Is Argentina a developed country? This is a question worth exploring. Argentina is a country in South America with rich natural resources and humanistic background, but its level of economic and social development has been controversial. This paper will explore Argentina's historical background, economic development, social issues and other perspectives, in order to be able to more comprehensive understanding of Argentina's development status.
I. Historical Background
1.1 Argentina's Colonial Period
Argentina used to be a Spanish colony during the colonial period, and became independent only in 1816. During this period, Argentina's economy was mainly based on agriculture, mainly growing crops such as wheat, corn and soybeans. At the same time, Argentina also began to develop animal husbandry, becoming one of the largest beef producers in South America.
1.2 Modern History of Argentina
At the beginning of the 20th century, Argentina began to gradually industrialize and became an ally during the Second World War. During this period, Argentina's economy grew rapidly and became one of the most developed countries in South America. However, in the 1950s, Argentina's political situation began to falter and its economy began to decline. By the 1970s, Argentina began to fall into an economic crisis, with an inflation rate of over 300%.
1.3 Modernization of Argentina
Despite a period of turmoil and crisis, Argentina began to gradually modernize in the early 21st century. During this period, Argentina began to implement reform policies, strengthen trade with other countries, and gradually open up the market. At the same time, Argentina also strengthened its investment in education, health care and other areas to improve the standard of living of its citizens.
2.1 Argentina's GDP
Argentina's GDP has been fluctuating. In the early 1900s, Argentina's GDP grew rapidly, but began to decline in the 1950s until it fell into economic crisis in the 1970s. By the beginning of the 21st century, Argentina's GDP began to gradually return to growth, but in 2018 it declined again.
2.2 Trade in Argentina
Argentina is an export-oriented country, and its main exports include agricultural products such as soybeans, wheat, corn, and beef. At the same time, Argentina also exports industrial goods such as automobiles, machinery and equipment. Argentina's major trading partners include countries such as Brazil, China, and the United States.
2.3 Argentina's External Debt Problem
Argentina's external debt problem has always existed. In the 1970s, Argentina began to borrow on a large scale, leading to a rapid growth in its external debt. By the 1980s, Argentina was in a serious debt crisis, with its external debt to GDP ratio exceeding 100%. Although at the beginning of the 21st century, Argentina began to gradually repay its external debt, its external debt problem has still not been fully resolved.
3. Social Problems
3.1 Gap between Rich and Poor
The gap between rich and poor has always existed in Argentina. Although Argentina is one of the relatively richer countries in South America, its wealth gap is still very obvious. According to statistics, more than 30% of Argentina's population lives below the poverty line.
3.2 Educational Problems
Argentina's educational problems are also relatively serious. Although the Argentine government has invested a lot of money in the field of education, the quality of its education is still problematic. According to statistics, more than 10% of the population in Argentina is illiterate.
3.3 Crime Problems
Crime problems are also more prominent in Argentina. Especially in big cities, the crime rate is very high. According to statistics, more than 2,000 people die every year in Argentina due to violent crimes.