Argentia is the second largest country of South America and one of the most productive agricultural countries in the world. It is also a land of rich natural beauty, with spectacular mountains, thunderous waterfalls, and a vast, fertile prairie. Despite its natural and human resources, Argentina has a history of political and economic instability.

Argentina occupies most of the southern tip of South America. The Andes Mountains run the length of its western border. The vast deserts of Patagonia share the central region with the fertile Pampas to the north. The southern tip in the eastern part of Tierra del Fuego is close to the Antarctic Circle. The capital, Buenos Aires (BUE) has nearly 3 million people.

By the time the Spanish explorer Juan de Solis arrived in Argentina in 1516, the Inca had already built roads throughout much of the country. Argentina was ruled by the Spanish until 1816, when Jose de San Martin gained independence for the country, after a six-year revolution. Large numbers of Europeans migrated to Buenos Aires in the late nineteenth century, resulting in the expansion of the railroad, increased agricultural exports, and an improved education system.

The Argentine people are a mixture of European and native South American ancestry. Although many languages are spoken, Spanish predominates. One third of the population resides in the capital, Buenos Aires (BUE). The Argentines are known for their emotional nature, high level of education, and love of sports. The country has one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America. Daily life in Argentina is strongly influenced by its European immigrant population. English high tea is almost an institution, and German Oktoberfest and Welsh Eisteddfod are celebrated by the inhabitants.

Buenos Aires, known as the home of the tango, is the center of manufacturing, banking, and culture. The main tourist district is located along the River Plate, between the suburbs of La Boca and Tigre. La Boca is a charming waterfront district with a strong Italian influence. In the historic San Telmo district are located several popular tango and jazz clubs. Other noteworthy attractions include the Botanical Gardens, the Buenos Aires Zoo, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Argentine Museum of Natural Science. The El Tigre district is a network of canals and rivers lined with interesting buildings, including luxurious Mediterranean-style villas.

South of the capital, in the shadows of the Andes Mountains, is a Swiss-style mountain village, San Carlos de Bariloche, known as the vacation capital of the Lake District. A ski resort was built near Cerro Catedral.

Iguazu Falls, the widest waterfall in the world, is located in the province of Misiones at the point where the borders of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina meet. The falls form three cascades, the largest of which is called Garganta del Diablo (the Devil's Throat). Near the falls are the ruins of the Jesuit Mission of San Ignaciao Mini. Twelve miles from the juncture of the Iguazu and Parana rivers is a 10,000-foot-long jungle amphitheater.

The inland port of Rosario on the bank of the Parana River is a thriving industrial center. The Puente del Inca is a natural stone arch, 90 feet high and 100 feet long, located high in the Andes, amid the snow-clad peaks of the Aconcagua. This region is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and the site of the annual Snow Festival.

The forested city of Mendoza is situated at the foot of the Andes mountain range in the northern part of the country. The surrounding region is known for its fine wines. The Vintage Festival, an annual harvest celebration, is held in Mendoza each March. Mar del Plata on the Atlantic coast is the site of popular beaches, a large casino, and 1,500 hotels.

The world's only active glacier, Perito Moreno Glacier, can be viewed near Calafate, in the far south. Lake Nahuel National Park is the center for winter sports in the lake and mountain region of southern Argentina. The territory of Tierra del Fuego is a region of snow-covered peaks, lakes, and forests colored red by the leaves of the lenga tree. Fishing for trout or salmon and hunting for geese, ducks, or beavers are popular leisure activities in this region.