General Maps of Argentina

Political map of Argentina

Physical map of Argentina

Cities of Argentina

Falklands War

Although Argentina is currently not involved in any political conflicts, it has experienced some violent episodes in the past.

The Falklands Crisis (or Falklands Conflict) was a war between Argentina and United Kingdom in 1982. Although the violence did not begin until this year, the dispute had simmered decades, as the sovereignty of the Falkland, South Georgia, and South Sandwich Islands had never been previously settled.

Argentina had stated that the Falkland Islands had been Argentinian territory since the 19th century, when they had first made their claim of the islands. However, the UK viewed it as an invasion of British dependent territory, as they claimed British sovereignty of the Falkland Islands dated back to 1765, before the Republica of Argentina even existed.

The resulting conflict lasted 74 days after Argentina mounted forces of the Falkland Islands. On June 14, 1982 Argentina surrendered the Falkland Islands to British control, after 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military personnel and 3 Falkland Islanders had died.

Although the relationship between Argentina and Great Britain was eventually restored in 1989 following a meeting in Madrid, the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands has still evoked public question. Even today, the Argentina government has accused Great Britain for colonialism of the territory and preventing the Argentine Republic from restoring the islands to its "territorial integrity."

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

  

Tango: The Music of Argentina

Born from Buenos Aires, tango arose from the bars and ports of the city. It contains influence from Old Milonga, Habanera, Polka and Mazurka, Contradanse, Flamenco, and Italian folk music. Over the years, tango has changed from a dance-focused genre to one of lyrics and poetry.

Argentine tango music has found its way into many social dances, especially in ballrooms and large festivities. Due to its 2x4 rhythm, the tango can be improvised upon, rendering it easy to follow for beginners.

Many of the the tango's elements find close ties with Europe and North America.For instance, flamenco tango dances share a common ancestor with minuet-style European dances.

Today, show tango, or Tango de Escenario, commonly finds itself in theater performances. This form of tango professes an exceptional amount of emotion for the audience to weave a story from the various moods and themes of the dancing and music.

Despite the popularity of professional tango, social dances in the open plazas of Buenos Aires are common in Argentina. Often times, tourists can join the music with a partner in the warm neighborhoods of the lively city. 

Transportation

Trains are popular for long-distance travel.

Transport in Argentina is mainly based in long-distance buses and cargo trucks. Although cycling is extremely uncommon in urban districts, people employ public transport to go by their day to day needs.  Tourism to North America is popular among Argentina’s inhabitants, while the president makes annual visits to maintain relations with the continent.

Most indigenous Argentinians prefer public transport over privately owned cars.

Major Industries and Exports

Argentina’s major industry is manufacturing, which currently makes up 19% of its GDP. Food processing, motor parts, biodiesel, and industrial machinery lead the sectors by production value. Currently, half of the nation’s industrial exports are agricultural in nature, due to the country’s fertile soil and perennially mild weather. Argentina continues to hold the title of the largest producer and consumer of natural gas in South America. Despite attempts in hydroelectricity and solar power, the country continues to heavily rely on petroleum oil and electric power.

Argentina is a major exporter of wheat and grain.

Independence Day and Government

The Independence of Argentina occurred on July 9, 1816, rendering the country 196 years old. Since it revoked its ties with Spain and the Crown of Castile in 1808, Argentina has retained a federal representative presidential republic. The government is regulated by a system of checks and balances by the Constitution of Argentina. Like the United States, it is composed of three branches: legislative, judicial, and executive. Remaining in close ties with Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, Argentina is a full member of the Mercosur block and has strongly emphasized the role of Latin American integration.

Geography

A stretch of Argentine coastline.

Argentina is fortified by the Andes Mountains on the west and the South Atlantic Ocean from the east to south. Geographically, it is divided into six regions: the fertile lowlands of the Pampas in its center and east, the Mesopotamia by the Parana and Uruguay rivers, the Grand Chaco between the Mesopotamia and the Andes, the Cuyo at the east side of the Andes, the Argentine Northwest to the north, and a large plateau known as the Patagonia to the south. Due to its enclosure by a major mountain range and extensive coastline, Argentina’s terrain proves its extremities from the Mendoza Province at Cerro Aconcagua (6,959 m above sea level) to the areas of sand dunes and cliffs along the Atlantic coast.

The Andes Mountains illuminate under a dramatic sunset

Argentina Quick Facts

Encompassing almost the entire southern tip of South America, Argentina currently inhabits 41,281,631 people, with close to three million residing in its capital, Buenos Aires. The country stretches three million square kilometers from the southern border of Brazil to Cape Horn. Since 1992, Argentina has used the peso as its national currency; as of 2012, the exchange rate has been nearly five pesos per US dollar.