Climate and Vegetation
Argentina's climate ranges from sub-tropical in the n to temperate in the s, with extremely harsh conditions in the high Andes. Rainfall is abundant in the ne. Gran Chaco is a forested region, known for its quebracho trees. Mesopotamia and the Pampas are grassy regions with large farms. Patagonia is too arid for farming.

History and Politics
Spanish explorers reached the coast in 1516, and settlers followed in search of silver and gold. Spanish rule continued until revolutionaries, led by General Belgrano, overthrew the viceroy in 1810. by 1816 liberation was complete and Argentina declared independence. A long civil war ensued between centralizers and federalists.

Following General Juan Manuel de Rosas' dictatorship (1835–52), Argentina adopted a federal constitution (1853). The presidency of General Julio Roca (1880–86, 1898–1904) saw the triumph of federalism and the development of Argentina's trading economy. For much of World War II, Argentina was a pro-Axis ‘neutral’ power. In 1944 Ramón Castillo was overthrown in a military coup led by Juan Perón, and Argentina switched to the Allies. With the aid of his wife, Eva, Perón established a popular dictatorship. In 1955, a military junta overthrew Perón. Political instability dominated the 1960s, with the military seeking to dampen Perónist support. In 1973 an ailing Perón returned from exile to head a civilian government. He was succeeded (1974) by his third wife, Isabel Martinez Perón, who was in turn deposed by a coup (1976). Military rule (1976–83) was characterized by the so-called ‘Dirty War’. Torture, ‘disappearances’ and wrongful imprisonment were commonplace.

In 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, precipitating the Falklands War. Britain quickly recaptured the islands. Elections in 1983 saw the restoration of civilian rule. In 1989 elections, the Perónist Carlos Menem became president. After a decade in power, Fernando de la Rúa defeated the Perónists in 1998 elections. In December 2001, de la Rúa resigned after 25 people died in riots against the government's austerity measures. In 2002, the Perónist Eduardo Duhalde became president.

Economy
Argentina is an upper-middle-income developing country (2000 GDP per capita, US$23,900) plagued by corruption and public debt. Agriculture dominates the economy: its main products are beef, maize, and wheat. Other crops include citrus fruits, cotton, grapes for wine, sorghum, soya, and sugar cane. Almost 90% of the population live in urban areas. Industries include car manufacture, electrical equipment, and textiles. Products from Argentina. Made in Argentina. Argentina Shopping, Argentina Shopping Malls, Argentina Gift Shops, Shops in Argentina for gifts and souvenirs. Made in Argentina.