakfast in Argentina usually consists of hard rolls (or toast) and jam with tea or coffee. A favorite drink for young children is called "submarino" which is milk with chocolate syrup added.

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Holidays

  • Revolution Day

    5/25

    Independence

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Home decoration consist of presebres (Nativity scenes), and red and white garlands with Father Christmas’s boots placed at the door. Although Santa Clause and Christmas trees are becoming increasingly popular it is still customary for families to visit the presebres of friends and relatives as well as the presebres in the local cathedral. Traditionally the manger remains empty until midnight on Christmas Eve when a family member at home or church leader at the cathedral adds the Christ child signifying the Christ child is born.

    Many Children are starting to receive gifts on Christmas eve as well as on Epiphany when they place their shoes on a window sill and the Three Kings fill them with treats by morning.

    The Christmas season includes The Feast of the Immaculate Conception held on December 8th, Midnight Mass held on Christmas Eve, Holy Innocents Day -- December 28th, New Years Day --January 1st and the Epiphany or the Day of the Kings on January 6th. Because the holiday season falls during the summer, beach activities with fireworks are common.

    Christmas dinner, usually after Midnight Mass, may consist of roast lechon (baby pig between the ages of 2-6 weeks) niños envueltos (peices of steak rolled and seasoned with minced meat, hard-boiled eggs, and spices), sidra (apple juice with liquor), pan dulce (sweet Christmas bread with dried fruit) and turron de mani (Christmas candy)

Dates of Interest

  • July 20

    Argentinians celebrate a Day of Friendship or Friend's Day every July 20th. Although not an official holiday, many Argentines participate by going out, getting together, and giving presents. The amount of calling and texting often leads to temporary breakdowns of the mobile network and people have to book seats in advance in restaurants, bars, and pubs if they want to gather with friends.

How do people greet each other in Argentina?

Use a title (Señor, Señora, Doctor) when introduced, along with a handshake and slight nod to show respect. Women commonly kiss each other, and a man and woman may greet this way if well acquainted.

Do

  • Address people by their title when introduced
  • Offer a handshake with a slight nod
  • Greet an official (like a police officer or customs officer) before asking any questions

Good to know

  • A kiss greeting between a man and woman is used only among the well acquainted

What are dining customs like in Argentina?

Beef is the staple, and the weekend 'asado' (barbecue) is a favorite way to gather with friends and relatives over grilled meat and shared side dishes. Dinner is lighter than lunch and often served after 9:00 p.m.

Do

  • Eat continental style: knife in the right hand, fork in the left
  • Keep your hands above the table, not in your lap
  • Try dishes like empanadas, baked stuffed beef, and the winter stew locro

Don’t

  • Don't expect a heavy evening meal or an early dinner

Good to know

  • An asado is a relaxed, hours-long social event

What etiquette should I follow when visiting an Argentine home?

Bring a small gift such as flowers or candy, and let the host direct you where to sit. Compliment the home or meal, and say goodbye to each person when leaving.

Do

  • Bring flowers or candy for your hosts
  • Introduce each person individually rather than as a group
  • Wait for the head of the household to direct you to your seat
  • Compliment the home or the meal

Good to know

  • Arriving late will not offend your hosts

How should I dress in Argentina?

Most people wear modern fashions, especially in urban areas, with European and North American clothing readily available in cities. Older people tend to favor more conservative styles and colors.

Good to know

  • Traditional regional costumes appear on special occasions or holidays, not daily

What gestures and body language should I be aware of?

Personal space is closer than in some cultures, and people may touch or stand close while speaking; eye contact is important in conversation.

Do

  • Maintain eye contact during conversation
  • Cover your mouth when yawning
  • Remove hats in buildings, houses, elevators, and in the presence of women

Don’t

  • Avoid public displays of affection, especially outside large urban areas

What is family life like in Argentina?

Family, education, and respect for the elderly are highly valued, and families are relatively small, averaging two children. Families sacrifice to give their children a good education.

Good to know

  • The family structure is changing, with more single-parent households
  • A girl's fifteenth birthday marks the end of childhood and is her most important

What do people do for recreation in Argentina?

Soccer ('futbol') is the national game and a common topic of conversation even among strangers. Families head to the Atlantic coast in summer, while winter brings Andinismo (hiking, climbing, and skiing in the Andes).

Good to know

  • Pato, played on horseback, is a distinctive Argentine sport
  • Horse racing and tennis are also popular
  • Mar del Plata is a popular summer holiday destination

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Argentina

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
14.92
Time Difference
UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The vast Pampa region fanning out 500 miles from Buenos Aires has an average annual rainfall range of 20 inches in the west to 40 inches in the east. The Andean region extends from the dry north to the heavily glaciated and ice-covered mountains of Patagonia. Its trajectory includes the dry mountains and desert west of Cordoba and south of Tucuman and embraces the irrigated valleys on the eastern slopes and foothills of the Andes. Annual precipitation ranges from 4 to 24 inches in the arid regions and 20 to 120 inches in the heaviest rainfall areas. Patagonia is a region of arid, windswept plateaus, covering about 300,000 square miles. Except for some irrigated valleys, this is poor, scattered pastureland. Far south, the weather is continuously cold and stormy; the region has no summer, and winters can be severe. The alluvial plain of the Chaco in the north has a subtropical climate with dry winters and humid summers. Rainfall decreases from 60 to 20 inches, and temperatures reach 120 °F. The Argentine Mesopotamia, which consists of the provinces between the Uruguay and Parana Rivers, is made up of floodplains and gently rolling grassy hills The greatest precipitation falls in the extreme north of Misiones Province, where it amounts to about 80 inches yearly. Buenos Aires, located on the southern bank of the Rio de la Plata, borders the vast Pampa. The terrain within the city varies from low flatland only inches above the high tide line to slightly rolling countryside with a maximum elevation of 129 feet. The average rainfall in Buenos Aires is 39 inches, distributed evenly throughout the year. Humidity is high year-round (the yearly mean is 76%). High humidity makes winters seem colder and summers hotter. Abrupt temperature changes are experienced throughout the year, bringing relief from summer's heat and winter's cold.
Airports
1,149
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Argentina Fritters

Dessert

Browse all 10 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Pre-Colonial & Exploration

    10000 BCE – 1580

    Indigenous peoples including the Mapuche, Guaraní, and Diaguita inhabited the region for millennia before European contact. Amerigo Vespucci reached the area in 1502, and Juan Díaz de Solís entered the Río de la Plata in 1516. Early Spanish attempts at settlement were resisted, delaying permanent European presence in the region.

  2. Spanish Colonial Era

    1580 – 1816

    Spain established a permanent settlement at Buenos Aires in 1580, and the city grew into a vital commercial hub following the creation of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata in 1776. Colonial society was structured around Spanish-born elites, criollos, and a large mestizo and indigenous labor force. Enlightenment ideas and Napoleonic disruptions in Europe gradually fueled independence sentiment among the criollo class.

  3. Independence & Nation-Building

    1816 – 1880

    Argentina formally declared independence on July 9, 1816, with General José de San Martín leading military campaigns that expelled Spanish forces from the southern cone. Decades of violent conflict followed between centralist Unitarios and federalist Caudillos, including the dictatorship of Juan Manuel de Rosas. A federal constitution adopted in 1853 and the final unification of Buenos Aires with the Argentine confederation by 1880 established the modern republic.

  4. Oligarchic Republic & Growth

    1880 – 1930

    Argentina emerged as one of the world's ten wealthiest nations, driven by agricultural exports, British investment in railroads and ports, and massive waves of European immigration. Conservative landowning elites dominated politics until the Radical Civic Union under Hipólito Yrigoyen won the presidency in 1916, opening government to the growing middle class. A military coup in 1930 ended this democratic experiment and returned conservative factions to power.

  5. Peronism & Military Cycles

    1930 – 1983

    Decades of instability culminated in Juan Domingo Perón's rise to the presidency in 1946, backed by organized labor and his charismatic wife Eva Duarte de Perón. Perón's populist-nationalist model reshaped Argentine society but was interrupted by military exile in 1955; he returned briefly to power in 1973 before his death in 1974. A brutal military junta ruling from 1976 to 1983 waged a "Dirty War" responsible for the forced disappearance of an estimated 30,000 people.

  6. Democratic Consolidation

    1983 – present

    The return of democracy under President Raúl Alfonsín in 1983 marked a decisive break from military rule, and trials of junta leaders set a regional precedent for accountability. Argentina weathered severe economic crises, including the 2001 collapse that triggered sovereign default and widespread social unrest, yet democratic institutions endured successive transfers of power. Ongoing challenges include chronic inflation, poverty, and political polarization between Peronist and non-Peronist coalitions.

Overview

Europeans

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1516

    Juan Diaz de Solis became the first European to enter Argentina in search of gold

    Juan Diaz de Solis became the first European to enter Argentina in search of gold. Many of the indigenous population of Argentina were killed by the diseases brought over by the Europeans.

  2. 1580

    Buenos Aires was established.

    Buenos Aires was established.

  3. 1680

    The Portuguese established a trading post across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires .

    The Portuguese established a trading post across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires.

  4. 1776

    Spain encompassed all of its territories in south-east South America

    Spain encompassed all of its territories in south-east South America to create one large colony called the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata.

  5. 1810

    Overthrow of the king of Spain by Napoleon

    Overthrow of the king of Spain by Napoleon.

  6. 1812

    Jose de San Martin led the Argentina fight against Spain for Independence.

    Jose de San Martin led the Argentina fight against Spain for Independence.

  7. 1816

    Argentina declares its independence from Spain

    Argentina declares its independence from Spain. José de San Martín defeats Spanish forces in Chile.

View full timeline (25 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • When Argentine children lose a baby tooth, they will put it under their pillow at night. During the night, a little mouse called "El Ratón Perez" will come and take the tooth, and leave some coins.

  • Llamas are good at climbing mountains. People in the Andes use them to carry things. They also make warm blankets and ponchos from the llama's wool. Llama meat is also common in many dishes in the Northern Andean region of the country.

  • The highest mountain peak in the Americas is Mount Aconcagua in the Andes Mountains, rising more than 6,900 metres.

  • The soil brought down by the rivers flowing into the Río de la Plata has created landfill over the centuries that has allowed Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, to advance several miles into the large river mouth.

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Geography and Environment

second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Cerro Aconcagua is South America's tallest mountain, while Laguna del Carbon is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere
Terrain
rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border
Climate
The vast Pampa region fanning out 500 miles from Buenos Aires has an average annual rainfall ranges from 20 inches in the west to 40 inches in the east. The Andean region extends from the dry north to the heavily glaciated and ice covered mountains of Patagonia. Its trajectory includes the dry mountains and desert west of Cordoba and south of Tucuman and embraces the irrigated valleys on the eastern slopes and foothills of the Andes. Annual precipitation ranges from 4 to 24 inches in the arid regions and 20 to 120 inches in the heaviest rainfall areas. Patagonia is a region of arid, windswept plateaus, covering about 300,000 square miles. Except for some irrigated valleys, this is poor, scattered pastureland. Far south, the weather is continuously cold and stormy; the region has no summer, and winters can be severe. The alluvial plain of the Chaco in the north has a subtropical climate with dry winters and humid summers. Rainfall decreases from 60 to 20 inches, and temperatures reach 120°F. The Argentine Mesopotamia, which consists of the provinces between the Uruguay and Parana Rivers, is made up of floodplains and gently rolling grassy hills The greatest precipitation falls in the extreme north of Misiones Province, where it amounts to about 80 inches yearly. Buenos Aires, located on the southern bank of the Rio de la Plata, borders on the vast Pampa. The terrain within the city varies from low flatland only inches above the high tide line to slightly rolling countryside with a maximum elevation of 129 feet. Average rainfall in Buenos Aires is 39 inches, distributed evenly throughout the year. Humidity is high year round (the yearly mean is 76%). High humidity makes winters seem colder and summers hotter. Abrupt temperature changes are experienced throughout the year, bringing relief from summer’s heat and winter’s cold.
Natural Hazards
San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the pampas and northeast; heavy flooding
Current Environmental Issues
environmental problems (urban and rural) typical of an industrializing economy such as deforestation, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution, and water pollution
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French, indigenous (Mapudungun, Quechua)

  • Spanish

Population

Population
41,343,201
Population: Male/Female
male: 23,274,794 female: 23,719,590
Population Distribution
one-third of the population lives in Buenos Aires; pockets of agglomeration occur throughout the northern and central parts of the country; Patagonia to the south remains sparsely populated
Urban Population
urban population: 92.5% of total population rate of urbanization: 0.97% annual rate of change
Population in Major Urban Areas
15.490 million BUENOS AIRES (capital), 1.612 million Córdoba, 1.594 million Rosario, 1.226 million Mendoza, 1.027 million San Miguel de Tucumán, 914,000 La Plata
Nationality Noun
noun: Argentine(s) adjective: Argentine
Ethnic Groups
European (mostly Spanish and Italian descent) and Mestizo (mixed European and Indigenous ancestry) 97.2%, Indigenous 2.4%, African descent 0.4%
Language Note
Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French, indigenous (Quechua, Guarani, Mapudungun)

Demographic Profile

Argentina's population continues to grow but at a slower rate because of its steadily declining birth rate. Argentina's fertility decline began earlier than in the rest of Latin America, occurring most rapidly between the early 20th century and the 1950s, and then becoming more gradual. Life expectancy has been improving, most notably among the young and the poor. While the population under age 15 is shrinking, the youth cohort - ages 15-24 - is the largest in Argentina's history and will continue to bolster the working-age population. If this large working-age population is well-educated and gainfully employed, Argentina is likely to experience an economic boost and possibly higher per capita savings and investment. Although literacy and primary school enrollment are nearly universal, grade repetition is problematic and secondary school completion is low. Both of these issues vary widely by region and socioeconomic group.

Argentina has been primarily a country of immigration for most of its history, welcoming European immigrants (often providing needed low-skilled labor) after its independence in the 19th century and attracting especially large numbers from Spain and Italy. More than 7 million European immigrants are estimated to have arrived in Argentina between 1880 and 1930, when it adopted a more restrictive immigration policy. European immigration also began to wane in the 1930s because of the global depression. The inflow rebounded temporarily following WWII and resumed its decline in the 1950s when Argentina's military dictators tightened immigration rules and European economies rebounded. Regional migration increased, however, supplying low-skilled workers escaping economic and political instability in their home countries. As of 2015, immigrants made up almost 5% of Argentina's population, the largest share in South America. Migration from neighboring countries accounted for approximately 80% of Argentina's immigrant population in 2015.

The first waves of highly skilled Argentine emigrant workers headed mainly to the United States and Spain in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by economic decline and repressive military dictatorships. The 2008 European economic crisis drove the return migration of some Argentinean and other Latin American nationals, as well as the immigration of Europeans to South America, where Argentina was a key recipient. In 2015, Argentina received the highest number of legal migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean. The majority of its migrant inflow came from Paraguay and Bolivia.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

In order to create a sense of equality among students, regardless of economic background, students wear standard uniforms consisting of knee-length white smocks over their everyday clothes: the boys' smocks button down the front, and the girls' button down the back. The smocks resemble white laboratory coats. Students must buy their own books and uniforms.

Private schools are conducted by churches and other organizations, but they of course charge tuition. Separate programs are available for special needs children.

Schools have varying schedules, but many will have split sessions, with half of the students attending in the morning and half in the afternoon. School sessions provide three 10-minute breaks during each morning and afternoon session.

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 78.8 years male: 75.8 years female: 82 years
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 7.95 liters of pure alcohol beer: 3.62 liters of pure alcohol wine: 2.88 liters of pure alcohol spirits: 0.72 liters of pure alcohol other alcohols: 0.72 liters of pure alcohol
Tobacco Use
total: 24.5% male: 29.4% female: 19.6%
Child Marriage
women married by age 15: 2.4% women married by age 18: 15.5%
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 9 deaths/1,000 live births male: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 78.8 years male: 75.8 years female: 82 years
Median Age
total: 33.3 years male: 32.1 years female: 34.6 years
Age Structure
0-14 years: 23.3% (male 5,632,983/female 5,301,778) 15-64 years: 63.9% (male 15,071,215/female 14,956,069) 65 years and over: 12.8% (male 2,570,596/female 3,461,743)
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 9 deaths/1,000 live births male: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Argentina
Full Country Name
Argentine Republic
Local - Long
Republica Argentina
Local - Short
Argentina

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Javier MILEI (since 10 December 2023); Vice President Victoria VILLARRUEL (since 10 December 2023); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Javier MILEI (since 10 December 2023); Vice President Victoria VILLARRUEL (since 10 December 2023); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 22 October 2023, with a runoff held on 19 November 2023 (next election to be held in 2027) election results: results of the first-round presidential election of 22 October 2023: Sergio MASSA 36.7%, Javier MILEI 30.0%, Patricia BULLRICH 23.8%, Juan SCHIARETTI 6.8%, Myriam BREGMAN 2.7%; runoff election held 19 November 2023: Javier MILEI 55.7%, Sergio MASSA 44.3%; MILEI elected president
Legislative Branch
bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate (72 seats; members are elected by direct vote; presently one-third of the members elected every two years to a six-year term) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; members are elected by direct vote; one-half of the members elected every two years to a four-year term) elections: Senate - last held 23 October 2005 (next to be held in 2007); Chamber of Deputies - last held last held 23 October 2005 (next to be held in 2007) election results: Senate - percent of vote by bloc or party - FV 45.1%, FJ 17.2%, UCR 7.5%, other 30.2%; seats by bloc or party - FV 14, FJ 3, UCR 2, other 5; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by bloc or party - FV 29.9%, UCR 8.9%, ARI 7.2%, PJ 6.7%, PRO 6.2%, FJ 3.9%, other 37.2%; seats by bloc or party - FV 50, UCR 10, ARI 8, PJ 9, PRO 9, FJ 7, other 34
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (the nine Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president with approval by the Senate)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and mandatory
Constitution
1 May 1853; revised August 1994
Independence
9 July 1816 (from Spain)
National Holiday
Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Capital City

Capital Name
Buenos Aires
Capital - geographic coordinate
34 36 S, 58 22 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

the name translates as "fair winds" in Spanish and derives from the original designation of the settlement that would become the present-day city, "Santa Maria del Buen Aire" (Saint Mary of the Fair Winds)

Military

Branches: Argentine Army (Ejercito Argentino), Navy of the Argentine Republic (Armada Republica; includes naval aviation and naval infantry), Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Argentina, FAA)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, Argentina

Avenida Colombia 4300, Palermo

Telephone: (54) (11) 5777-4533

Emergency after-hours telephone: (54) (11) 5777-4873

Facsimile: (54) (11) 5777-4250

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Economy

Argentina possesses abundant natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Despite these advantages, the country has endured decades of recurring economic challenges, including persistent high inflation, sovereign debt crises, capital flight, currency volatility, and chronic budget deficits.

After defaulting on its sovereign debt multiple times in recent decades, Argentina entered another severe economic crisis in the early 2020s, marked by triple-digit inflation, a depreciating peso, and dwindling foreign currency reserves. In late 2023, libertarian economist Javier Milei was elected president on a platform of radical economic reform. His administration has implemented sweeping austerity measures, including sharp cuts to public spending, deregulation, currency devaluation, and the elimination of numerous government ministries, with the stated goals of achieving fiscal balance and dismantling currency controls.

These shock-therapy policies have produced a fiscal surplus for the first time in over a decade and slowed monthly inflation, though annual inflation remained among the highest in the world and poverty levels rose sharply in the short term. Argentina continues to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund, its largest creditor, while seeking to restore investor confidence, attract foreign investment—particularly in lithium, shale energy from the Vaca Muerta formation, and agriculture—and return to sustainable growth.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Argentine Peso (ARS)
GDP — official exchange rate
$182,000,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
8.7%
GDP by Sector
agriculture: 5% industry: 28% services: 67%

Banknotes

Argentina Money - Front
Argentina Money - Front
Argentina Money - Back
Argentina Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$39,980,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
69%
External Debt
$119,000,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
19.4%
Economic Aid
$10,000,000,000 (USD)
Current Account Balance
$3,900,000,000 (USD)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange
$2,147,483,647 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture NA%; industry NA%; services NA%
Industries
food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel
Agriculture Products
sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock
Export Commodities
edible oils, fuels and energy, cereals, feed, motor vehicles
Export Partners
Brazil 18.8%, Chile 11.5%, US 11.5%, Spain 4.5%, China 4.2%, Netherlands 4.1%
Import Commodities
machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal manufactures, plastics
Import Partners
Brazil 28.1%, US 20.1%, Germany 6.2%

Energy

Oil Production
745,000 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
450,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
37,150,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
31,100,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
6,050,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
2,950,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
General Assessment: In 1998 Argentina opened its telecommunications market to competition and foreign investment encouraging the growth of modern telecommunications technology; fiber-optic cable trunk lines are being installed between all major cities; major networks are entirely digital and the availability of telephone service is improving Domestic: Microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network; fixed-line teledensity is increasing gradually and mobile-cellular subscribership is increasing rapidly; broadband Internet services are gaining ground International: Country code - 54; landing point for the Atlantis-2, UNISUR, South America-1, and South American Crossing/Latin American Nautilus submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, South and Central America, and US; satellite earth stations - 112; 2 international gateways near Buenos Aires
Internet Country Code
.ar

News & Weather

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Climate Overview

The vast Pampa region fanning out 500 miles from Buenos Aires has an average annual rainfall range of 20 inches in the west to 40 inches in the east.

The Andean region extends from the dry north to the heavily glaciated and ice-covered mountains of Patagonia. Its trajectory includes the dry mountains and desert west of Cordoba and south of Tucuman and embraces the irrigated valleys on the eastern slopes and foothills of the Andes. Annual precipitation ranges from 4 to 24 inches in the arid regions and 20 to 120 inches in the heaviest rainfall areas.

Patagonia is a region of arid, windswept plateaus, covering about 300,000 square miles. Except for some irrigated valleys, this is poor, scattered pastureland. Far south, the weather is continuously cold and stormy; the region has no summer, and winters can be severe.

The alluvial plain of the Chaco in the north has a subtropical climate with dry winters and humid summers. Rainfall decreases from 60 to 20 inches, and temperatures reach 120 °F.

The Argentine Mesopotamia, which consists of the provinces between the Uruguay and Parana Rivers, is made up of floodplains and gently rolling grassy hills The greatest precipitation falls in the extreme north of Misiones Province, where it amounts to about 80 inches yearly.

Buenos Aires, located on the southern bank of the Rio de la Plata, borders the vast Pampa. The terrain within the city varies from low flatland only inches above the high tide line to slightly rolling countryside with a maximum elevation of 129 feet. The average rainfall in Buenos Aires is 39 inches, distributed evenly throughout the year. Humidity is high year-round (the yearly mean is 76%). High humidity makes winters seem colder and summers hotter. Abrupt temperature changes are experienced throughout the year, bringing relief from summer's heat and winter's cold.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Argentina?
The population of Argentina is approximately 41.3M.
How do people greet each other in Argentina?
Use a title (Señor, Señora, Doctor) when introduced, along with a handshake and slight nod to show respect. Women commonly kiss each other, and a man and woman may greet this way if well acquainted. Do: Address people by their title when introduced Offer a handshake with a slight nod Greet an official (like a police officer or customs officer) before asking any questions A kiss greeting between a man and woman is used only among the well acquainted
What are dining customs like in Argentina?
Beef is the staple, and the weekend 'asado' (barbecue) is a favorite way to gather with friends and relatives over grilled meat and shared side dishes. Dinner is lighter than lunch and often served after 9:00 p.m. Do: Eat continental style: knife in the right hand, fork in the left Keep your hands above the table, not in your lap Try dishes like empanadas, baked stuffed beef, and the winter stew locro Don't: Don't expect a heavy evening meal or an early dinner An asado is a relaxed, hours-long social event
What etiquette should I follow when visiting an Argentine home?
Bring a small gift such as flowers or candy, and let the host direct you where to sit. Compliment the home or meal, and say goodbye to each person when leaving. Do: Bring flowers or candy for your hosts Introduce each person individually rather than as a group Wait for the head of the household to direct you to your seat Compliment the home or the meal Arriving late will not offend your hosts
How should I dress in Argentina?
Most people wear modern fashions, especially in urban areas, with European and North American clothing readily available in cities. Older people tend to favor more conservative styles and colors. Traditional regional costumes appear on special occasions or holidays, not daily
What gestures and body language should I be aware of?
Personal space is closer than in some cultures, and people may touch or stand close while speaking; eye contact is important in conversation. Do: Maintain eye contact during conversation Cover your mouth when yawning Remove hats in buildings, houses, elevators, and in the presence of women Don't: Avoid public displays of affection, especially outside large urban areas
What is family life like in Argentina?
Family, education, and respect for the elderly are highly valued, and families are relatively small, averaging two children. Families sacrifice to give their children a good education. The family structure is changing, with more single-parent households A girl's fifteenth birthday marks the end of childhood and is her most important
What do people do for recreation in Argentina?
Soccer ('futbol') is the national game and a common topic of conversation even among strangers. Families head to the Atlantic coast in summer, while winter brings Andinismo (hiking, climbing, and skiing in the Andes). Pato, played on horseback, is a distinctive Argentine sport Horse racing and tennis are also popular Mar del Plata is a popular summer holiday destination
What is the capital of Argentina?
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. Situated on the western shore of the Río de la Plata estuary, it serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub. Founded by Spanish colonists and formally established in 1580, Buenos Aires grew into one of South America's most populous and cosmopolitan metropolises, often called the 'Paris of South America' for its European-influenced architecture, vibrant arts scene, and café culture.
Where is Argentina located?
Argentina is located in South America, occupying the southern cone of the continent. It stretches from the subtropical north — sharing the Gran Chaco lowlands and Andean highlands — down to the cold, windswept plains of Patagonia and the sub-Antarctic archipelago of Tierra del Fuego in the far south. The country fronts the South Atlantic Ocean along its entire eastern coastline, making it one of the longest north-to-south nations on Earth.
What countries border Argentina?
Argentina shares land borders with five countries. Chile runs along the entire western frontier, tracing the crest of the Andes Mountains. To the north and northeast, Argentina borders Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil, while Uruguay lies to the east across the Río de la Plata. The country's southern and eastern edges meet the South Atlantic Ocean, and it also maintains a territorial claim over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
What is the predominant religion in Argentina?
Roman Catholicism is by far the dominant religion in Argentina, practised by approximately 90 percent of the population. The faith has been deeply woven into Argentine culture, law, and public life since the Spanish colonial period. Protestantism accounts for roughly 2 percent of the population, while other religious groups and non-believers make up the remaining share. Argentina is notably the birthplace of Pope Francis, elected head of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013.
What currency does Argentina use?
Argentina's official currency is the Argentine Peso, with the ISO code ARS. Introduced in its current form in 1992, the peso replaced the austral during a period of major economic reform. Argentina has experienced significant currency volatility and recurring inflationary pressures throughout its modern history, making the peso's exchange rate a closely watched indicator of the country's broader economic health. Visitors should verify current rates, as conditions can change rapidly.
What language is spoken in Argentina?
Spanish is the official and overwhelmingly dominant language of Argentina. The local variety, known as Rioplatense Spanish, is distinctive for its use of voseo — the pronoun 'vos' replacing 'tú' — and its Italian-influenced intonation, reflecting the large wave of Italian immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. Italian, English, German, and French are spoken in immigrant communities, while indigenous languages such as Quechua and Mapudungun are maintained by native communities in the Andes and Patagonia.
What is Argentina's geography like?
Argentina is one of the largest countries in the world by area, spanning an extraordinary range of landscapes across its vast territory. The Andes Mountains dominate the western border, and within them stands Mount Aconcagua, which at more than 6,900 metres is the highest peak in the entire Americas. East of the Andes lie the fertile Pampas grasslands, the subtropical Chaco and Mesopotamia regions in the north, and the cold, semi-arid plateaus of Patagonia stretching to the southern tip of the continent.
What is Argentina known for?
Argentina is known for tango, the passionate dance and musical genre that originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century and is now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The country is equally celebrated for its beef and the culture of the asado (barbecue), as well as world-class Malbec wines from the Mendoza region. Argentina is also a major exporter of soybeans and grains, a global powerhouse in football (soccer), and the home of the Andes' highest peak, drawing mountaineers from around the world.

Last reviewed 2026

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