Argentina

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Argentina is the  second-largest country in South America (after Brazil), with a population of slightly over 40,000,000, of whom well over a quarter live in the greater Buenos Aires area.

Although one of the world’s wealthiest countries a century ago, the economy which has been very turbulent over the years, going from rich to bankrupt overnight, but having recovered strongly since the crash of 2001-2002.

Argentina remains one of the most attractive countries in the world for expat living. The country benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base.  Today it offers excellent value compared to, for example, Brazil or Chile which have become very expensive.

Argentina boasts a variety of terrains, from rich plains of the Pampas famous for cattle raising in northern half, the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, and rugged Andean land along western border.

Buenos Aires, commonly known as the “Paris of South America”, is a world class, cosmoplitan city with a European feel. The 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. The economy has recovered strongly since the devaluation in 2002, but there are still excellent real estate bargains to be found.

Another major attraction for expats is of course Argentina’s wine country, for example the Mendoza region bordering Chile. Mendoza, one of Argentina’s 23 provinces, accounts for 70% of national vinculture. It offers an excellent base for expats who find the city of Buenos Aires too stifling, especially in summer. The only downside of Mendoza is that it is prone to earthquakes.