Country Profile: Argentina

Argentina, located in the southern part of South America, is bordered by the South Atlantic Ocean and shares land boundaries with several countries, including Chile and Uruguay. With a population of approximately 45 million, the country has a rich cultural heritage influenced by European immigration, especially from Spain and Italy. Argentina has a diverse economy that is resource-rich and export-oriented but faces financial risks due to high public debt and inflation. Governed as a presidential republic, Argentina's political landscape has been shaped by significant historical events, including military coups and a transition to democracy that has endured since 1983.

Geography

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, featuring diverse landscapes from the Pampas plains in the north to the rugged Andes mountains in the west. The country covers an area of approximately 2.78 million square kilometers, with a coastline of nearly 5,000 kilometers along the South Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with five countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile. The climate varies from mostly temperate to arid in the southeast and subantarctic in the southwest.

2,780,400 sq km: Total area of Argentina.
4,989 km: Length of the coastline.
6,962 m: Elevation of Cerro Aconcagua, the highest point in South America.
105 m: Depth of Laguna del Carbón, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere.
42.4%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).

People and Society

Argentina has a population estimated at 45,418,098, with a significant urban concentration, particularly in Buenos Aires, which houses nearly a third of the population. The society is characterized by a diverse cultural background predominantly of European descent, along with indigenous and mestizo communities. Spanish is the official language, and Roman Catholicism is the most practiced religion. Urbanization is high, with approximately 92.5% of the population living in urban areas.

23.3%: Population aged 0-14 years.
34.6 years: Median age (2025 est.).
99.1%: Literacy rate of the total population (2020 est.).
78.8 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
41.7%: Poverty rate (population below the national poverty line, 2023 est.).

Economy

Argentina's economy is large and diversified, characterized by an export-led growth model, particularly in agriculture and resource extraction. Despite its resource wealth, the country faces significant financial risks, including high inflation and a substantial public debt. The GDP per capita is approximately $26,500 in purchasing power parity, and key sectors include services, industry, and agriculture.

$1.234 trillion: Real GDP (PPP, 2023 est.).
7.9%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
42.4%: Gini Index coefficient indicating income inequality (2023 est.).
41.7%: Population below the poverty line (2023 est.).
96.9 billion: Value of exports in 2024 (est.).

Government

Argentina is a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature known as the National Congress. The President, currently Javier Milei, serves as both the head of state and government, elected for a four-year term. The country's political structure is decentralized into 23 provinces plus one autonomous city. Argentina has undergone significant political changes since its independence from Spain in 1816, transitioning from military rule to a stable democracy.

República Argentina: Long form of Argentina's official name.
1801: Adopted the current constitution, effective since May 11, 1853.
18-70 years: Universal and compulsory suffrage for citizens.
257: Number of members in the Chamber of Deputies.
72: Number of Senators in the legislature.

Military and Security

The Argentine Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with a total active-duty personnel of around 75,000. Military expenditures are projected to be 0.6% of GDP in 2024, focusing on national defense and internal security. Argentina has a history of military involvement in governance, which has shaped its current forces and structure.

75,000: Approximate active-duty military personnel (2025).
0.6%: Projected military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
230: Argentine personnel deployed in international peacekeeping (2025).
3: Number of operational nuclear reactors (2025).
18-24 years: Age range for voluntary military service.

Energy

Argentina's energy sector is diverse, with a significant percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels. The country achieves 100% electrification and has a substantial capacity in hydroelectricity and wind energy. Argentina is investing in renewable sources to enhance its energy independence and sustainability.

47.631 million kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023).
114.667 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
61.5%: Percentage of installed capacity from fossil fuels (2023).
2.483 billion barrels: Estimated crude oil reserves (2021).
43.69 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023).

Transportation

Argentina boasts an extensive transportation network that includes airports, railways, and ports, facilitating both domestic and international connectivity. With a total of 764 airports, the country plays a crucial role as a transport hub in South America.

764: Total number of airports (2025).
17,866 km: Length of railways (2018).
201: Number of merchant marine ships (2023).
37: Total number of ports (2024).
148: Total number of heliports (2025).

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Argentina is well-developed, with a high percentage of the population having access to the internet and mobile services. The country has a vibrant media landscape, contributing to its robust communication environment.

89%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023 est.).
64.1 million: Number of mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
11.5 million: Total fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
6.42 million: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2024).
25 subscriptions: Fixed broadband per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	45,418,098	Estimated for 2025
Area	2,780,400 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$1.234 trillion	Estimated for 2023
Energy Consumption	78.496 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Birth Rate	10.47 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment Rate	7.9%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	78.8 years	Estimated for 2024
Poverty Rate	41.7%	Estimated for 2023
Literacy Rate	99.1%	Estimated for 2020
Military Expenditure	0.6% of GDP	Estimated for 2024