Argentina’s Population Shifts: Migration & Demographics
Territorial Mobility of Population
Population movement is driven by economic, political, and religious factors, resulting in migration: people changing residence from one place to another.
Historical Migration Patterns
Migration through Time: In the 19th century, Argentina experienced significant European immigration due to socio-political conflicts. Later, neighboring countries contributed to migratory movements. Internal migration is closely linked to urbanization and the search for work.
20th Century Migration
In the late 20th century, Asian immigrants (Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese) arrived, along with Eastern Europeans from the former Soviet bloc. Currently, Argentina has a notable presence abroad.
Refugees
Refugees are individuals forced to leave their home countries due to war, military occupation, or religious and political persecution, seeking refuge elsewhere. Many refugees are elderly and children.
Internal Migration and Regional Contrasts
Provinces experience varying levels of population expulsion and reception, leading to diverse population densities in adjacent jurisdictions.
Population Density
Population density measures the number of residents in an area, categorized as medium-high or low.
Population Growth and Estimates
Sustained Increase: The 2001 census recorded 36 million people, showing steady population growth over the 20th century. This growth has social, cultural, and economic consequences.
Population Estimates: The INDEC (National Institute of Statistics and Censuses) conducts censuses and maintains a population database. Population estimates are based on natural growth (births minus deaths) and net migration (immigration minus emigration).
In urban areas like Cordoba and Rosario, birth rates decrease due to improved living conditions (drinking water, gas, housing, healthcare), impacting mortality and infant mortality rates in provinces like Chaco and Mendoza.
Population Distribution in Argentina
Population distribution is uneven due to diverse social groups and natural elements. Since the 16th century, Spanish settlements in cities like Tucuman, Salta, and Jujuy have shaped population patterns. Over 89% of Argentina’s population lives in urban settlements, primarily in the AMBA (Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area) and the Pampas plains.
Regional Variations
- Eastern Plains: Regular and continuous distribution of settlements connected by national and provincial routes, railways, waterways, and highways.
- Diagonal Arid Region and Patagonia: Discontinuous population distribution in mountainous areas, with main nuclei concentrated in valleys.
Population Density
Density is measured as inhabitants per square kilometer. High density is found in AMBA, Rosario, and Cordoba, while Patagonian provinces and Mendoza have low densities (less than one inhabitant per square km).
Other Population Movements
- Daily Commutes: Regular daily movements of people.
- Tourism: Seasonal travel across the country.
- Seasonal Workers: Temporary relocation for work.
Population Composition Factors
Population composition is influenced by sex, age, origin of inhabitants, immigration patterns (e.g., predominantly European men in the past), living conditions, number of children per couple, and an aging population (people over 65).