Argentina |
|
| OVERVIEW |
| Background |
Following
independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods
of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals
and between civilian and military factions. After World War
II, a long period of Peronist authoritarian rule and interference
in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta
that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983, and numerous
elections since then have underscored Argentina's progress
in democratic consolidation. |
| Natural
resources |
fertile plains of the
Pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum,
uranium |
| Land
use |
arable land: 9.14%
permanent crops: 0.8%
other: 90.06% (1998 est.) |
| Population |
38,740,807 (July 2003
est.) |
| Ethnic
groups |
white (mostly Spanish
and Italian) 97%, mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups
3% |
| Religions |
nominally Roman Catholic
92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%,
other 4% |
| Languages |
Spanish (official), English,
Italian, German, French |
| Literacy |
definition: age 15 and
over can read and write
total population: 97.1%
male: 97.1%
female: 97.1% (2003 est.) |
| Capital |
Buenos Aires |
| Government
type |
republic |
| Independence |
9 July 1816 (from Spain)
|
| National
holiday |
Revolution Day, 25 May
(1810) |
|
|
