Argentina, officially recognized as the Argentine Republic, is a South American country with a capitol named Buenos Aires. Within Latin America, the country of Argentina is second in size next to Brazil and fourth in population behind Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. This large land covers more than 1 million square miles (2.7 million square kilometers). It is located in the southern part of South America, just east of the Andes Mountains. It ranges from the Tropic of Capricorn down south to the tip of the continent within 700 miles (1,100 kilometers) of the continent of Antarctica. Argentina claims a section of that continent, as well as the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and several other islands off the coast of South America. Chile borders the country on the west and south, while Bolivia and Paraguay lies to the north. Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean are located east of Argentina.
             The official language of Argentina is Spanish, with more than 90 percent of the population being of Roman Catholic faith. Spanish colonists, along with those from other regions of South America, settled the country from the 16th century on through the 18th century. Immigrants from European countries like Italy and Germany settled the central plains and southern region of Argentina during the 19th century. Agriculture, based mostly on grain and livestock, became the dominant component in the Argentine economy. It also accounts for the majority of its exports. Unfortunately, however, the business industry in general has not kept pace with the country's population growth, despite its slow growth rate. An American-like constitution was adopted in 1853, but military government and political instability have also been commonplace.
             Argentina has traditionally been one of the more prosperous Latin American countries. Unlike many of its neighboring countries, Argentina has developed a powerful manufacturing industry and has become less reliant o...