Argentina

Location Type
Parent Location

Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world and the largest Spanish-speaking nation, with a population of over 44 million people. The country’s capital and largest city is Buenos Aires. Despite periods of economic problems in the 20th and early 21st centuries, Argentina has become one of the wealthiest Latin American countries, which benefits from natural resources including oil, silver, and copper. The country also thrives from an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Argentina is a highly literate population, with 97% of the population being well-educated. The country’s favorite sport is soccer or football, and is rich in animal and plant species. Argentina is also a founding member of the United Nations, World Bank, World Trade Organization, Mercosur, Community of Lati American and Caribbean States and the Organization of Ibero-American States.

  • Has gained a reputation for sovereign defaults
    • At least 8 defaults since 1827, most recently in 2014
    • Additional periods of sovereign debt bear markets and near defaults

100 Year Bonds (Century Bonds)
  • In June 2017 Argentina raised $2.75 billion via a 100-year dollar bond.
  • A year late the country faced fiscal issues - requiring a bailout from the IMF
  • The price of the bonds dropped below 70 cents / dollar
  • The bonds were considered by some to represent a peak insanity
    • Who would sign up for a 100 year loan to a country that has had 8 defaults in the past?