An Introduction to Argentina
In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe, but most particularly Italy and Spain, which provided the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860 to 1930. See full country profile.Latest Research News from Argentina
GOVERNMENT: Republic
AREA: 2,780,400 sq km
POPULATION: 41,769,726 (July 2011 est.)
MAJOR LANGUAGE: Official Language: Spanish (de facto)
Some business and general info
The Market Research Industry
Trade and Industry in Argentina
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In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe, but most particularly Italy and Spain, which provided the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860 to 1930.
A country of contrasts, with vast areas of natural beauty including the Pampas and Patagonia, and one of the world's biggest conurbations in Buenos Aires, Argentina has a difficult political history with persistent tension between the military and civilian powers, and most recently a severe economic crisis in 2001-02 that led to violent public protests and the successive resignations of several presidents. However, its prospects are good, with the third largest economy in Latin America, a rating of 'Very High' on the Human Development Index, substantial foreign direct investment and a high tech export industry.
GDP: $596 billion (PPP) (2010 est.) - $14,700 per capita (2010 est.)
Religions Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practising), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%
Currency: Peso (ARS) = $1 = 6.59 ARS
Telephone Code: +54
MR Association(s):
SAIMO (Sociedad Argentina de Investigadores de Marketing y Opinin)
Argentina's MR industry is the fourth fastest growing in Latin America, behind Brazil, Paraguay and Honduras, showing a 13% net growth in 2010 to turn over $115m. This ranks Argentina's market 30th in the world.
Source: ESOMAR
Argentina has abundant natural resources, a well-educated population, an export-oriented agricultural sector and a relatively diverse industrial base, with the services sector accounting for around 59% of the economy and 72% of employment. High inflation is a perennial problem - catastrophic at intervals but currently hovering around an official rate of 9% (privately it is estimated at over 20%). In the last ten years, urban poverty has fallen dramatically and income distribution improved, 'though a short drive from the airport though slums to BA's elegant city centre will show at a glance what a long way both still have to go.
Like neighbouring Brazil the country has a positive balance of payments. 2010 saw $68.13bn of exports, just over a fifth of this going to Brazil, with other key partners being China, Chile and the USA and key products being soy (beans and derivatives), petrol, vehicles, corn and wheat. Imports worth $53.87bn came from Brazil (34.5% of trade), the USA, China and Germany and include machinery, vehicles, petrol, chemicals and plastics.
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laurence@mrweb.com
