TO, UPU, WCL, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Octavio BORDON
chancery: 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 238-6400
FAX: [1] (202) 332-3171
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Earl Anthony WAYNE
embassy: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires
mailing address: international mail: use street address; APO
address: Unit 4334, APO AA 34034
telephone: [54] (11) 5777-4533
FAX: [54] (11) 5777-4240

Flag description:
three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light
blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a
human face known as the Sun of May

Economy Argentina

Economy - overview:
Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate
population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a
diversified industrial base. Although one of the world's wealthiest
countries 100 years ago, Argentina suffered during most of the
twentieth century from recurring economic crises, persistent fiscal
and current account deficits, high inflation, mounting external
debt, and capital flight. Beginning in 1998, with external debt
equivalent to more than 400 percent of annual exports, economic
growth slowed and ultimately fell into a full-blown depression, as
investors' fears grew in the wake of Russia's debt default,
political discord caused by then-President Carlos MENEM's unpopular
efforts to run for a constitutionally prohibited third term, and
Brazil's devaluation. The government of Fernando DE LA RUA, elected
President in late 1999, tried several measures to cut the fiscal
deficit and instill confidence and received large IMF credit
facilities, but nothing worked to revive the economy. Depositors
began withdrawing money from the banks in late 2001, and the
government responded with strict limits on withdrawals. When street
protests turned deadly, DE LA RUA was forced to resign in December
2001. Interim President Adolfo Rodriguez SAA declared a default, the
largest in history, on Argentina's foreign debt, but he stepped down
only a few days later when he failed to garner political support
from the country's governors. Eduardo DUHALDE became President in
January 2002 and announ