Research Library: Argentina
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Last Updated Sep 25, 2009
Country Information
Government
- Argentina is a republic comprised of 23 provinces. The head of state and government is the president who is elected by popular vote for one four-year term (eligible for multiple terms with restrictions). The bicameral National Congress is comprised of the Senate which has 72 seats and the Chamber of Deputies that has 257 seats. Representatives are directly elected. The next elections will be in October 2009.
- President Christina Fernandez De Kirchner was elected in October 2007. Her popularity was largely helped by that of her husband, former President Nester Kirchner. President Fernandez De Kirchner served as a provincial deputy, a national deputy, and a senator before serving as her husband's chief advisor during his time in power.
Political Stability
- Starting in 1943, Colonel Juan Peron ruled over Argentina after a military coup. He was exiled in 1955 and a civilian government was established. Peron regained power in 1973 after the civilian government failed to fix the economy and end terrorism. In 1974, Peron's third wife, Isabel Peron, succeeded him only to be exiled by the military in 1976. The military rule became known as the "Dirty Wars" because 10,000-30,000 people "disappeared". Corruption, human rights abuses and economic problems forced the military to relinquished power and democracy returned to Argentina in 1983.
- The two main traditional parties in Argentina are the Justicialist Party (PJ), also called the Peronist and supported by the working class, and the Union Civica Radical (UCR), supported by the middle class. Two new political parties are emerging, the Civic Coalition (CC), a leftist party, and the Republican Proposal party, a center right power located mostly in Buenos Aires.
Current Government Policies
- It is believed that President Fernandez De Kirchner will continue her husband's work to increase growth and control inflation. Inflation is one of the largest problems for the current administration. One-fourth of Argentina's population is still below the poverty line and the prices of basic commodities continue to rise. President Fernandez is also expected to focus on foreign policy, maintaining ties to regional neighbors and cementing a more stable relationship with the US.
International Reputation
- In contrast with its past, Argentina is working hard to counter human rights abuses by partaking in joint operations and peacekeeping mission. Currently, 600 troops are serving as peace keepers in Haiti. Argentina continues to strengthen relations with its neighboring countries and hopes to expand MERCOSUR, a trading bloc that promotes free trade. Argentina-US relations are strong and continue to grow. In 1998, the US named Argentina a major non-NATO ally and works with Argentina to counter terrorism, increase free trade and promote educational exchanges.
Economics
- Argentina's economy suffered throughout most of the 20th century due to recurring economic crises (the peak of which occurred in 2001-2002), high inflation, and escalating international debt. The severe bottoming out of the economy in the 2002 catastrophe resulted in roughly 60% of Argentineans living below the poverty line. Former President Kirchner instituted several reforms such as price restraints on businesses and export taxes to stabilize the economy.
- The economy has sustained an impressive recovery after the 2001 depression with GDP growth at 8% from 2002 to 2007. Poverty and high unemployment remain serious problems despite the economic recovery. The production of agricultural goods such as grains and cattle provide the backbone to Argentina's export economy. While Argentina is doing well, economic experts identified several potential challenges to continual growth. Capacity constraints and poor investment in primary infrastructure could lead to future problems. One current problem facing President Fernandez De Kirchner is Argentina's $27-28 billion debt from the 2001-2002 economic crises.
Foreign Aid
- Received an emergency bail-out loan package from the World Bank estimated at $500 million (2001).
Argentina is a net recipient of official development assistance. For more information see the OECD Aid at a Glance chart.
Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.
Web Resources
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