Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the eight largest in the world with a land size of 2,780,400 km2 (Central Intelligence Agency). As of July 2012, the population of the Spanish speaking nation is estimated to have reached 42,192,494 people (CIA). Buenos Aires is an autonomous city, the capital city and the largest city in Argentina with a population of 12 million (CIA). Other large cities in Argentina include Cordoba, Rosario, Tucuman, Rosario and Mendoza. 86% of Argentineans are of European descent (Italian and Spanish), 8% Mestizo (People of mixed heritage) (Lewis 18). Only 3% of the population is made up of the indigenous Amerindian people.
Argentina is a fairly developed country with a GDP per capita of $10,944. The Human Development Index places Argentina in the “Very high” category (Reid). The currency of Argentina is the peso which is equivalent to US$4.4. The country is endowed with several mineral resources such as lead, zinc, tin, iron ore, petroleum, Uranium and manganese (CIA). Major tourist attractions in Argentina include physical features such as the Andes Mountains, the famous Iguazu falls, glaciers, sandy beaches and cultural tourism. Popular Argentinean cuisines include locro (A mixture of meat, onions, corn, beans, bacon and meat), empanadas (Stuffed pastry) (Aeberhard 7). Yerba mate (an infused drink) is considered as the national drink of Argentina.
The Argentinean health sector has seen massive improvements in the last few decades. The life expectancy stands at an average of 77 years, infant mortality rates are at 7.36 deaths/1,000 population while the birth rate stands at 17.34/1000. The Country has a hospital bed capacity averaging at 4 beds/1000 people while the physician to population ratios stand at 3.155/1000 people (CIA). The challenges facing the health sector in Argentina stem from inequities in the allocation of resources to health and disparities in healthcare from province to province. The country faces extreme weather conditions at times while inaccessibility of remote villages and language barrier may pose challenges to new healthcare practitioners. However, graduate nurses in Argentina are fairly compensated earning an average annual salary of $23,000 (Average Salary Survey). The multicultural populace of Argentina and the stability of the country enhance convenience and career enjoyment among Argentinean nurses.
Works cited
Aeberhard, Danny. The rough guide to Argentina. London: Rough Guides, 2000. Print.
Average Salary Survey. “Average Salary in Argentina”. Average Salary Survey. Web. 23 April 2012 from: http://www.averagesalarysurvey.com/article/average-salary-in- argentina/08141905.aspx
Central Intelligence Agency. The World Fact Book: Argentina. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): Langley, 2012. Web. 23 April 2012 from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world- factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html#2119
Lewis, Paul. Languages of Argentina (16th ed.). Dallas: SIL International, 2009. Print.
Reid, Michael. Becoming a serious country. 2004. Web. 23 April 2012. http://www.economist.com/node/2704457
