Argentina Essay, Research Paper

Chris Tudor

Spanish 1

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12-14-99

Argentina

Argentina is second largest in area and fourth largest in population in Latin

America. Argentina covers more than 1 million square miles. The official language of

Argentina is Spanish. More than 90% of the population is Roman Catholic.

Land

The Argentine landscape slopes downward from the Andes Mountains in the west

to the Atlantic coast in the East. The border with Chile follows the crest of the Andes.

In the Andes, heights of peaks range anywhere from more than 20,000 feet in the north to

less than 5,000 feet in Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of the continent. South

America?s highest mountain is in the Andes, Mt. Aconcagua, which is 22,831 feet in

height.

Eastward from the northern Andes lies an arid plateau called Gran Chaco. It is a

region of scrub woodland mixed with grassy savannas. Further east is the region called

Mesopotamia. Gran Chaco and Mesopotamia together form the Northeast region of the

Argentine Republic. In the next region to the south is the Pampa, a low, flat plain

interrupted only by low hills or sierras. The pampas, or plains, are the homeland of the

famous Argentine gauchos.

South of the Colorado River is Patagonia, the largest region of Argentina. It

extends from the Pampa to the Tierra del Fuego and was named in 1520 by the

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan while he was sailing on his trip around the

world. The climate in this area is dry and windy.

Economy

Argentina has always been one of the most prosperous Latin American countries.

Unlike most of its neighbors, the country has developed a strong manufacturing industry.

they have become less dependent on agriculture. Today, Argentina is largely

self-sufficient in consumer goods. However, in the late 20th century, the Argentine

economy suffered from severe inflation like that of many other countries. This condition

has been complicated upon because of an unstable government and continuing domestic

and international political problems.

Transportation and Communication

Argentina?s airlines, railways, and bus and ship lines constitute the most

extensive transportation system in Latin America. The rail network is the most complete

on the continent, spreading out from Buenos Aires in all directions. All the rail lines are

government owned. The roads are extensive, also, and link all parts of the nation with

the capital.. The telephone and telegraph networks are mostly government owned.

Education

Argentina possess one of the highest literacy rates in South America. The public

schools were built by government subsidies, especially under the leadership of President

Domingo F. Sarmiento from 1864 to 1874. Primary education is compulsory and free,

but further schooling is very expensive. Argentina?s vocational schools offer

commercial, agricultural, and industrial instruction.

The first university in Argentina was established at Cordoba in 1613. Other

national universities were founded in Buenos Aires, La Plata, San Miguel de Tucuman,

Santa Fe, Mendoza, Bahia Blanca, Corrientes, and Santa Rosa.

Government

The constitution of Argentina was formed in 1853 and has amended a few times.

It established Argentina as a federal republic with separate executive, legislative, and

judicial branches. The constitution calls for an executive branch to be headed by a

president who is elected directly by the people for a term of four years. He may not

succeed himself. The president and the vice-president must both be Roman Catholics

and at least 30 years of age. The president also serves as commander in chief of the

armed forced.

According to the constitution the legislature is two consist of two houses, the

Senate is to be composed of a minimum of two members from each of Argentina?s

provinces and from the Federal District. Provincial senators must be 30 years of age and

are elected by their local legislatures for nine-year terms. Members of the Chamber of

Deputies must be at least 25 years of age and are elected directly by the people for

four-year terms. The number of deputies is based upon population. Voting is required

for all citizens between the ages of 70years of age, with exceptions based on such

conditions as health and distance from a polling pace. Some people have also been

deprived of the rights to vote for legal reasons.

The judiciary consists of a Supreme Court and a series of lower courts.

The nine justices of the Supreme Court are appointed for life by the president with the

consent of the Senate.

In international affairs, Argentina is a member of the United Nations, the World

Bank, and the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade. To participate in regional matters

it belongs to the Organization of American States.

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