The second largest country in South America, Argentina is about the size of the U.S. southwest plus Texas, with a population of 40½ million. The country has had a turbulent economic history, falling from being the richest country in South America to almost its poorest in 2002, and then regaining by 2007 a preeminent position.

The volatile economy is a result of the polarized political climate which pits on the one side a very educated and progressive population with a very rural and nationalistic one.

The country declared its independent from Spain in 1816, but already the majority of the powerful were European immigrants. This dynamic continued right up until World War II, and today, most Argentinians trace their roots to Spain, Italy or Germany.

Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Buenos Aires is one of the most dynamic, cosmopolitan capitals in the world, and the country’s cultural dominance in such areas as music and literature is world renown.