A quick, at-a-glance look at Argentina – geography, culture, tango, and the economy.
Facts About Argentina
Argentina, at a glance.
Geography
Full Country Name
República Argentina
Area
2,776,890 sq km (1,083,000 sq mi)
Capital City
Buenos Aires (pop. 12 million)
Weather
Varies widely. Buenos Aires: summer 20-35°C, winter 0-15°C
Getting Around
An extensive metro, bus, and public transport network
Culture
Population
37,813,000
People
85% European descent, 15% mestizo, Indigenous, and other
Language
Spanish, plus 15 indigenous languages
Religion
93% Roman Catholic, plus Protestant, Jewish, Ukrainian Catholic, and Orthodox minorities
Nightlife
Buenos Aires offers some of the world's most vibrant nightlife
Good to Know
Most museums close on Mondays; most shops are in malls and city centers
Tango
Birthplace
Emerged in Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late 1800s, along the Río de la Plata
Roots
A blend of African, European, and Native influences, carried by immigrant and working-class communities
Recognition
Added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009
Milongas
Social tango dances that are still part of everyday life in Buenos Aires today
Economy
GDP Per Capita
$10,200 (historical estimate)
Major Industries
Food processing, motor vehicles, textiles, chemicals, steel, agribusiness
Major Trading Partners
Brazil, the USA, and the European Union
Government
Republic
Tourist Tip
A 21% VAT refund is available on qualifying purchases over $200
Want to See It in Person?
These are just the numbers - Buenos Aires and Argentina are best experienced firsthand.