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The People of Argentina

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Over one-third of Argentina’s 36.1 million inhabitants reside in Buenos Aires, the capital of the country. This, together with the other urban sections, accounts for nearly 90% of the total population. The primary indigenous peoples are the Mapuche in Patagonia and the Quechua of the northwest. Other subsidiary groups include the Tobas and the Matacos in the Chaco region and other northeastern cities. The majority of Argentines are white, 97% in fact, making up nearly the totality of the population. This is the result of European immigration in the beginning of the 20th century, primarily Italians and Spaniards.

The country of Argentina contains fervent Anglo-Argentine and Jewish communities. In addition, tiny communities of Chileans, Japanese, and Bolivians can be found as well as communes of Uraguayan and Paraguayan residents.

The universal language of Argentina is Spanish (or castellano, as Argentines choose to call it), however, a majority of the natives and immigrants maintain their mother languages as a sense of pride. Some Indian languages, such as Quichua, Guarani, or Araucano, are also spoken in the inner country of Argentina.

Throughout history, Argentina was considered to be one of the best Latin American countries pertaining to the standards of living. Unfortunately, this has changed somewhat due to the extended economic, social, and political slump the country recently experienced. The traditional Argentinean middle class has grown smaller and the number of those who are newly poor continues to rise. Despite these setbacks, there have been some continuing positives in the education system: a low illiteracy rate and basic education is mandatory and free of charge for children between the ages of 6-14.

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