Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Argentina - statistics & facts
Argentina is not only the second largest country in Latin America by total area, but it is also the eighth largest in the world. A member of the G-15 and G-20 economies, Argentina boasts the third-largest economy in Latin America. In addition, Argentina is a founding member of the United Nations, WTO, World Bank Group, CELAC, and OEI.
The country has a total estimated population of approximately 47.16 million inhabitants. The capital and largest city, Buenos Aires, is home to over 15 million people, making it the most populated city in Argentina by far and third largest in Latin America. Moreover, a slight decline of the fertility rate over the last decade, has also shown a constantly decreasing population growth.
In summary, Argentina still faces quite a few issues such as inflation, poverty, and inequality. Nonetheless, it remains one of the regional leaders in some main economic indicators, being the second-highest economy of South America. The economic forecast still indicates a continue growth for at least the next five years.
The country has a total estimated population of approximately 47.16 million inhabitants. The capital and largest city, Buenos Aires, is home to over 15 million people, making it the most populated city in Argentina by far and third largest in Latin America. Moreover, a slight decline of the fertility rate over the last decade, has also shown a constantly decreasing population growth.
A long history of crises
Between 1998 and 2002, Argentina experienced a massive economic depression. The depression was a result of the Russian and Brazilian financial crises. Unemployment, inflation and debt rates in Argentina skyrocketed. This caused Argentina to default of its sovereign debts, leaving a legacy of poor fiscal discipline in an atmosphere of high borrowing fees that has been fueled by political rhetoric. Argentina has continued to struggle with inflation, with the inflation rate in Argentina in 2024 estimated to exceed 229 percent, one of the highest rates in the world. The high inflation and fear of another economic depression have opened up a large black market for foreign currency, especially in the metropolis of Buenos Aires. This situation is nothing new for the Argentine population, as the country has already a history of chronic and hyper-inflation.Ups and downs
Since 2009, gross domestic product in Argentina has fluctuated significantly. In addition, it is estimated that GDP per capita in Argentina has been similarly volatile. In the subsequent years, Argentina was able to strengthen its economy somewhat since the depression ended in 2002, which was aided by a consistent positive trade balance until 2014. In 2009, the country reported a record-high 16.9 billion U.S. dollars trade surplus. Surprising given the currency crisis, Argentina had a trade deficit in 2017 and 2018, suggesting economic headwinds, nonetheless, the South American country recorded positive balances from 2019 until 2022. Still, some signs point to an economic upswing, but dark clouds are also gathering. National debt in relation to gross domestic product and the country's budget deficit are likely to increase for most of the foreseeable future.In summary, Argentina still faces quite a few issues such as inflation, poverty, and inequality. Nonetheless, it remains one of the regional leaders in some main economic indicators, being the second-highest economy of South America. The economic forecast still indicates a continue growth for at least the next five years.
