Name: Argentina

Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay

Population: 39.3 million (UN, 2005)

Capital: Buenos Aires

Area: 2.8 million sq km (1.1 million sq miles)

Major language: Spanish

Major religion: Christianity

Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 78 years (women) (UN)

Currency: 1 peso = 100 centavos

Internet domain: .ar

International dialling code: +54

Time Zone: GMT -3

Flying Time: 10 hours from the UK

Voltage: 220 to 240 volts, 50 Hz, two pin plugs

Climate: Mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest. Buenos Aires is stiflingly hot in December. The coldest time is from May to October

Entry/Visa: A valid passport with at least six months left is required. A visa is also required. Argentina Passport and Visa

10 January 2008