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Argentina

Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a federal republic in southern South America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a federal republic in southern South America. It is the eighth-largest country in the world and is known for its large Atlantic coastline, the Andes, the Pampas, Patagonia, and its capital, Buenos Aires. The country's population is about 45.4 million and Spanish is the official language.

Geography

Argentina occupies much of the southern part of South America and includes varied landscapes such as plains, mountains, deserts, forests, and tundra. It borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, and has a coastline on the South Atlantic Ocean. Major geographic features include the Andes, the Pampas, and Patagonia.

History

Argentina declared independence from Spain in 1816. After neighbouring territories such as Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay separated, the remaining area became the modern country of Argentina. The former United Provinces of the Río de la Plata evolved into modern Argentina.

Government and politics

Argentina is a federal republic and presidential republic. Its political system includes a president and a two-house legislature.

Population and society

Argentina has a population of roughly 45 million in recent estimates, with Spanish as the official language. The country's population and culture were strongly shaped by immigration, especially from Europe.

Key facts

  • Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world by area.
  • It borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay.
  • It declared independence from Spain in 1816.
  • Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city.
  • The country is a federal republic with a president as head of state.
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Canadian context

Argentina is relevant to Canadian readers through trade, travel, and international affairs, and it is a major South American country often covered in Canadian news and geography curricula.

Frequently asked questions

What is Argentina?
Argentina is a country in southern South America and a federal republic with Buenos Aires as its capital.
What is the official name of Argentina?
The official name is the Argentine Republic.
What is the capital of Argentina?
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city.
When did Argentina become independent?
Argentina declared independence from Spain in 1816.
What language is spoken in Argentina?
Spanish is the official language.
How big is Argentina?
Its area is about 2,780,400 square kilometres, making it the world's eighth-largest country.

References

  1. The World Factbookhttps://theworldfactbook.org/country/argentina.html
    Supports: Capital, population estimate, area, location, and independence history.
  2. National Geographic Kidshttps://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/argentina
    Supports: Geography, regions, government type, and continental ranking.
  3. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/place/Argentina
    Supports: Country description, geography, size, regional features, and territorial claims.
  4. CIA World Factbookhttps://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2023/countries/argentina/summaries
    Supports: Area, population estimate, government type, and independence history.
  5. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18707514
    Supports: Capital, area, population, language, and cultural/political context.
  6. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/summary/Argentina
    Supports: Official name, capital, language, currency, government structure, and population estimate.