Quick Facts About Argentina
- Official name: Republic of Argentina
- Independence date: July 9, 1816 – the formal declaration of independence from Spain, bringing about the nation of Argentina
- Capital: Buenos Aires
- Currency: Argentinean Peso
- Power Adapter: Type I or sometimes Type C
- Population: 46 million (2025 est.)
- Yearly tourist visits: 6.2 million (2024 est.)
- Best known for: Culture, incredible and vast landscapes, food, wine, rich traditions, and passionate fútball fans
A very short history of Argentina:
Like other countries of the Americas, Argentine history can be cleanly split into three distinct eras: pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial, and independence/modern era. In the pre-Columbian era, native peoples were divided into several groups located throughout what is now Argentina. Some of these groups were agricultural societies, but others, namely those centered around Patagonia, were more hunter-gatherers due to the grasslands and large guanaco populations.
The major native empire, the Incans, only dominated part of Argentina for about 50 years before the Spanish conquered the area. Gradually, beginning in 1512, the Spanish set about conquering modern-day Argentina. In 1536, Buenos Aires was established for the first time, but it was abandoned just 5 years later. Also in 1536 the Spanish crossed the Andes for the first time.
In 1580 the Spanish reestablished Buenos Aires, though its development was distinct from other cities of South America because the region lacked any natural resources or precious metals. For the next 200 years Argentina remained part of the Spanish Empire, though it developed slowly and luxuries were scarce.
After the Spanish lost the Battle of Trafalgar, Spain ceded naval supremacy to the British and what would become Argentina increasingly had to fend for itself. In 1806 and 1807 the British tried to capture Buenos Aires but were repulsed by the local population with no help from the Spanish mainland, increasing the confidence of the local peoples.
Just 3 years later, in 1810, the Argentines launched the May Revolution, though this was not quite independence. At this point Jose de San Martin, a hero in South America, raised an army and began to liberate Argentina from Spain. In 1825 the Congress of Tucuman finally declared independence on the back of San Martin’s military victories, and San Martin crossed the Andes to liberate Chile as well. San Martin is perhaps the most famous man throughout southern South America thanks to his actions in the revolutionary wars.
After independence there was a civil war between unionists and federalists on what the future of Argentina would look like and what role Buenos Aires specifically would play. This ended with a new constitution in 1853 which, with amendments, is still in force to this day.
The late 19th Century saw Argentina expand its territory significantly, especially towards the south where eastern Patagonia was added to Argentina – which also led to border disputes and a strained relationship with Chile. During the early 20th Century Argentina was rapidly growing and burgeoning into a potential world power, mostly on the back of its agricultural exports.
In fact, by 1929 Argentina was wealthier than many European nations (and even the US) and was approaching Britain in real GDP per capita. Unfortunately, however, Argentina was devastated by the Great Depression when exports sharply declined and a military coup in 1930 further dampened any growth prospects.
During World War II, the government initially leaned towards joining the Allies, but public support was in favor of neutrality. Towards the end of the war, the government realized it would be helpful to be on the winning side, so they declared war in Germany just 3 months before it surrendered in 1945. Shortly after the war, Juan Peron became president and, with his very popular wife Eva (or “Evita”), ushered in a period known as Peronism until 1955.
Peron’s time in power was a complicated time for Argentina. He industrialized the country, built national railways, pushed for women’s suffrage, built 500 thousand homes, and helped rebuilt Argentina. However, his government was characterized by authoritarian tendencies and was known to harbor fascist war criminals in the post-war years.
Peron left office in 1955, and the next 20 years were characterized by instability and military coups – all to no benefit of the Argentine people. In 1973 Peron decided to return, and 2 million people greeted him at the airport. However, violence erupted and many people were killed by paramilitary groups. He was still elected in 1973, and served until 1974 when he died, at which point his third wife, Isabel, assumed the office until 1976.
In 1976 there was another military coup, this one the most brutal and authoritarian. This military junta was expansionist and ruthless. During the 7 year terror, more than 30,000 people were forcibly disappeared, and even today the search for information about them is ongoing. Many people in Argentina still want answers on what happened to their loved ones.
The military junta also tried to expand Argentina’s borders by staking new claims. Argentina claimed the Beagle Islands and nearly went to war against Chile, but a last minute intervention by the Pope himself averted the war and led to the resolution of the conflict through a treaty signed in 1984. The junta also tried to take the Falkland Islands (known in Argentina as the Malvinas) from the British but were decisively defeated in the short war.
These defeats discredited the junta and gradually led to its downfall, with basic liberties and rights reestablished by 1983. From this point Argentina has had a true democracy, though not without challenges. Several economic crises, notably when inflation reached a breathtaking 20,000% in the 1990s, have led to significant difficulties for this incredible country.
The current president, Javier Milei, has sought to tackle both the soaring inflation rate (over 200% when he was elected) and the very high poverty rate (40%). While it is too early to know for sure if he’ll be successful, the inflation rate has declined below 40% and, after an initial spike, the poverty rate seems to be declining as well.
Argentina is a top 2 or 3 country for us in the world. It has everything you could ever want, the people are lovely, and it makes for a truly fantastic vacation. We can’t recommend a visit here enough and we know you’ll love it just as much as we do.
Check out our 10 day trip to Prague, Salzburg, and Vienna, or our guide to skiing in Innsbruck to help you plan your next trip!
