MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

TOGLIATTA SOCIO-ECONOMIC COLLEGE

On the economic and social geography of the world

On the topic: "ECONOMIC AND GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS

ARGENTINA "

Serov D.A.

Teacher Golovina T.V.

Togliatti 2002

1. Composition of the territory ………………………………………………………… .3

1. EGP (economic geographical position)………………….4

2. GWP (political and geographical location) ………………… ... 4
2. Natural conditions and resources ………………………………………………… ..4
3. Population ……………………………………………………………………… ... 5
4. general characteristics farms …………………………………………… 7
5. Industry ……………………………………………………………… .9

5.1. Fuel and energy …………………………………………… ... 9

5.2. Mining ………………………………………………… ..10

5.3. Metallurgical ………………………………………………… ..11

5.4. Mechanical engineering ……………………………………………… ... 12

5.5. Chemical …………………………………………………………… 13

5.6. Forestry and woodworking ………………………………… .14

5.7. Light and food grade …………………………………………………… .14
6. Agriculture ………………………………………………………… ... 16

6.1. Crop production …………………………………………………… .17

6.2. Livestock ……………………………………………………… ..19

6.3. Fishing ………………………………………………………… ..19
7. Transport ………………………………………………………………………… 20

7.1. Land ………………………………………………………… .20

7.2. Water ………………………………………………………………… ..21

7.3. Air …………………………………………………………… ... 21
8. International economic relations ……………………………… 21
9. Economic and geographical differences ……………………………………… ..22
10. Environmental problems and ways to solve them …………………………… ..24
11. Recreational resources …………………………………………………… .24
12. List of used literature ……………………………………… 26

1. Composition of the territory.

Argentine Republic - a state in the southern part South America east of the Andes. In terms of area (2,780.4 thousand sq. Km), it is second only to
Brazil. In addition to the mainland, the territory includes the eastern part of the island of Tierra del Fuego and other small islands. Falkland
The (Malvinas) Islands in the Atlantic Ocean are a disputed territory between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

The shores are scarcely indented, only the estuary of La Plata cuts into the land for 320 kilometers. Its eastern shores are washed by the Atlantic Ocean, and in the extreme south by subantarctic waters. Three-quarters of its borders are land-based.They run mainly along natural boundaries in the west - from
Chile and in the north-west - with Bolivia - along the Andes; in the north and northeast - with Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay - along the rivers Pilcomayo, Paraguay,
Parana, Uruguay. The territory of Argentina is stretched out in the meridional direction. Its greatest length from north to south is 3700 km, and from west to east - 1400 km, so the problem of overcoming distances
-one of the important geographic features country. As already mentioned, in the east, Argentina has a wide outlet to the Atlantic Ocean; length coastline- 2500 km. The large length of sea borders played an important role in the development of its external economic relations.

1.1. Economic and geographical location.

Argentina has an advantage economic situation, because:

1) It has an extensive outlet to the ocean, thus, it has the opportunity to develop external economic relations with other countries, thanks to sea transport.
2) The country has extensive land borders with neighboring states, with which it can conduct profitable trade relations.

1.2. Political and geographical location.

The political and geographical position of Argentina is, in principle, advantageous, since it has few borders with slightly developed states, and from the East, the country has a water border. Argentina is removed from the world's hot spots.

2. Natural resources and conditions.

Forests in Argentina occupy 12% of the land fund. Vegetation
Argentina is very diverse: from rainforest to semi-deserts in Patagonia and Pune. The most valuable are the coniferous forests of Mesopotamia and the humid Andes, as well as the kebracho forests in the Chaco.

In the northern Mesopotamia, there are subtropical forests with a varied species composition. Araucaria, cedro, and lapacho possessing valuable wood are found here. To the south, shrub vegetation predominates; wetlands are covered with reeds, reeds, water lilies, and elevated and dry areas are covered with meadows with rich grass cover. There are sparse forests of acacias, mimosas, ostrich trees, along the river banks - palm groves.

Towards the south, there are more open grassy areas, the southern part of the province of Entre Rios is a grass prairie and is already a transitional area to Pampa.

Dry Pampa is characterized by undersized trees, thorny bushes, and tough grasses. Similar vegetation is common in the arid west, in intermontane basins.

The fauna of Argentina, although not as rich and diverse as in other countries Latin America, but has many rare species. These include the Pampas deer, the Pampas cat, and the Magellanic dog. Almost all of these animals live in the Andes and their foothills, as well as in the sparsely populated area of ​​Patagonia. A relic spectacled bear is found in Pune.

In the open semi-desert areas of Patagonia and in the savannahs of the Chaco, the cougar is common. There are many rodents and armadillos in open spaces.
In Chaco, Mesopotamia, Patagonia, nutria and otters are widespread.

According to the structure of the surface, the country can be divided into two halves: flat - northern and eastern, elevated - western and southern.

Along the entire western border of Argentina stretches the mighty Andes, raised mainly during alpine mountain building. They are distinguished by the complexity and diversity of the geological structure.

In the northwest, between the northern border of the country and 28o S. sh., at an altitude of 3000-4000 m lies a vast closed volcanic plateau - Pune.
The mountains flanking Puna from the east rise up to 6500 m and end with majestic snow-capped peaks - Nevados. South of 28o, the Andes narrow sharply. Highest altitude they reach in the central part (between 32 and
37 ° S sh.), where alpine pointed relief forms prevail. The highest peaks of the South, crowned with powerful snow caps, rise here.
America: Aconcagua (6960 m), Tupungato, Mercedario.

3. Population.

The population of Argentina is about 32.4 million people (1991) - these are Argentines, mainly immigrants from Spain, Italy, the countries of the Center.
Europe. Still, the overwhelming majority of Argentina's population is Hispanic Argentines. According to local laws, persons born in Argentina, regardless of the nationality of their parents, belong to the Argentine nation. On about. Tierra del Fuego preserved small groups
(several dozen people) fire-dwellers. Near the borders with Bolivia and Chile, there are mestizos who have preserved the Quechua language. Semi-nomadic Indian tribes live along the border with Paraguay language families tupi-guarani, matacomataguayo, guaicuru and others. Official language- Spanish.
The dominant religion is Catholic.

Population growth in 1970-1996 was 1.5% on average per year.
The economically active population is 9.4 million people (1976), including 36% in industry, 15% in agriculture, and 9% in transport. Wage earners make up 72% of the economically active population (1971). Handicraft production accounts for 39% of the total number of people employed in industry. In 1997, the unemployed made up 5% of the economically active population.

The average population density is over 9 people per 1 km2 (1976). It is concentrated mainly in the central and northern parts of the country, especially in the basin of the river. Parana, where the average density is about 11 people per 1 km2. Only 3% of the population lives in the south (0.7 people per 1 km2). The highest density is in the Buenos Aires region, approximately within a radius of 600 km (over 100 people per 1 km2).

The level of urbanization is very high (86%), while only one third of the country's population lives in the capital. Buenos Aires is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Rosario, Cordoba,
Mendoza, La Plata. Immigration has played a large role in the growth of cities; after its termination, this growth is due to internal migration - the flight of peasants to the cities.

The share of the urban population in 1950 was 64%, in 1960 - 68%, 1970 -
75%, in 1976 - 83.2%. According to the 1970 census, there were 15 cities with a population of St. 100 thousand people Large cities (thousand / inhabitants, 1975):
Buenos Aires (Suburbs, 8435), Rosario (807), Cordoba (790), Mendoza
(471), La Plata (479).

European immigration has determined the country's rapid population growth from the second half of the XIX v. It was most numerous at the end
XIX - first quarter of XX century: during this period, more than 100 thousand people entered Argentina annually. The factor of external migration was decisive in the dynamics of the population, and its growth rate - 3.5% per year - was the highest in the history of the country. With a decrease in immigration, they decreased between the first and second world warriors - to 2.1%, and by the mid-60s - to
1,4%.

European immigration to Argentina almost stopped after the global economic crisis of 1929-1933. economic difficulties in the country have caused restrictions on the entry of immigrants.

The age structure of the population of Argentina has always been distinguished by a higher proportion of able-bodied residents, which was determined by the composition of immigrants, among whom able-bodied persons predominated. The decline in population growth rates is reflected in the dynamics of its age structure, which changes towards a decrease in the proportion of young people and an increase in older ones. Children under 14 years old made up 30% of the population in 1960, in 1975 -
28%, and the elderly (over 65 years old) -5.5 and 8%, respectively. Average life expectancy increased from the mid-50s to the end of the 70s for men - from 60 to 65 years, for women - from 65 to 71 years.

The Argentines, having absorbed the traditions of many peoples, have created their own culture. The gaucho became a peculiar symbol of the country - in translation from the language of the Indians "wanderers". Gauchos do not part with their guitar, and their songs are sung by the whole country. Argentines are generally very musical people. Argentine music is famous all over the world. The country even has a national holiday - tango day.

4. General characteristics of the farm.

Argentina is one of the most economically developed countries in Latin
America with a relatively diverse economic structure, with a significant excess of the value of industrial products over agricultural ones.

Argentina is a typical example of a country whose economic development was driven mainly by the needs of the world capitalist economy. V international division labor from the very beginning was assigned the role of a producer of agricultural products. The rapid economic development of Argentina from the second half of the XIX century. was determined by such factors as the demand for agricultural products in the world
(primarily the European) market, the presence of the vast fertile plains of Pampa and its relatively convenient geographical position in relation to the European market, European immigration, which gave the sparsely populated Argentina workers, without which the economic development of its territory would be impossible.

In the economic development of Argentina in the second half of the XIX - early XX century. two main trends emerged: on the one hand, a rapid rise, which made it one of the most economically developed countries in Latin America.
America, on the other hand, the strengthening of economic dependence, its transformation into a commercial and financial semi-colony of British capital. The consequences of this leave an imprint on the modern structure of the economy.

Argentina's economy has acquired a pronounced export character.
The main direction of the country's economic development in the last quarter
XIX - early XX century was the production of agricultural products for the world market. TO late XIX v. determined its position in the world market as a supplier of meat, grain, wool. By the beginning of the First World War, Argentina ranked first in the world in the export of beef, flaxseed, kebracho extract, and second in the export of wheat, rye, and wool.

The sectoral structure of the economy had a one-sided specialization and was of a purely agrarian character. The industry developed mainly industries associated with the processing of agricultural raw materials:
(especially meat, flour, sugar), leather, textile.
They were also largely foreign-market oriented.

The subordination of the Argentine economy to the external market and foreign capital had a decisive influence on the location of the economy. Pampa became the main region for the production of export agricultural products, and industry was also concentrated here. As a result, the location of the economy in Argentina acquired specific features: a significant part of the country's economic potential is concentrated within a radius of 600 km around
Buenos Aires.

The public sector developed noticeably after the Second World War. Its formation took place both through the nationalization of enterprises of foreign capital with the payment of compensation (for example, the railways were nationalized), and through the state construction of new enterprises and the creation of state-owned companies.
State-owned companies control all railways and highways, coal and natural gas production, a significant portion of oil production and power generation. but characteristic feature public sector development
Argentina is the intervention of foreign capital; one of the forms of such interference is the creation of mixed companies, where foreign capital participates along with the state.

The position of foreign capital in the country changed in different years depending on the political course of the successive governments. The military junta that came to power in 1976 announced the abolition of the previously adopted restrictions on foreign investment and the attraction of foreign capital to the country. The leading positions (more than half of foreign investment) are occupied by the North American monopolies, which have pushed aside the British capital that dominated here for a long time. Since the mid-1960s, the capital of France, Germany, Italy, Japan has penetrated into the Argentine economy, and it is directed mainly to industry. There are also quite strong local monopoly groups in the country.

Modern Argentina is characterized by the instability of the economic situation, a prolonged structural and economic crisis, low rates of economic development (one of the lowest indicators in Latin America).
America), which leads to an increase in the gap between Argentina and the highly developed capitalist countries. However, in Latin America, Argentina stands out relatively high level economic development.

5. Industry.
Modern Argentina has become a large industrial country, one of the most economically developed countries in Latin America. In terms of GDP per capita, the degree of urbanization, the literacy of the population, the skill level of the labor force, and nutritional standards, the country is one of the leaders among developing countries.

The location of Argentinean industry is characterized by a high territorial concentration; more than half of industrial production is produced in Greater Buenos Aires. Lion's share heavy industry is concentrated in the lower Parana, in the industrial belt between Buenos Aires and Santa Fe.

5.1. Fuel and energy industry.

Electricity is one of the fastest growing branches of the Argentinean industry.

Argentina's energy sector is based mainly on oil and gas fuels, with the increasing role of hydro and nuclear energy. In terms of energy production per capita, Argentina is ahead of other countries in Latin
America.

The presence of our own oil and gas fields has led to a certain tilt in the generation of electricity, mainly at thermal power plants (3/4 of production). The use of hydropower and nuclear power is growing. For the development of the latter, Argentina has and raw material base, and a developed system
R&D. The country became the first in the region to use atomic energy from its own uranium (the first nuclear power plant was built in 1974). The share of electricity generated by nuclear power plants is 13% of the total production.

Nevertheless, the basis of the Argentine power industry is made up of thermal power plants - over 80% of electricity production. They have, as a rule, low power, concentrated mainly in the Pump. One of the main difficulties of the Argentine power industry is that the fuel and energy resources are concentrated in the south and north of the country, and the main centers of electricity consumption are located in the coastal region.
The most industrialized region of Pampa, and especially Buenos Aires, is experiencing a power shortage.

The leading place in the electric power industry is occupied by two state-owned companies - Agua I Energia Elektrika (AEE) and Servisnoe Elstricos del
Gran Buenos Aires "(SEGBA). The first company serves the interior regions of the country, the second - mainly Buenos Aires.

5.2. Mining industry.

Oil reserves are estimated at 500 million tons. Most of the oil production is carried out by the state-owned company "Yasimientos Petroliferos Fiskales"
(YAPF). Foreign companies also extract oil under a contract with YAPF
(American "Esso", Anglo-Dutch "Shell"). In 1980, the country produced 25 million tons of oil. The main mining areas are the provinces of Mendoza, Santa
Cruz, Chubut, Rio Negro, Neuquen, Tierra del Fuego island.

Due to the significant increase in gas production, Argentina is turning from an importer to an exporter. Gas pipelines are being built to transfer gas to
Brazil and Uruguay.

Argentina has a fairly developed oil refining industry. The largest refineries are located in La
Plata and Campane. They are distinguished by a rather complex structure of their products, including a complex of production from crude oil refining to petrochemicals. The total capacity of oil refineries in the early 80s was 34 million tons of oil and natural gas in the Komodoro region.
Rivadavia in Patagonia.

Coal mining has not received much development in Argentina, given its relatively small reserves and low quality. Coal is mined in the Rio Turbio region (400-600 thousand tons per year). Argentina imports a significant part of the coal consumed. Mineral resource base Pampas. Developed oil production
(in terms of reserves 3rd place in Argentina), natural gas (2nd place), tin
(province of Jujuy, the main reserves of the country), sulfur (province of Salta), lead-zinc ores (El Aguilar deposit in the province of Jujuy), iron ore(the Sapla field, the only one being developed in
Argentina).

5.3. Metallurgical industry.

Metallurgy is represented by the smelting of ferrous metals (1.4 million tons of pig iron and ferroalloys, 3.1 million tons of steel were produced in 1991), lead, zinc, aluminum, and tin.

Ferrous metallurgy mainly uses imported raw materials (only half of the needs are satisfied through its own production).
Steel production (3 million tons, 1993) is three times higher than pig iron production.

V last years the industry is being modernized, new directions are being created (direct reduction of iron from ore, production of primary aluminum, etc.). Since 1990, production in the metallurgical industry has grown significantly (pig iron - 4 times, steel - more than 5 times), amounting to 0.3 and 1.3 million tons, respectively, in 1997. Argentina ranks third in Latin America, for the smelting of iron and steel.
Metallurgy full cycle represented by three state-owned enterprises: in San Nicolos, Ensenada, and Palpala (province of Jujuy).
Converting metallurgy and rolling mills are located in the lower reaches of the river
Parana, where the metallurgical belt has developed between Buenos Aires and Rosario; they are all owned by private companies. The largest centers are Villa
Constitucion (steel smelting seamless pipe production), Rosario,
Campana.

The complexity of developing the resource base limits the potential of metallurgy.
A characteristic feature of the industry is the presence of numerous and relatively small enterprises that focus on the import of intermediate products.
(scrap metal, coke, copper). They are concentrated in the coastal region, away from local sources of raw materials.

Non-ferrous metallurgy, despite the fact that the country has considerable reserves of raw materials, is poorly developed. Among its industries, the production of lead (Puerto Vilelas), zinc (Comodoro Rivadavia, Zarate, Rio Tercero) on its own raw materials stands out. Built in 1974 one of the most powerful in Latin
America's Puerto Madryn Aluminum Smelter was the beginning of a significant aluminum industry. In connection with the opening large deposits copper
(El Pachon) the development of the copper industry is promising.

5.4. Engineering industry.

Mechanical engineering is one of the young industries. Among the countries of the region
Argentina is distinguished by a relatively complex structure and a rather high level of its production and a particularly high concentration in comparison with other industries.

The machine-building complex of Argentina produces a very diverse product. The production of agricultural machinery, equipment for the light and food industries, and many household goods has reached a significant level of development.

One of the main industries is the automotive industry. Enterprises in this industry were created with the active participation of foreign capital and produce cars (mainly cars) of European and American brands. In terms of the number of cars per 100 inhabitants, the country ranks thirteenth in the world (1 car per 14 inhabitants). Car production (1996)
-179.4 thous.

The national mechanical engineering provides 3/4 of domestic needs. At the same time, new industries, for example, electronics, began to develop in Argentina earlier than in other Latin countries.
America. However, certain modern industries (electronics, machine tool building, production of industrial robots) are underrepresented. The issue of mastering imported technology is one of the most urgent for Argentina's mechanical engineering.

Agricultural machinery in Argentina produces over 250 types of machines, and in terms of the number of tractors produced (11.3 thousand, 1996), the country is in second place in the region.

Shipbuilding has developed, including the production of oceanic, coastal, river, fishing and sports vessels.

The machine-tool industry is developing. Argentina already exports some types of machine tools to neighboring Latin American countries.

Major centers of mechanical engineering in Argentina: Buenos Aires, San Nicolas,

Tucuman, Cordova, Rio Tercero and others.

5.5. Chemical industry.

The chemical industry has been developing in Argentina for a relatively long time, the primary role in it was played by the domestic consumption industries: paints and varnishes, perfumery, pharmaceutical; production of technical oils.

The most promising industries include the chemical and especially the petrochemical industry, as there is a network of pipelines.

Petrochemical centers for the production of basic hydrocarbons have been created.
There is a growing tendency for the country to be self-sufficient in the most important chemical and petrochemical products and to expand their exports. The foundation is being laid for the intensive development of fine chemistry and biotechnology.

The largest refineries are located in La Plata, Campana,
Ensenade, Bahia Blanque and Zarate. They are distinguished by a rather complex structure of their products, including a complex of production from crude oil refining to petrochemicals. The total capacity of refineries in the early 1980s was 34 million tons.

The rubber industry is developing rapidly, which is associated with an increase in demand for its products from the automotive industry. The main place in it is occupied by tire production, and only a small part is the production of rubber for the footwear industry.

Basic chemistry takes humble place, it is possible to distinguish the production of sulfuric acid, as well as mineral fertilizers. Sulfuric acid is produced both from native sulfur and from oil refining and non-ferrous metallurgy waste. Nitrogen fertilizers are obtained from the waste of the oil refining industry. In general, the production of mineral fertilizers is insignificantly developed.

In Argentina, there is a developed pharmaceutical industry (using wastes from the meat processing industry), as well as the production of industrial oils (tung, castor, linseed), tannins (extract of the kebracho tree is an excellent tanning agent for leather).

Argentina's imports of chemical products account for 7%.

5.6. Timber and woodworking industry.

The forestry and woodworking industries in Argentina are becoming increasingly important.

The total area of ​​forests is 70 million hectares (12% of the land fund), of which 60 million hectares are not available for development. Argentina ranks third in Latin America in terms of timber reserves. The problem of raw materials is also being solved by the creation of artificial forest plantations. Of the deciduous species, the kebracho tree is of great importance, used to obtain tanning extract (first place in the world). The most valuable are the coniferous forests of Mesopotamia and the humid Andes, as well as the kebracho forests in the Chaco. Their operation is complicated by the fact that they are located in remote areas, so attempts are being made to artificially plant forests in the most populated area - Pampa.

The most developed forest resources of the Chaco, but here, as a result of long-term predatory exploitation, there is an acute issue of their serious protection and restoration.

The pulp and paper industry has existed in Argentina for a long time.
In addition to forest resources, reed beds in the delta serve as raw materials for it.
Parana and also sugarcane bagasse. It is currently one of the fastest growing and most promising industries in the country. Argentina is largely self-sufficient in cellulose and paper, and partly exports paper. The largest pulp and paper mills are located in Puerto Piray, Puerto Esperanza, Zarate. New enterprises are being built mainly in Mesopotamia.

5.7. Lightweight and food grade

The textile industry is one of the oldest and most developed industries. It is almost entirely based on its own raw materials. A large gap between the individual stages of production is characteristic: the primary processing of raw materials tends to its sources, while the final stages of production - weaving, finishing of fabrics - are located in consumption centers. The most developed industries are woolen, linen, and cotton.

One of the most typical and widespread branches of the Argentinean industry throughout the country is the leather and footwear industry. It is associated with the development of animal husbandry and a rich raw material base, in which the combination of leather raw materials with the production of a tannin - kebrac extract is especially valuable. There are many handicraft businesses in this industry. Argentina is one of the world's leading exporters of raw hides.

The food industry, traditionally the most developed industry, still retains its important role, despite the decline in its share in the value of industrial products. Closely related to agricultural production, it is based on rich and varied raw materials. Characteristic feature of the Argentine Food Industry- its great export value. The meat processing industry occupies a special place among the export industries. In terms of the scale and level of development of this country-specific industry, Argentina stands out in the capitalist world. It is one of the world's largest producers (over 1 million tons) and exporters (about 600 thousand tons) of meat, mainly beef.

The modern meat processing industry grew out of saladeros, i.e. salty, - first industrial enterprises Argentina processed livestock products that produced meat, leather and fat.

By the end of the XIX century. a new type of enterprise emerged - frigorific, which includes the process from the slaughter of livestock to the production of various meat products, mainly chilled beef, which is becoming the main export item from Argentina. This was also facilitated by the appearance of refrigerated steamships.

At a modern large meat-processing enterprise, livestock slaughter, carcass butchering, production of meat and various meat products, as well as by-products are carried out. Technological processes are usually mechanized. They produce chilled beef and frozen meat, sausages, canned food, and bone meal. Ice cream and chilled meat are intended for export. To obtain chilled meat, breeds of lean cattle raised on improved pastures are used; it tastes better than frozen meat, but its shelf life is shorter.
Argentinean chilled meat is in high demand on the world market. Most of the large, highly mechanized meat processing plants are located in and around Buenos Aires (in La Plata, Zarate). In port cities
Butchery Patagonia produces mutton. In addition to large meat processing plants, there are many small enterprises operating in the domestic market in the country.

Among the branches of the food industry, flour-grinding, oil-processing, the production of vegetable oils (sunflower, olive) and winemaking are of export importance. Argentina ranks fourth in the capitalist world for wine production.

The following branches mainly work on the domestic market: sugar, fruit and vegetable, canning. All of them are guided by the resource regions.

6. Agriculture.

Among the countries of Latin America, Argentina is distinguished by a relatively high level of agricultural development, its relatively small share in the value of GDP (12%), and a rather diverse structure of agricultural production. It almost completely satisfies its food needs and is one of the leading exporters to the world market.

The agrarian system is characterized by a complex interweaving of various social forms and types of agriculture. The basis of agrarian relations is the domination of large landownership - latifundism. This system was transferred here from feudal Spain: the Spanish colonialists divided huge tracts of land among themselves. Landowners received the right of inalienability of their possessions: after the death of the owner, the entire estate passed to his eldest son and, thus, was preserved intact. This system of land tenure discouraged the emergence of small, independent farmers.
The system of large land tenure that developed during the colonial period left its mark on the entire process of Argentina's socio-economic development.
Landowners-latifundists became the main economic and political force in the country. Latifundism and now continues to be the main brake on the growth of agricultural production.

The agro-technical level of Argentine agriculture is quite low; a manifestation of this is the low productivity of the main agricultural crops, low productivity of livestock. Livestock raising is based on natural pastures. Long-term use of the same pastures leads to their depletion, and as a result - to a decrease in livestock productivity. Low rates of development of agricultural production determine the narrowness of the internal market, which in turn hinders the economic development of the country as a whole.

Agricultural lands occupy 138 million hectares in the country, of which 1/5 are cultivated, the rest is meadows and pastures.

The predominant type of specialization in Argentine agriculture is the commercial production of grain and meat. It developed under the influence of the external market and in accordance with the natural environment that created the preconditions for the development of these particular sectors of the economy. This type is most typical for the Pampa region.

6.1. Plant growing.

In plant growing, the main place is occupied by old, traditional export crops - grain and oilseeds. The main grain crop is wheat. By collecting it (about 8 million tons in 1980) and export
(more than 3 million tons in 1980) Argentina occupies one of the leading places in the world, although it is significantly inferior to the USA, Canada, Australia, and France. Wheat is cultivated in Pampa and is less common outside of it. The most widespread are durum and semi-durum wheat. The second most important grain crop is corn (more than 6 million tons of harvest in 1980). Unlike wheat, which was brought here by the Spaniards, corn is a local crop, it is grown almost everywhere, but its main area of ​​distribution is
Pampa with its warm climate and ample moisture. Corn is used both as food and fodder crops. Other cereals such as rye, oats, and barley are of the same importance. Argentina stands out as a major exporter of coarse grains.

In addition to grain fodder crops, sowing of forage grasses is of great importance; alfalfa is the most widespread.

Industrial crops are in second place after cereals in terms of the value of crop production. Among them are oilseeds - flax and sunflower, in the collection and export of which Argentina in some years ranks first - second in the world. They are also cultivated in Pampa. Other oilseeds are grown for peanuts - in the province of Cordoba, olive trees
- in the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan, tung tree - in Mesopotamia. Sugar cane predominates among the sugar-bearing crops (in the northwest). Among the fibrous crops, the most widespread is cotton grown in the north, in the Chaco. Tea is cultivated in Mesopotamia and a special variety of it - Paraguayan tea (yerbamate).

Horticulture, vegetable growing, viticulture occupy a significant place in Argentina's plant growing.

Vegetable growing is represented by suburban farming, widespread near major cities, and, above all, near Buenos Aires, and specialized farms for growing certain types of vegetables in areas with the most favorable conditions for them.

Production of major crops (thousand tons)

| |119|119|119|119|119|
| | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80g | 90g |
| | g. | g. | g. |. |. |
| Wheat | 579 | 420 | 112 | 540 | 638 |
| |6 |0 |60 |0 |0 |
| Corn | 267 | 485 | 514 | 704 | 851 |
| |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 |
| Rye | 631 | 505 | 652 | 249 | 438 |
| Oats | 808 | 843 | 804 | 480 | 540 |
| Flaxseed | 559 | 562 | 815 | 570 | 540 |
| Potatoes | 196 | 207 | 248 | 148 | 148 |
| |0 |2 |9 |4 |4 |
| Cotton | 211 | 229 | 267 | 200 | 171 |

6.2. Livestock raising.

Livestock breeding plays a leading role in the country's agriculture; its main industry is cattle breeding, mainly for meat production. In terms of the number of cattle, Argentina occupies one of the first places in the world.

The main cattle breeding area is Pampa. This is due to the better condition of the fodder base here natural pastures
Pampas are characterized by a higher nutrient content due to good moisture and mild climate. The main crops of forage grasses, mainly alfalfa, are concentrated in Pampa. Dairy farming does not play a big role in Argentina. The main dairy breed is Dutch-Argentine. Specialized zones for dairy farming have developed around Buenos Aires and in the southern part of Santa Fe province, in areas with sufficient moisture and good succulent feed

Among other branches of animal husbandry, poultry farming is developed in Argentina, in mountainous regions - horse and mule breeding.

6.3. Fishing.
Fishing is developed in coastal waters and in the Parana and Uruguay rivers.
Despite the great length of Argentina's coastline, seafood has never played a significant role in the Argentinean diet. In 1994, the total catch was 939 thousand tons; the main commercial fish species are silver hake and blue whiting.

7. Transport.

Argentina has a fairly dense transport network and has a significant volume of freight and passenger traffic. However, the structure of the transport network reflects the country's long-term dependence on the external market.
Communication routes were built mainly by foreign monopolies during the development of the export economy in the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries. Their main purpose was to ensure the export of agricultural products, so they were sent from inland agricultural areas to ports, primarily to the main port -
Buenos Aires. As a result, Argentina has developed a clearly defined radial configuration of the transport network with the center in Buenos Aires, for which it is often called a "fan country".

In external transport, the leading place is taken by sea and air transport, in domestic - by rail and road. At the same time, the latter is becoming increasingly important due to the relatively extensive network of highways, especially in the interior regions of the country.

7.1. Land.

Length railways- 46 thousand km. Argentina ranks first in Latin America in terms of passenger traffic, but in terms of rail freight turnover, it is significantly inferior to Brazil and Mexico.
The main disadvantages of the Argentinean railways are the uneven track gauge, poor technical condition, sharply uneven distribution over the country. In fact, only the Pampa region has a dense rail network.
The entire railway network in Argentina was nationalized after World War II and belongs to the state.

Most of the territory of Argentina has a flat relief and is favorable for the construction of highways. The total length of highways is over 430 thousand km, of which 65 thousand have a hard surface.

After the Second World War, pipeline transport has been developing intensively. Oil pipelines stretched from oil fields to the main centers of oil refining and consumption of petroleum products - in Buenos Aires, La
Fee, San Lorenzo. The main gas pipelines Campo Duran - Buenos Aires, Pico
Truncado - Buenos Aires.

7.2. Water.

Interior water transport does not play a big role; shipping is developed mainly along the Parana and Uruguay rivers. In the lower reaches of the Parana, there are leading river ports, which simultaneously serve as seaports of Rosario, San Nicolas, Santa Fe, Villa Constitucion.

Sea transport plays a dominant role in the external transport of goods, it is also of considerable importance for the internal links between the coastal regions of the country, given the long length of its coastline. In terms of the size of the merchant and tanker fleet, Arginina is second only to Brazil in the region.
A high concentration of port activities in Buenos Aires is characteristic, through which most of the country's foreign trade operations are carried out. The main seaports of the country are Buenos Aires, La Plata, Banja Blanca.

7.3. Air.

Aviation has been gaining an important role lately. Argentina has regular air links with almost all countries in America and with many countries in Europe. The civil air fleet has not only propeller driven aircraft, but also jet aircraft. Airways are served by national (mainly domestic airlines) and foreign companies.
The largest airport in the world is Eseina (near Buenos Aires).

8. International economic relations.

In the international division of labor, Argentina acts primarily as an agrarian country, being one of the largest suppliers of its agricultural products to the world market. It is one of the world's leading exporters of beef, grain, vegetable oils (especially linseed), wool, and leather raw materials. The export of manufactured goods has been increasing since the mid-60s. Argentina's imports are dominated by industrial equipment and raw materials.

The UK has been Argentina's main trading partner for a long time; in recent decades, its share in the country's trade turnover has sharply decreased. Now the leading role in Argentina's exports belongs to
Italy - 17%, followed by England - 10%, the Netherlands - 13%; in imports - the USA (23%),
Brazil (11%), Germany (10%), Italy (10%). Share of Russia countries in trade turnover
Argentina is small. An increasing place in Argentina's foreign trade is occupied by the countries of Latin America, which serve as the main buyers of its industrial goods. Argentina is a member of the Latin American Free Trade Association (LAST), which accounts for ј of the country's foreign trade. Economic ties Argentina and Latin American countries are versatile in nature: joint projects of hydraulic engineering, scientific and technical research, development of minerals, etc. are being carried out.

In 1997, the value of exports amounted to $ 1464 million, imports - $ 1096 million. Exports are of a pronounced agrarian character, and their main items are meat, leather and hides, wool, wheat, corn, and quebrache extract. Argentina imports machinery, industrial equipment and means of transport (45%), metals and metal products (12%), fuel and lubricants (7.5%), chemical products (7%), etc.

9. Economic and geographical differences.

Pampa (Eastern Pampa and Western Pampa; provinces of Buenos Aires,
Cordova, Entre Rios, La Pampa and most of the province of Santa Fe) - a leading agro-industrial region (80% of industrial production, 70% of the cost of livestock and agricultural products, 87% of the cattle; 70% of the length of the railways, 99% port cargo turnover). Highlighted:

Greater Buenos Aires, where half of the country's industrial enterprises are concentrated (large slaughterhouses, chemical, engineering, leather factories, textile and food enterprises, TPP); an area of ​​intensive truck farming, the main supply base for dairy products, vegetables and fruits; wheat-alfalfa region - a wide semi-ring around the Western
Pumps; corn region - between Buenos Aires and Santa Fe. The area adjacent to Rosario has the highest corn yields.
Oilseed flax is cultivated, and grazing is developed in the eastern part of the province of Buenos Aires.
Western Region (provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, San Luis)
Central Andes, southern part areas of the Pampinian Sierras and Precordillera, a relatively economically developed region of Argentina. The main sectors of the economy are viticulture, winemaking, as well as the extractive industry.
The region is rich in minerals (lead, zinc, tungsten, beryllium, uranium are mined), has diversified energy resources
(oil - the 2nd place in production in Argentina after Patagonia; hydro resources). In semi-desert conditions, viticulture and vegetable growing are carried out with the help of artificial irrigation (waters of the San Juan, Mendoza, Atuel, Diamante rivers).
In addition, there is distant pasture farming. The manufacturing industry is based mainly on the processing of agricultural raw materials
(canning). Heavy industry is represented by oil refining, the chemical industry, and the production of building materials.
Northwest region (provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja,
Tucuman) occupies the northern part of the Pampa Sierras and Precordilleras. The main sugar supplier to the Argentinean market. The main branch of the economy is the cultivation of sugar cane (province of Tucuman), as well as tobacco, rice and subtropical fruit crops. Mineral resource base of Pampa. Oil production is developed (in terms of reserves, 3rd place in Argentina), natural gas (2nd place), tin (province of Jujuy, the main reserves of the country), sulfur (province
Salta), lead-zinc ores (El-Aguilar deposit in the province
Jujuy), iron ore (Sapla deposit, the only one developed in
Argentina). The processing industry is dominated by the processing of agricultural raw materials (sugar, tobacco, fruits, vegetables).

Chaco (Provinces of Formosa, Chaco, Santiago del Estero and northern
Santa Fe) occupies the plains of Gran Chaco, one of the most backward regions of the country. Well-developed forestry (development of the kebracho tree, mainly for export). The main branch of the economy is cotton growing (over 90% of the cotton sowing in the country). The cotton-ginning industry is developed (g.
Resistance).
Mesopotamia (provinces of Misiones and Corrientes) - agrarian district, the country's leading producer of subtropical crops and the only producer of yerba mate and tung oil, which are of great export value. The northern part is one of the main logging and timber industry districts in Argentina. Agriculture and industry for the processing of agricultural raw materials are developed in the South.
Patagonia (provinces of Neuquen, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz, Chubut, the territory of about.
Tierra del Fuego) is a vast, sparsely populated area south of Rio
Colorado; occupies almost 1/3 of the territory of Argentina. The main branch of the farm is meat and wool sheep breeding. Developed meat industry
(lamb production) and primary wool processing. Export of wool (Puerto
Deseado, Puerto Madrin, Santa Cruz). Agriculture is poorly developed. On
In the north, fruit growing is of export importance. There are oil developments (2/3 of Argentina's production), coal, iron ore, about half of the hydro resources are concentrated. The natural resources of the region have not yet been sufficiently studied. In the past, the area is a raw material appendage of the Pampa. In connection with the decentralization of the economy in the programs of economic development, a large role is assigned to the economic development of the region (the development of hydropower, oil refining, chemical and petrochemical industry, metallurgy).

10. Environmental problems and ways to solve them.
High concentration of industry in industrial centers aggravates environmental problems. Buenos Aires, along with São Paulo and Mexico City, is one of the most polluted cities in Latin America. There is growing pollution, both of the air and of the rivers - the tributaries of the La Plata, on which the industrial enterprises of the city are located. Due to the fact that the owners of industrial enterprises are trying to avoid the costs of treatment facilities, waterways are catastrophically polluted, and this is all the more dangerous, because they supply the city with drinking water. The city authorities are making some attempts to solve environmental problems. So, in the early 80s, the so-called ecological belt of Buenos Aires with a length of 23 km was created. It represents part of the projected 180 km long ecological belt, which leads to recreation parks and forest areas around Buenos Aires.

11. Recreational resources.
Despite the harsh climatic conditions of the region, Patagonia is one of the areas of lively tourism. The picturesque foothills of the Andes with deep canyons and dense forests that have retained their original appearance, blue mountain lakes with ice domes sparkling in the sun's rays are distinguished by their peculiar color and unique beauty. In travel guides, this region is usually called Argentine Switzerland. In one of these beautiful corners, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the famous Argentinean resort of San
Carlos de Beriloche is a mountaineering and skiing center.
Even in Argentina, the culture is seriously developed. The largest museums in Argentina include the National Museum of Fine Arts (founded 1895), the National Historical Museum (founded 1889), the Miter Museum (founded 1907), the Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences "Bernardino Rivadavia" (founded 1823), the Museum of Hispanic American art "Isaac Fernando Blanco" and the National Museum of Decorative Arts; they are all in the capital. Also worth mentioning is the Natural History Museum of La Plata, the remarkable Municipal Museum of Fine Arts in Rosario. Buenos Aires has the largest libraries in the country - the National Library (founded in 1810), which has approx. 700,000 books and manuscripts, and the Huang
Jose Montes de Oca "(founded 1863).

12. List of used literature
1. "Argentina", "International Economic Relations", Moscow, 1993.
2. Semenitskiy SA, encyclopedia “Countries of the World”, Smolensk, 2001.
3. “Economical geography capitalist and developing countries ”, Moscow University Publishing House, 1986.
4. VP Maksakovskiy, textbook “Economic and social geography of the world”, edited by V.V. Volsky, Moscow, Education, 1990.
5. "Geographic Atlas on the Economic and Social Geography of the World, Grade 10", "Bustard" & "DIK Publishing House", 2001.
6. "Great encyclopedic dictionary of a schoolchild", scientific publishing house
"Great Russian Encyclopedia", 1999
7.R.A. Pimonov "Argentina", publishing house "Mysl", 1987.
8. Worldwide computer network Internet.

For some reason, Argentina is called a silver country. And the capital Buenos Aires is another Paris. Although the streets here are arranged in a strict geometric order, and not convoluted, as in France. However, be that as it may, the city is very beautiful. Argentina is one of the largest countries in South America. It stretches from north to south for almost 4,000 km. On such a vast territory, there is practically everything you need for recreation, and for every taste. These are sandy beaches, picturesque waterfalls, mountain peaks and snow-capped volcanoes, incredible glaciers and a diverse natural world.

Geography

Argentina (Argentina), Argentine Republic (Republica Argentina), a state in the southeast of South America. Washed from the east by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Occupies the southeastern part of the mainland, the eastern part of the island of Tierra del Fuego and nearby islands (Estados, etc.). It shares borders with Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile. The area is 2767 thousand km2. Population 38.74 million (2003). The capital is Buenos Aires. Major cities are Cordoba, Rosario, La Plata. The main seaports are Buenos Aires, Rosario, La Plata. The Lake District is located in the southwestern part of the mountains. Almost the entire northern part of Argentina is occupied by the flat plateau Gran Chaco, a little to the south is the steppe region, called Pampa in South America. In the south of Argentina, there is a rocky plateau of semi-desert Patagonia, which is cut by canyons. The main waterway of the country is the Parana River. It is the second longest river in South America. It flows into the Gulf of La Plata. The main tributaries of the Parana are Paraguay and Uruguay. Geographically, Argentina is divided into four zones: the northeastern plains, Pampa, Patagonia and the Andes ( mountain region). Since Argentina has a great length from north to south, it crosses several climatic zones at once - from the tropics to Antarctica itself. In the plains of the north, moist and dry subtropical evergreen forests grow. In the Pampa area, steppe vegetation predominates - undersized trees, thorny shrubs and hard grasses.

Time

It lags behind Moscow time by 6 hours in winter and by 7 hours in summer.

Climate

The climate in Argentina ranges from subtropical in the north to humid tropical in the center of the country and temperate in the south. Vast plains in the east of the country and the high wall of the Andes in the west lead to the fact that the wet sea air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean, almost unhindered, pass over the entire territory of the country, pouring out on the slopes of the Andes in powerful rains. In the central regions, however, there is often a noticeable lack of precipitation. average temperature in summer (January) in the northern regions it is +28 C, in the center about +24 C and in the south +10 C. In winter (July), respectively, +18 C, +15 C and +1 C. Precipitation falls from 100-300 mm in year in the plains of the west of the country, up to 1400-1600 mm in the northeast and on the mountain slopes. In winter, some hinterland areas are prone to drought. In the Andes, the climate is extremely varied. The eastern slopes of the mountains are characterized by rainy weather and frequent flooding in summer season while the highlands sometimes receive no more than 200 mm of rain. Average temperatures here range from +26 C at the foot of the mountains to +4 C at high altitudes, while even within one day temperature drops can reach 30 C. Powerful storms are not uncommon in Patagonia.

Language

The state language is Spanish. German, English, French and Italian are also widely used. More than 17 local languages ​​and dialects are also used in everyday life.

Religion

The majority of the population of Argentina belongs to the believers of the Roman Catholic Church. About 2% are Protestants and another 2% are Jewish. In recent decades, as in the rest of Latin America, there has also been a rise in evangelical movements, which are reformed versions of Catholicism. Although Jews make up only 2% of Argentina's population, Buenos Aires has the second largest Jewish population in the Americas after New York. Argentina also has the largest Muslim diaspora of any country in Latin America. Local Catholicism (especially in central regions) includes a lot of syncretism, for example, religious holidays in the northwestern provinces, similar to pagan rites, Catholic icons with clear similarities to ancient Andean pagan idols. Pachamama is still widely worshiped in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy.

Population

Today in Argentina, population dynamics are determined by natural growth: its rate of 1.2% in the mid-90s is the lowest in Latin America and has a downward trend. This is reflected in the dynamics of the age structure of the population, which changes towards a decrease in the proportion of young ages (up to 15 years old) and an increase in older ones (over 65 years old). The former account for ~ 30% today, and the latter ~ 10% of the population. The average life expectancy in the country is 71 years. In terms of socio-economic indicators of life, Argentina is ahead of many Latin American countries: only 4% of the population over 15 years old is illiterate. Child mortality is 29 people for every 1000 births. More than 87% of the total population lives in the cities of the country today, and more than 2/5 of the urban population falls on the share of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, with ~ 12 million inhabitants, is among the 10 largest metropolitan areas the world. The rural population is small. This is largely due to the domination of large landownership, which closes access to land, and the predominance of livestock farming specialization, which requires relatively few workers. Therefore, Argentina is sometimes called an agrarian country without peasants.

Electricity

220 watts. The receptacles are European type round plugs.

Emergency telephones

Tourist Security Department (Defensoria del Turista) - 4302-7816
Ambulance and Police - 101
Fire department - 107
Information desk - 110

Connection

Phone code 54, Buenos Aires - 11.

To call Russia, you can use pay phones. The cost of a conversation with Moscow is approximately $ 2 / minute. Dialing order: 00 + 7 (Russia code) + city code + phone number. In Argentina, only GSM 1900 mobile phones work.

Currency exchange

Banks and exchange offices are open from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 15.00. Currency can be exchanged at all banks and major shopping centers, hotels and specialized exchange offices. Most banks and exchange offices use a ticket system - instead of standing in a queue, a ticket with a number is obtained, and then the queue is simply expected to arrive. This procedure takes quite a long time. In large retail outlets, gas stations, hotels and restaurants of the capital, payments are accepted credit cards American Express, Visa, Master Card and Eurocard. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at banks or exchange offices (usually there is a more favorable rate here). To avoid additional exchange costs, it is recommended that you bring traveller's checks in US dollars. In the provinces, the use of non-cash means of payment is problematic.

Visa

Russian citizens do not need a visa to travel to Argentina for a period not exceeding 90 days within six months. In this case, the purpose of the visit can be tourism, transit, visiting friends or relatives. In the case of a trip for the purpose of work, study, as well as if you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, the visa must be issued in advance, at the consular section of the Argentine Embassy in Moscow.
Border crossing
When crossing the border, you must present the following documents:
- a passport valid for the entire duration of the trip;
- tickets in both directions;
- confirmation of sufficient funds for the entire stay (cash, plastic cards, traveler's checks, etc.)

Customs regulations

Import and export of national and foreign currencies is not limited. Amount over $ 10,000 must be declared. Gold and gold items must also be included in the declaration. Persons over the age of 18 are allowed duty-free import: cigarettes - up to 400 pcs. or cigars - up to 50 pcs., alcoholic drinks - up to 2 liters., canned food - up to 5 kg., souvenirs and gifts worth no more than $ 300, other items and things - within the limits of personal needs. Passengers under the age of 18 are allowed to import half of the stated limits. When imported in quantities exceeding the rate of duty-free import, a duty of 50% of their value is levied. The import of non-canned food products (meat and products from it, cheese, bread, vegetables and fruits) is prohibited. It is prohibited to import and export without special permission items and things of historical, artistic or archaeological value, as well as firearms and ammunition. The export of wool and leather products, jewelry and souvenirs is allowed within the limits of personal needs, while you must present a receipt from the store where these products were purchased. When exporting fur products, a receipt and an export stamp are required.

Holidays and non-working days

January 1st - New Year
March-April - Easter and Easter holidays
April 4 - Day of the Malvinas Islands
May 1 - Labor Day
May 25 - anniversary of the May revolution
June 20 - National Flag Day
July 9 - Independence Day
17 August - anniversary of the death of General Jose de San Martin
October 12 - Americas Day (Columbus Day)
December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
December 25 - Christmas

Transport

Airplane
The easiest way to travel around the country is by plane, but tickets are difficult to obtain, and there may be flight delays. Better to book your tickets in advance. Aerolineas Argentinas sells "Visit Argentina Pass" tickets for 30 days (for 4-8 flights in the country).
Airport tax is approximately $ 4-12, but this figure changes frequently.

Train
Children under 3 years old can ride for free, children from 3 to 11 years old - for half the cost of an adult ticket. There are 3 passenger classes - air-conditioned carriages, first and second. The dining car and berths are available for first class passengers only. Traveling in second class is the most profitable. Six main routes: Buenos Aires-Rosario - with two branches, one of which leads to Tucuman and Jujuy via Cordoba, the other to Tucuman and Juju via La Banda (La Banda), Buenos Aires- Rojas, Buenos Aires - Santa Rosa, Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires - Las Flores - Quequen - Necochea, and Buenos Aires - Bahia Blanca - with a branch to San Carlos de Bariloche (San Carlos de Bariloche). For those traveling by train, it is important to know that outside Buenos Aires it is difficult to obtain information on routes.
The Argempass Discount Card grants passengers unlimited travel in first class, however it is only sold at Argentine train ticket offices. You can purchase cards for 30, 60 or 90 days. There is an additional charge for the sleeping car. The card must be used within 30 days from the date of purchase - the term of use ends at 24.00 last day... Other discount cards: Group Pass - 10-25% discount for groups of 10-25 people, Family Pass - 25% discount for 1 parent with 1-2 children, Youth Pass - for young people under the age of 30, Senior Pass - discount 25% for women over 55 and for men over 60, and Student Pass - 25% off for students.
Road transport
After privatization, many motorways were improved. Tolls apply on motorways. Although rural roads can be difficult to navigate after rain, buses are considered to be more suitable for long journeys than trains. Right-hand traffic. There are a lot of car rental companies in Argentina. This requires an international driving license with the stamp of the Argentine Auto Club (Automovil Club Argentino).
Public transport
Public transport runs regularly in Argentina. The Argentine Metro (subte) is the first ever built in Latin America. It was recently privatized, and its old stations, which are lined with ceramic tiles depicting scenes from Argentine history, are currently being actively renovated. The metro runs from early morning until late at night, and the fare is fixed. Tokens can be purchased at the metro ticket offices. Mini-buses (colectivo) run 24 hours a day, the fare is small and fixed. Although minibuses are often overcrowded, especially during rush hours, they can be quickly reached to your destination. Buses also run in other cities (and even trolleybuses in Rosario). Taxis are common in almost all cities; they can be stopped on the street or ordered from the parking lot. Argentine taxis are easily recognizable by their yellow rooftops.

Tips

In restaurants, 5-10% of the bill, to a porter, a taxi driver, as well as in gratitude for indicating a place or direction in the amount of about a dollar.

The shops

Gifts typically include woven rugs, gaucho souvenirs, sheepskin, wine, guitars, art, handicrafts, mate drinking utensils such as pumpkins and bombillas (metal straw with a filter at the base) and vicuna wool (high quality wool made from similar the lama of the being). In Argentina, you can also buy a pair of gaucho trousers - bombachas, or ponchos. In Buenos Aires, most of the upscale shops are located along Calle Florida and Avenida Santa Fe, where you can buy leather clothing and shoes, or order an exclusive suit. There are also many markets and department stores for those who love shopping tours in the city. You can bargain a little and get what you looked after in a department store for a better price on the market. Palermo Viejo is often recommended for its fine boutique neighborhood, selling only talented designers, tailor-made suits and famed for its chic lingerie and accessories.
Store hours: Monday to Friday - 9:00 am - 7:30 pm, and Saturday - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

National cuisine

Argentines are very fond of delicious food, therefore, in all large cities, especially in Buenos Aires, most restaurants and cafes are open all day until late at night. Local restaurants have a very high level of service according to South American standards. Accordingly, it will be very difficult for you to find any substantial dish for less than 10 pesos (one American dollar is roughly equal to three Argentine pesos).
Going to this country, you can be sure that during the entire time of your stay here you will always eat of high quality and extremely tasty. In all restaurants, the dishes are pleasantly surprised by their size, and the side dishes for meat are always almost less tasty than the main dish. It is impossible for the hungry to leave. Cheap hotels, however, skimp on breakfast: you're lucky if in the morning you get not just tea or coffee, some jam and butter, as well as very popular among local population small but nutritious croissants. But you yourself have chosen this place to stay. It is unlikely that you will find any restaurant open until 8:00 in the morning, and in the hotter months (and in Buenos Aires - all year round) - very few people open their restaurants before 10:00 and 11:00. If you are hungry during the day, then in any cafe you can order a minute (quick breakfast). Lomito is a sandwich made with a large, juicy chop; and chivito is the same sandwich, with the only difference that the piece of beef in it is much smaller. Also popular in the cafe are tostado sandwiches filled with melted cheese and fried ham, sometimes called carlitos. But during the day it is better not to overeat, as in Argentina it is customary to have a very dense and plentiful dinner. Moreover, meat is one of the main dishes on the table. In the best Argentinean restaurants, meat is cooked in the same way as it was customary for Argentine guacho shepherds: right on the street in front of the entrance on the hearth with hot coals. Here you can fry the whole carcass or grill sausages on the wire rack. A traditional Argentinean parrilla dinner (grill restaurant) necessarily starts with grilled chorizo ​​sausages served with a salad, empanadas and chimichurri sauce (salsa). But all this abundance is just a prelude to the main course - beef with blood. If you order meat in a restaurant and will bring it to you, in order to taste the fried piece you will have to repeat the magic words to the waiter twice: "bien echo".

A few more useful words from the dictionary of a tourist: beef de lomo - the best lean cuts of the back of beef; bife de choriso - a piece of meat cut from the lower ribs down to the back (the most popular, average-priced dish); bife de kostja - brisket, meat on the rib; wasio - juicy sirloin or pieces cut from the inside "behind the ribs"; tiro de asado - carbonate pieces carved from the saddle. All this meat splendor should be washed down with exclusively Argentine wines. They are simply amazing, and also absolutely inexpensive. Low alcohol drinks are very popular among the population of all ages, although in general it should be noted that in Argentina every year there are fewer and fewer people drinking alcohol, despite the fact that the level of wine consumption remains very high. There are a number of companies producing such drinks in the country, the main producer, perhaps, is the Paso de los Toros company.

sights

Buenos Aires
The sights of Buenos Aires are the La Boca district, the historical area of ​​the San Telmo district with a huge number of bars and an antiques market in Plaza Dorrego, the "heart of the city" - Plaza de Mayo square (the largest shopping area in the world), the square Plaza de La Republica with an obelisk in honor of Argentina's declaration of independence, the oldest building in the city - the Cabildo Town Hall (now a museum), the Metropolitan Cathedral (the country's national hero Jose de San Martin is buried here), the presidential palace Casa Rosada ( "Pink House"), Plaza del Congresso with the monumental fountain of Los dos Congressos and the building of Congress, El Pilar Church, Basilica De Santo Domingo, San Ignacio Church (the oldest in the city), colonial tunnels , the famous Teatro Colon (1890-1908) - the center of opera and ballet art throughout South America, as well as Cesar Park. There are a lot of parks in the city, many of which are literally sandwiched among skyscrapers, but are carefully guarded by local residents.
Noteworthy are the La Costagnera promenade, which stretches along the La Plata to the Costagnier Norte, the old aristocratic cemeteries of Recoleta and La Chacarita (worth seeing at least for the many tombstones made with amazing craftsmanship), the former port warehouses, and now the district of restaurants and offices - Puerto Madero, Teatro Cervantes, Japanese Garden and Zoo in the green quarter of Palermo, Ecological reserve on Avenue Cordoba, Plaza San Martin with a statue of this national hero, colorful Puerto de Frutos market, Avenida Nueve de Julio ("Avenue 9 de Julio", the widest street in the world), the trendy shops of Santa Fe Avenue and the Matadores area, which hosts traditional bullfights.
There are 120 museums in Buenos Aires. Argentines are proud of their history, so the number of museums here does not surprise anyone. Visit the Natural Science Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the International Art Gallery, the Fernandez Blanco Museum (Museum of Colonial Art), the Museum of Latin American Art, the Casa Rosada Palace Museum, the largest Agricultural Society Exhibition Center in Latin America, cultural centers San Martin and Ricoleto, Cinema Museum, National History Museum, Model Museum, Caricature Museum, Libra Museum and many others.
Pampa
Pampa occupies the center and north of Argentina. These are thousands of square kilometers of tall grass, constantly swaying under the gusts of wind, hundreds of farms and small towns, rivers, swamps and desert areas. Tourists here are attracted by the city of Lujan, whose basilica La Virgen de Lujan receives 4 million pilgrims a year, Rosario and Santa Fe, famous throughout the country for their many museums, churches and decaying buildings of the colonial era, as well as many provincial cities. In the northernmost regions adjacent to Paraguay, a large proportion of the Indian population has survived. In the province of Misiones, dense tropical vegetation hides numerous old Jesuit missions, such as the famous San Ignacio Mini near the provincial capital of Pasadas. Also of interest are the suspension bridge and fort in Corrientes, Wanda with a gemstone mine, and the émigré park in Ober.
Salta
Salta is a beautiful Argentinean city located at an altitude of 1190 m above sea level, north of San Miguel de Tucuman, near the Bolivian border. Salta could have remained a provincial town, if not for the main attraction - the statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ the Wonderworker (XVI century), located in the Cathedral of San Francisco. Thousands of believers visit Salta hoping to look at the miraculous statues, which are credited with the ability to heal diseases and stop earthquakes. Also in Salta, it is worth visiting the Town Hall (now the Historical Museum is located in it), a picturesque central square, Cathedral, numerous Jesuit churches, the Convent of San Bernardo, House of Uriburu, La Florida pedestrian walkway and the bustling market where you can find authentic works of traditional folk crafts. Every Saturday, El Tren a las Nubes (Train in the Clouds) departs from Salta, a comfortable train that connects the provincial capital with the town of San Antonio de los Cobres, lost in the mountains.
Cordoba
Cordoba is the second largest city in Argentina, which surpasses the capital in many ways. In 1573, Geronimo Luis de Cabrera founded the city at the crossroads of the main routes from Chile and the Peruvian Alta to Buenos Aires, calling it Cordoba La Liana de La Nueva Andalusia. Since then, with the assistance of Jesuit monks, the city has developed rapidly - the second University of the continent, the Universidad San Carlos (1621), was founded here. wonderful ensembles buildings from colonial times - Santa Catalina and Jesús Maria, the old market, the Catholic cathedral Iglesia Catedral, the Jesuit church of De la Compacha, one of the best in the country, the Provincial Historical Museum of Marcus de Sobremonte and much more. West of Cordoba, the most high mountains Argentina - the Central Sierra and the somewhat smaller, but no less picturesque ridge of the Sierras Cordoba. Nearby lies the beautiful Calamuchita valley with the resort of Villa General Belgrano, one of the most beautiful Jesuit "estancia" of the country - Camino de la Historia ("history route") with the splendid Museum Museo Gesuitico Nacional San Isidro Labrador and Villa Tolumba with a beautiful church. Well, a little to the west, the great Andes are already stretching, whose glaciers feed the numerous rivers of the region. This is the land of magnificent landscapes, harsh climate, llamas and active species sports.

Resorts

Bariloche
Bariloche resort is the most popular ski resort in Argentina, located in the south of Argentina, in Patagonia, at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. The slopes are located on the slopes of the Otto and Catedral mountains with an altitude difference from 2388 to 1400 m. To a greater extent, the resort is designed for beginners and intermediate skiers. Catedral is considered the most modern winter sports center in South America, with about 70 km. trails on 200 hectares, and more than 20 ski lifts.
In summer, in Bariloche, on the local lake, you can go hunting and fishing, take an excursion to the myrtle grove, of which there are no more than 5 in the whole world, and in these places it occupies 17 hectares of land.
Bayo
Bajo Resort is 9 km away. from Villa La Angostura and is considered an ideal destination for winter sports. Altitude: 1500 m, about 20 slopes, 11 ski lifts including snowboard and flat ski, as well as an excellent hotel base. ... The longest slope is 5 km. There are separate trails for snobwarding enthusiasts. Mid season 3 - 9 July, high 10 - 30 July.
Penitentes
Penitentes Resort is 167 km away. from Mendoza, in the middle of the Andes, next to the international highway to Chile. The town itself lies at an altitude of 2,580 meters above sea level, and its 26 tracks are laid along the slopes of the peaks of Santa Maria, Linas and Cruz de Cana, including 4 tracks with international sports certification FIS. The resort area includes more than 300 hectares of picturesque countryside, as well as a dozen hotels, villas and restaurants, which makes it one of the most versatile recreation centers in the country.
Chapelko
Chapelko resort lies near Lake Lakar and Lanin volcano. One of the best ski resorts in the country is located 20 km away. from San Martin de Los Andes, the tourist capital of the province of Neuquen. Built with Swiss-style houses, Chapelko offers a wide range of facilities and hotels, and its restaurants are renowned for their cuisine.
Kawahu
The Kawahu resort is located in the northeastern part of the province of Neuquen, in the middle of mountain range Andes, at an altitude of 1647 m. Above sea level. Snow lies here for 4-5 months a year, and the total length of the tracks is more than 40 km. 18 km. from Cavahu, at an altitude of 1900 m., lies the famous balneological resort Terma de Copaju, built on the basis of the hot spring of the same name and widely known for its microclimate with clean dry air.
Castor
The resort of Castor is 27 km away. from Ushuaia and is one of the southernmost resorts in the world. Recently, it has become a very popular holiday destination thanks to its long tracks, more than 20 km, of all levels, quality of services and the beauty of the local landscape. It is believed to have the "fastest" snow cover and the longest ski season in South America.
La Jolla
The oldest resort in the country, La Jolla, lies 15 km away. from the town of Esquel. Surrounded by the wonderful lakes Futalaufken and Menendez, the resort is part of the Los Alerses National Park complex. La Jolla pistes are designed for skiers of all levels. A characteristic feature of La Jolla is its huge free-ride areas on the slopes of the mountain and a well-developed recreation infrastructure. Alternatively, you can tour the area on the steam train La Trochita, or take an excursion to Trevelines or the many National parks Patagonia.

general characteristics

Argentina, Argentine Republic (Republica Argentina) is a state in the southeast of South America. Total area - 2 766 890 sq. km. Land area - 2 736 690 sq. km, the area of ​​rivers and lakes - 30,200 sq. km. The population is 36.8 million people (2000; over 90% are Argentines. The urban population is over 86% (1990). Official language- Spanish Most of the believers are Catholics. Argentina is a federation of 22 provinces, the Federal Capital District and the Tierra del Fuego national territory. The head of state is the president (elected for a 4-year term). The legislature is the bicameral National Congress. Consists of the Senate (72 seats previously, each provincial legislature delegated 3 members to the Senate, the upper house is currently undergoing reform - a third of its members will be re-elected every 2 years for a 6-year term) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats, half of the deputies are re-elected every two years for 4 years). The legal system is based on the American and Western European legal systems. The Supreme Court consists of 9 courts, which are appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate, the Constitution of Argentina adopted on 05/01/1853, revised in August 1994. The eastern part of Argentina is flat, in the west - the Andes, in the southwest - the Patagonian plateau. The climate is tropical in the north, subtropical to the south, temperate in the south. Average January temperatures in the north are + 28 ° С, in the south + 10 ° С, July 18 and GS, respectively. Precipitation ranges from 100-300 mm in the west to 1400-1600 mm per year in the east. The main rivers are Parana, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chubut, Rio Negro, Rio Colorado. Wet meadow steppes, savannas, subtropical forests (mainly in the mountains). National Parks: Nahuel Huapi, Los Glaciares, Los Alerses, Lanin, etc.

In ancient times, the territory of Argentina was inhabited by Indians. In the first half of the XVI century. it was conquered by the Spanish conquista doras; a large feudal land tenure using slave labor. In 1816, during the War of Independence of the Spanish Colonies in America, 1810-1826. the independent state of the United Provinces of La Plata was created (in 1826 they were transformed into the Federal Republic of Argentina; In the 20th century, the positions of foreign capital strengthened in Argentina (from the middle of the 19th century, mainly English, then the USA). the country was ruled mainly by the military, who pursued a policy in the interests of the latifundists, the big bourgeoisie and foreign monopolies.After World War II, H. D. Peron enjoyed great influence in Argentina (elected president of Argentina in 1946; combining populism with measures aimed at strengthening the position of the national In 1955, Peron was overthrown by the military, but the influence of Peronism among the broad masses remained (and in 1974 Nero was elected President; Since 1976, the rule of the military was established. Falkland Islands (Malvinas; Islands, made an unsuccessful attempt to master them.

And promotes economic development country.

general characteristics

The name "Argentina" is often translated as "silver", which is why it is often called the Country of Silver Mountains. is the city of Buenos Aires, other major settlements: Cordoba, La Plata, Salta, Rosario. The population of the country is 44 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish.

Argentina is a republic. Administratively, the territory is divided into 22 provinces, a national territory and a capital district. The head of state is the president, who is elected every 6 years. Higher bodies the authorities are represented by a bicameral parliament and a cabinet of ministers.

Argentina: geographic location

The state is located in South America. More precisely, the geographical position of Argentina is defined as follows: Eastern mainland South America. In addition to the mainland, the country includes many small islands and the eastern part of the Earth. In the south and west, it borders Chile, in the north - with Bolivia, in the northeast with Paraguay and Brazil. The country's eastern neighbor is Uruguay. The Atlantic Ocean washes it from the eastern side, the subantarctic waters from the south.

The area of ​​Argentina is 2,780 thousand square meters. km. Of all the countries on the mainland, only Brazil surpasses it in size. The territory of the country is strongly stretched from north to south, the shores are not much dissected. In the southeastern part, the La Plata estuary, formed by the Uruguay and Parana rivers, cuts into the coast for almost 300 kilometers.

Argentina's position in the historical and geographical regions is similar to that of Chile, Uruguay and (a disputed territory between Argentina and Great Britain).

Natural features

The geographical position of Argentina and its great length have led to a varied relief and climatic conditions country. According to them, the territory of Argentina can be divided into four natural regions.

The first region contains large mountain ranges- Andes. They are located along the western border of the country. Mountain ranges in the south, covered with snow and ice, reach a height of about 4 thousand meters. In this region there is also a large lake region, continuing on the territory of Chile. In the northwestern part of the Andean ranges are much higher. There is little precipitation, so there are high-altitude steppes and deserts.

The Northern Plains region is located between the Andes and Paraguay. it subtropical zone with heavy rainfall. There are many rivers in this area, which often overflow, flooding the banks (especially in the Chaco Plain). The plains are mainly used for grazing.

The third region - Pampa - is flat and hilly. Its relief is composed of loose sedimentary deposits. There are several low hills in the east. In the southern part, the height of the plains decreases, and there are many marshes here. Loess occupies a large part of Pampa. On western border the area is sand dunes.

Patagonia is located in southern Argentina, between the Andes and Atlantic Ocean... This natural area is characterized by frequent winds and a dry climate. On the western border there is a chain of deep depressions (mountain depressions), the sea coast is steep. From west to east, the Patagonia plateau is indented by canyons.

Economy

The economic and geographical position of Argentina is very favorable. Most of the borders are land borders - about three quarters. Argentina stretches 3.7 thousand km from north to south, and 1.4 thousand km from east to west. The coastline has a length of 2.5 thousand km, which contributes to the development of trade relations.

In general, the geographical position of Argentina creates favorable conditions for the establishment of external contacts and economic growth of the country. However, there are a number of reasons that impede rapid development. The first reason is a significant distance from the most profitable trade relations countries, for example from North America, Europe and Southeast Asia. The second is the similarity in the specialization of manufactured goods with neighboring countries.

Among the countries of Latin America, Argentina is one of the most powerful. The main place in the country's economy is occupied by the service sector (57.2%). The industrial sector is also well developed. The predominant industry is ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, uranium, woodworking, oil refining industries. The country has some of the world's largest uranium deposits.

Agriculture accounts for only 9.9% of the state economy; corn, wheat, fruits, and tobacco crops are grown. In the field of animal husbandry, beef cattle breeding and meat and wool sheep breeding are developing. Agricultural products produced by Argentina meet the country's own needs and are also exported outside of its borders.

Conclusion

The South American country, due to its extension from north to south, is located in several natural and climatic zones... Its territory is divided into four natural areas: Andes, Northern Plains, Pampa and Patagonia. The fertile plains of Pampa and the Northern Plains region contribute to the development of agriculture in the country. The large sea border creates conditions for foreign trade relations. The main economic areas of Argentina are industry and services.

You can go to Argentina at any time of the year: the question is where and for what purpose you are going to go. The best time to travel to the Iguazu Falls is during the warm and not too humid autumn months (March-April). The Patagonia Plateau is best traveled in summer (December-February). Ski enthusiasts should plan a trip during the snowy winter months (June-August), while the beauty of Buenos Aires can be enjoyed all twelve months of the year. Ironically, Argentina does not boast an eventful cultural calendar. Among the official holidays not related to religion, it is worth noting Revolution Day (May 25), Malvinas Day (June 10) and Columbus Day (October 12).
This country has everything - many kilometers of beaches and some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, endless deserts and amazingly beautiful waterfalls, huge megalopolises and wild, uninhabited expanses of southern Patagonia. Buenos Aires - Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral (which houses the tomb of Jose da San Martin - the country's national hero during the struggle for independence), Museum of Natural Sciences, Museum of Fine Arts, International Art Gallery, Museum `Fernandez Blanco` ( Colonial Art Museum), San Martin Cultural Center, National Museum of Art, Cinema Museum, National Historical Museum, numerous examples of colonial architecture, the famous Colon Theater, the center of opera and ballet art throughout South America, 9 July Avenue (the world's largest shopping area ). The most curious excursions are considered the Fiesta Gaucho and Tango Show - acquaintance with the life, cuisine, customs and music of the gaucho - Argentine cowboys, an entertaining performance, in which the best dancers of the country participate. Of particular interest is the picturesque Italian suburb of La Boca and the resort of Mar del Plata, 400 km away. south of Buenos Aires. Cordoba is the second largest city in Argentina. From an architectural point of view, Cordoba surpasses the capital in many ways. In the compact center of the city, there are beautiful ensembles of buildings from colonial times - the old market, the Catholic cathedral and much more. The city is home to one of the best historical museums in the country.
On the border of Argentina with Brazil and Paraguay is the famous national park Iguazu, covering an area of ​​55 thousand hectares. The park is considered one of the modern wonders Sveta is 275 waterfalls, pouring 5,000 cubic meters of water per second from a height of 70 meters. It has preserved thousands of species of exotic birds, butterflies and unique tropical vegetation. Nearby are the ruins of the Jesuit missions, of particular interest is San Ignacio Mini, a Baroque Guarani church. Above the falls are comfortable seats for occupation water sports... Argentina has both sea and ski resorts. It is worth noting Bariloche, located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, which is often referred to as South American Switzerland due to the similarity of landscape, architecture and production of high quality chocolate. Hunting and fishing are allowed here, you can play golf and ski from the Cathedral Mountain, which is equipped with a cable car. Miramar is also a major seaside resort, 137 km away. south of Mar del Plata. The main natural attractions are the nat. parks Nahuel Huapi, Los Glaciares, Lanin and others. Ocean cruises to Cape Horn, Antarctica and Patagonia are especially popular among tourists.