Moving to Argentina

Spanning a territory of over 1 million square miles, Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world (based on area).

It borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay, with which it has amicable relations, as they are members of MERCOSUR (of which Argentina is a founding member).

As with most other Latin American countries, Argentina was a Spanish colony until 1818, and in the decades to follow it enjoyed relative peace and stability.

In fact, it also saw massive economic growth, which propelled it to the forefront of the international stage.

In the early 20^th century, Argentina was the world’s 7^th wealthiest nation.

Of course, this didn’t last, and in latter half of the 20^th century it saw multiple coups, democratic reversals, civil unrest, and generally turbulent years.

Currently it’s a republic: a federal state within which all 20+ provinces and the capital of Buenos Aires have their own constitutions, but do exist under a federal system.

Pretty similar to the US, in fact.

It’s still a developing country, and it has some catching up to do … but not much, as it is second highest on the Human Development Index in Latin America, and scores high on literacy rates, and relatively low on crime levels.

Argentina is a regional power, and is rich in natural resources.

Its export-oriented agricultural sector and high levels of tourism cause it to maintain a rather large economy, even though the economic growth has slowed down to a trickle the last few decades.

It boasts the largest railway system in Latin America, which links all provinces and even connects all neighboring countries.

Argentina’s a melting pot of cultures, and can rightfully be called a nation of immigrants.

As can be expected, European influence is predominant.

Climate wise, Argentina’s very diverse, and it features warm, moderate, arid and cold climates, but most populated areas are temperate and generally pleasant.

This is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and has one of the greatest ecosystem varieties, such as the Pampas (lowlands, vast plains), forests, mountains (the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere, the Aconcagua), rivers, and plenty of national parks.

Argentina has a population of around 40 million, which isn’t much considering its size, and it has a low population density.

This is one of the safest nations in Latin America, but petty crime and corruption still occur, of course.

Argentina is one of the most socially advanced nations in the area, undoubtedly influenced by Uruguay, and things like gay marriage, prostitution and cannabis are legal or decriminalized.

If you want to raise a family here, you’ll be pleased to know that there is universal, secular and free public education for all levels.

Partly because of this, Argentinians have relatively high proficiency in English, and 21% of the population is nonreligious.