Ar·gen·ti·na [ rjən tnə ]country that occupies most of the southern tip of South America. It was settled by the Spanish in the 16th century and became independent in 1816. Languages: Spanish. Currency: peso argentino. Capital: Buenos Aires. Population: 38,740,807 (2003).
Area: 2,780,400 sq km (1,073,518 sq mi.) Official name Argentine Republic