Argentina
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a federal republic in southern South America.
Argentina is a federal republic in southern South America, the eighth-largest country in the world. Its capital, Buenos Aires, anchors a nation known for the Andes, the Pampas, and Patagonia.
What it is
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, covers about 2.78 million square kilometres. It borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, with a long Atlantic coastline. Spanish is the official language, and the currency is the Argentine peso.
Key details
Argentina declared independence from Spain in 1816. It is a federal presidential republic with a president as head of state and government. The population is roughly 45.4 million (2025 estimate), shaped heavily by European immigration.
Why it matters to Canadians
Argentina is a major South American trade partner and travel destination for Canadians. It frequently appears in Canadian news and geography curricula, linking to broader discussions of the region.
In short
- Argentina is the eighth-largest country by area, located in southern South America.
- It became independent from Spain in 1816 and is now a federal presidential republic.
- Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city; Spanish is the official language.
- The country’s population and culture reflect strong European immigrant influence.
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.
Quick questions
What is the official name of Argentina?
What is the capital of Argentina?
When did Argentina become independent?
Sources
- The World Factbook — https://theworldfactbook.org/country/argentina.htmlSupports: Capital, population estimate, area, location, and independence history.
- National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/argentinaSupports: Geography, regions, government type, and continental ranking.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/ArgentinaSupports: Country description, geography, size, regional features, and territorial claims.
- CIA World Factbook — https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2023/countries/argentina/summariesSupports: Area, population estimate, government type, and independence history.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18707514Supports: Capital, area, population, language, and cultural/political context.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/ArgentinaSupports: Official name, capital, language, currency, government structure, and population estimate.