Catamarca, Argentina

Located in South America, Argentina, officially known as the Argentine Republic, is the 8th largest country in the world. Human presence in this country can be traced as far back as the Paleolithic period. During Pre-Columbian times, the Inca Empire expanded to the northwest region of this country’s land. Spaniards explored and colonized this region during the 16th century. In 1776, Argentina was deemed a successor state to the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata of Spain. On May 25, 1810 Argentina became a country as it fought for independence from the Spanish crown. In 1819 an extended civil war lasted for years, ending int 1861. After this turmoil, Argentina found peace, with many Italtians and Spaniards immigrating and calling Argentina home. After the Great Depression of the 1930’s, Argentina was politically and economically unstable once again until 1983. The Argentine Republic claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands, and part of Antarctica.