Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$14,200 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

8.6% (2008 est.)

Population

40,913,584 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

C

Ease of Doing Business

113/181

Global Competitiveness

3.87/134

Country Map

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gE Network

There are 30 members in the
gE Network for this country.

Argentina : Introduction

In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe, but most particularly Italy and Spain, which provided the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860 to 1930. Up until about the mid-20th century, much of Argentina's history was dominated by periods of internal political conflict between Federalists and Unitarians and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, an era 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 has persisted despite numerous challenges, the most formidable of which was a severe economic crisis in 2001-02 that led to violent public protests and the resignation of several interim presidents. The economy has recovered strongly since bottoming out in 2002.

Argentina: Buenos Aires Herald

The international newspaper of Argentina updates the site daily with top stories in business, economics, and political news, as well as editorials and news on MERCOSUR. The subcategories of the business section guide users to news that is specific to an individual business topic.

Argentina: Central Bank of Argentina

The web site provide an institutional overview of the Argentinian banking system, statistical data and financial news. It includes updated news and daily reports on the world monetary politics, reserves status and on the major economical variables. Site available in Spanish or English.

Argentina: Fundacion Invertir Argentina

Fundacion Invertir Argentina is a private organization formed by CEOs of leading enterprises and top government officials in Argentina. The site includes extensive information on Argentina. A profile provides basic statistics, economic performance and policy information on the country. A listing of past, present, and future Foreign Direct Investment projects in Argentina can be also accessed by country of origin or by industry.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (December 2008)