Argentina
Argentina is a vast South American republic recognized for its rich cultural heritage and extensive natural resources, ranging from the fertile pampas to the Andean peaks. Current estimates indicate a population of approximately 46 million people and a GDP per capita of 13,597 USD.
Where is Argentina?
Argentina
- Continent
- Americas
- Country
- Argentina
- Coordinates
- -34.00°, -64.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 46M
- Area
- 2,780,400 km²
- Density per km²
- 17 / km²
- Growth rate
- +0.35%
- Annual growth
- +159.1K people
- Daily growth
- +435.96 people
- World population share
- 0.57%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Argentina
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Buenos Aires
- Region
- Americas
- Area
- 2,780,400 km²
- Languages
- Guaraní, Spanish
- Currency
- Argentine peso ($)
- Timezones
- UTC-03:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The nation holds a prominent economic role, ranking 23rd globally for nominal GDP and 5th within the Americas. Recent data shows a GDP per capita of 13,597 USD, though the economy has experienced an annual growth rate of -1.34%. The unemployment rate stands at 7.1%, which ranks 60th globally. Key economic drivers include the export of agricultural products like soy and corn, alongside significant petroleum and mineral production.
Society
Argentina demonstrates strong social indicators, including an adult literacy rate of 99.1%, which ranks 28th globally. The life expectancy at birth is 77.5 years, placing the country 78th in the worldwide rankings. High digital engagement is evident as approximately 89.7% of the population are internet users, a figure that ranks 63rd globally. These statistics reflect a highly urbanized society with a well-developed education system and broad access to modern infrastructure.
Climate & Environment
The climate varies significantly across the territory, from subtropical conditions in the north to sub-polar climates in the south. The central plains enjoy a temperate environment suitable for massive agricultural output, while the western border features the extreme altitudes of the Andes, reaching 6,962 m (22,841 ft) at Cerro Aconcagua. Coastal areas along the 4,989 km (3,100 mi) shoreline experience maritime influences that moderate seasonal temperatures.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Federal presidential republic
- Independence
- 1816-07-09 (Spain)
Argentina is a federal presidential republic, a system defined by the 1853 Constitution which draws inspiration from the United States model. The executive branch is headed by the president, who serves as both head of state and head of government. The legislative branch consists of a bicameral National Congress, comprising the 72-seat Senate and the 257-seat Chamber of Deputies. As a federal union, the country is divided into 23 provinces and the autonomous city of Buenos Aires, each of which retains significant administrative powers and elects its own local leadership. The judicial branch is independent, topped by the Supreme Court of Justice. Political life is characterized by a robust multi-party system and high levels of civic engagement. Current administration efforts often focus on fiscal reform and economic stabilization within this democratic framework. The nation is a founding member of the United Nations and a prominent voice in regional organizations such as Mercosur.
History
Prior to European arrival, the territory now known as Argentina was home to various indigenous groups. Spanish colonization began in the 16th century, eventually leading to the creation of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. The nation formally declared its independence from Spain on 9 July 1816, following the May Revolution. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Argentina underwent a period of rapid modernization and massive European immigration, which transformed it into one of the world's wealthiest nations and established its identity as a 'melting pot' in South America. However, the mid-20th century brought political turbulence, marked by the rise of Juan Perón and a succession of military interventions. A period of military rule between 1976 and 1983 ended after the conflict in the South Atlantic in 1982, leading to the restoration of democracy. Since then, the country has focused on strengthening its democratic institutions and human rights record. With an official 2024 population of 45,696,159 and a literacy rate of 99.14%, Argentina remains a cultural and intellectual hub in the Americas. Recent history has been defined by efforts to balance social welfare with economic stability while maintaining its position as a subregional leader.
Notable Facts
- Argentina is home to both the highest and lowest points in the Southern and Western Hemispheres, with Cerro Aconcagua reaching 6962 m (22841 ft) and Laguna del Carbon sitting at -105 m (-344 ft) below sea level.
- The country is one of the most urbanized in the world, with approximately 92.27% of its 45696159 residents living in urban centers, primarily concentrated around the capital of Buenos Aires.
- Argentina maintains a remarkably high literacy rate of 99.14%, ranking 28th globally and reflecting a long-standing national commitment to public education and academic research.
- The nation's vast territory of 2780400 km² (1073518 sq mi) encompasses diverse biomes, ranging from the subtropical rainforests of Iguazu to the glacial landscapes of Patagonia.
- Despite being the 23rd largest economy by nominal GDP, the country currently experiences an inflation rate of 219.88%, the 2nd highest recorded globally.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Cerro Aconcagua (6,962 m)
- Lowest Point
- Laguna del Carbon (-105 m)
- Coastline
- 4,989 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in ArgentinaExplore weather and climate data for cities in Argentina
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Buenos Aires
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 20°C | 33°C / 20°C | 7days (67 mm) Good | 12.7h Excellent | 62% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| February best | 29°C / 19°C | 31°C / 19°C | 8days (91 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 68% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| March best | 27°C / 18°C | 29°C / 18°C | 9days (118 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 73% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| April | 23°C / 13°C | 22°C / 12°C | 7days (78 mm) Good | 9h Good | 76% Humid | Good | View Details |
| May | 19°C / 9°C | 17°C / 7°C | 5days (57 mm) Good | 8.2h Good | 77% Humid | Good | View Details |
| June | 16°C / 7°C | 14°C / 4°C | 3days (17 mm) Excellent | 7.9h Good | 78% Humid | Good | View Details |
| July | 16°C / 6°C | 13°C / 3°C | 5days (25 mm) Good | 8.1h Good | 77% Humid | Good | View Details |
| August | 18°C / 7°C | 15°C / 4°C | 4days (59 mm) Good | 8.7h Good | 71% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| September | 20°C / 10°C | 18°C / 7°C | 4days (48 mm) Good | 9.4h Good | 72% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| October best | 23°C / 12°C | 22°C / 10°C | 7days (59 mm) Good | 10.8h Excellent | 67% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| November best | 26°C / 15°C | 27°C / 14°C | 7days (80 mm) Good | 11.6h Excellent | 65% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| December best | 29°C / 18°C | 30°C / 17°C | 7days (58 mm) Good | 12.8h Excellent | 62% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 31°C / 20°C . Feb: 29°C / 19°C . Mar: 27°C / 18°C . Apr: 23°C / 13°C . May: 19°C / 9°C . Jun: 16°C / 7°C . Jul: 16°C / 6°C . Aug: 18°C / 7°C . Sep: 20°C / 10°C . Oct: 23°C / 12°C . Nov: 26°C / 15°C . Dec: 29°C / 18°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 67 mm. Feb: 91 mm. Mar: 118 mm. Apr: 78 mm. May: 57 mm. Jun: 17 mm. Jul: 25 mm. Aug: 59 mm. Sep: 48 mm. Oct: 59 mm. Nov: 80 mm. Dec: 58 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Argentina is approximately 46M (2024).
The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires.
Argentina's GDP per capita is $13.6K (2024).
Life expectancy in Argentina is 77.54 years (2024).
Argentina covers 2,780,400 km² (1,073,518 sq mi).
Argentina is sparsely populated, averaging 17 people per km², below the global average of 60.
Argentina's population is growing slowly at 0.3% per year, below the global average.
Based on GDP per capita, Argentina falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $13.6K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Argentina's intentional homicide rate is 4.5 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.
Argentina has 2 official languages: Guaraní, Spanish.
Argentina uses the Argentine peso ($) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Argentina are February, March, October, November, December, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates show Argentina has a population of approximately 46 million people. The nation ranks 35th globally in population size and 3rd within the South American subregion. This demographic is highly concentrated in urban areas, with more than 92% of the total population residing in cities like Buenos Aires.
Argentina holds a significant economic position, ranking 23rd globally in nominal GDP and 5th within the Americas. The current GDP per capita is estimated at 13,597 USD, which is the 4th highest in South America. The economy is traditionally driven by strong agricultural exports and vast natural resource reserves.
The latest data shows an adult literacy rate of 99.1%, placing Argentina 28th in the world for literacy. This high level of education is a cornerstone of the nation’s social development and contributes to a skilled workforce. The government historically prioritizes public education, resulting in one of the highest rates in the region.
Life expectancy at birth in Argentina is currently 77.5 years, which ranks 78th globally. This figure reflects the country's established healthcare infrastructure and social services compared to many of its regional peers. Improvements in public health over recent decades have helped maintain this relatively high ranking for the South American subregion.
Recent data indicates that approximately 89.7% of the Argentine population uses the internet, ranking the country 63rd globally for internet penetration. This high level of digital connectivity supports a growing tech sector and widespread access to online services. Argentina maintains one of the most connected populations in the South American region.
The unemployment rate in Argentina is currently 7.1%, which ranks 60th globally when ordered from lowest to highest. While the labor market faces some fluctuations due to broader economic conditions, this rate reflects the current employment landscape across various sectors. The country continues to balance industrial production with service-based economic activities.
The estimated 2026 population of Argentina is 46,012,767. This figure is projected from the latest official 2024 data, which recorded 45,696,159 people. The country continues to experience modest growth, though the pace has slowed compared to previous decades as the national demographic profile matures.
Argentina holds a global population rank of 35 of 215 countries. Within its region, it ranks 5th of 46 in the Americas and 3rd of 12 in South America. These rankings highlight Argentina as a major demographic and regional power within the Southern Hemisphere.
The current estimated 2026 population density is 16.8 people per km² (43.5 per sq mi). This low density ranks Argentina 193 of 215 countries globally. While urban centers are very crowded, vast areas like Patagonia remain among the most sparsely populated regions on Earth.
The current fertility rate in Argentina is 1.5 births per woman. This is below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating that the population is transitioning toward a more stable or eventually declining natural growth phase. This latest ranking places Argentina 150 of 215 countries for fertility.
Approximately 92.3% of Argentina's population is urbanized, ranking the country 25th globally for urban population percentage. Most residents are concentrated in major hubs like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario, leaving the rural interior with a very low share of the total population.
All Indicators
Explore Argentina's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
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Geography
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