In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay went their own way, and the area that remained became Argentina.

The country�s population has been strongly influenced by Europe, especially as the result of a large emigration from Italy and Spain from 1860-1930.

After World War II, there was a period of Peronist authoritarian rule that was followed by military junta that took power in 1976. A democratic form of government was re-established in 1983. The present government has faced several serious challenges, including a severe economic crisis in 2001-2002. Successful negotiations with the International Monetary Fund have allowed Argentina to move forward. Since 2003, the government�s efforts to stem the crisis have led to rapid economic recovery.

Argentina, the second largest country in South America, is bordered by the South Atlantic Ocean to the east, Chile to the west and Uruguay to the north.  It occupies about 2,766,800 sq. km. Its climate is mostly temperate, but is arid in the southeast and southwest. It is composed of the rich plains of the Pampas in the northern half, flat and rolling terrain in Patagonia in the south, and the rugged Andes on its western border. Parts of the country are subject to earthquakes, violent windstorms and heavy flooding.

Argentina�s natural resources include many ores (lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron, manganese and uranium) and petroleum. Of course, Argentina�s cattle may also be considered to be a natural resource. About 10% of its land is arable, and produces lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts and wheat.

Argentina, as do most nations with a developing industrial economy, suffers from the same environmental problems, including deforestation, soil degradation and water pollution. Argentina leads, however, in setting voluntary greenhouse gas limits.

The total population is about 40 million, with a distribution of 25% 0-14 y, 64% 15-64 y, and 11% 65y and older.  The life expectancy is about 72.4y for males and 80y for females. The fertility rate is 2.16 children per woman.  Its ethnic group distribution is 97% Caucasian and 3% other groups. The country is nominally 92% Catholic (although with only about 20% practicing), 2% Protestant, 2% Jewish, and 4% others. The official language is Spanish, but Italian, English, German and French are widely spoken. Argentina enjoys a literacy rate of 97%.

The government is a republic, and is composed of 23 provinces and one federal district. The legal system is a mixture from The United States and Western Europe.  The current President is Nestor Kirchner. There is a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies.

The challenges that Argentina continues to face include an 11% unemployment rate and 38% of the population living below the poverty line.  Despite these challenges, Argentina is a fascinating country, and its capital, Buenos Aires, is referred to as the �Paris of South America.�

I hope to be able to visit Argentina during my Presidency.