Urban Population Distribution
Argentina has a predominantly urban population. The top ten metropolitan areas account for half the nation’s residents. Very few people live in rural regions.
Buenos Aires: The Heart of Argentina
Buenos Aires, the capital, shelters around 3 million people. Including its suburban areas, the number escalates to 14 million. This makes it one of the top 15 most populous urban regions globally.
Other Metropolitan Centers
Córdoba and Rosario each have nearly 1.3 million people. Six cities—Mendoza, Tucumán, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Salta, and Santa Fe – house at least half a million residents each.
Regional Population Disparities
Population distribution is not even across the provinces. The Pampa region, covering just 21% of Argentina, is home to 61% of the population. Buenos Aires Province has 17.5 million residents, Córdoba Province 4 million, while Santa Fe Province and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires each have over 3 million.
Density Variations by Province
Tucumán is notably dense with 75 people per square kilometer. This number far exceeds the global average. On the other end, Santa Cruz has a sparse 1.4 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Immigration in the 19th Century
Argentina saw a surge in immigrants in the mid-19th century. Factors like favorable policies, wars, and poverty in their native lands drove this migration. The majority came from Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and Japan.
Argentina’s Global Immigration Rank
During this period, Argentina was second only to the US in immigrant intake. It surpassed nations like Canada, Brazil, and Australia.
European Influence on Urban Design
European immigrants, seeking jobs and education, mainly settled in cities. Their influence is evident in Argentine cities, with designs reminiscent of Paris.
Historical City Layout
Traditional Argentine cities followed a colonial Spanish grid pattern. A central plaza surrounded by essential buildings characterized this design. Many cities still possess this checkerboard or “damero” layout.
La Plata: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
La Plata, conceptualized by Pedro Benoit in the late 19th century, fused the traditional grid with diagonal avenues. This design innovation made it South America’s first city with electric street lighting.