Brief History

In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. Eventually, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay went their own way, but the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were subsequently heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe, but most particularly Italy and Spain, which provided the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860 to 1930. Up until about the mid-20th century, much of Argentina's history was dominated by periods of internal political conflict between Federalists and Unitarians and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, an era of Peronist authoritarian rule and interference in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983, and has persisted despite numerous challenges, the most formidable of which was a severe economic crisis in 2001-02 that led to public protests and the resignation of several interim presidents. The economy has recovered strongly since bottoming out in 2002. (CIA World Factbook)

Argentina's robust recovery is partly the result of powerfully backed government initiatives that strongly encourage foreign investment. The current real estate investment boom is being driven by foreign investors eager to prosper in the advancing market. It seems the world has rediscovered Argentina in recent years for its charm, culture, tourism and investment potential. Argentina boasts a high quality of life, and cultured peoples with one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America. It has a well-developed infrastructure in terms of telecommunications, road and rail development, seaports, airports, and power, although improvements are needed. It is a warm and welcoming country of topographical diversity, with an endowment of land that accommodates some of the most prosperous agriculture in the world. These factors combine to present a wealth of investment opportunities to foreign investors looking to diversify their portfolios.