- Buenos Aires is presented as a central city for culture and business in Latin America.
1. City Overview
- Population: The city’s population is approximately 3.12 million as of 2022. The greater metropolitan area (Urban Metro) is estimated at around 16.40 million people for 2022-2023.
- Area: The city’s administrative area covers approximately 203 km². The metropolitan area spans about 3,833 km².
- Languages: The official language is Spanish. Due to a significant foreign-born population (around 38%), various other languages coexist.
- Religion: The majority religion is Christianity, primarily Catholicism. Buenos Aires also has one of the largest Jewish communities.
- HDI: The Human Development Index (HDI) for Buenos Aires was 0.882 in 2021.
- City Grade: It is categorized as a “Beta-” Global City by GaWC in 2025.
- Time Zone: The city operates on ART, UTC−03:00.
2. History
- Colonial Formation and Growth (1536–1880): The city was settled by Spain in 1536 and rebuilt in 1580. In 1880, it was separated as an autonomous district and designated as the federal capital.
- 20th Century and Modern Development: European immigration waves solidified its image as the “Paris of the Pampas,” leading to enhanced public transport and cultural infrastructure. Despite political and economic crises, the city has experienced recovery, with pop-up cultures and fluidity coexisting.
3. Geography
- Location: Buenos Aires is situated on the northwestern coast of the Río de la Plata, with low elevation.
- Terrain: The city center features coastal cliffs. The southern Riachuelo River area is vulnerable to flooding.
- Administrative Divisions: It is composed of 15 communes (자치구). The city has a high-density urban spatial structure compared to Seoul.
4. Culture
- Multicultural Art City: Buenos Aires is known for its European-style architecture and bohemian neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo, serving as a center for literature and art.
- Music and Dance: It is the birthplace of Tango, with street performances occurring every weekend.
- Emerging Community Center: An example is El Tambo Afro in San Telmo, which is an Afro-descendant women-centered startup and cultural space.
5. Environment
- Climate: The city experiences hot and humid summers and mild winters, with a low risk of natural disasters.
- Green Spaces and Bicycle Infrastructure: Buenos Aires has the EcoBici free public bicycle system and 195 km of bicycle lanes.
- Urban Challenges: The city is working on improving water and air quality in areas like the Riachuelo River, which is surrounded by impoverished housing.
6. Economy
- Gross Geographic Product (GGP): The city’s GDP is approximately $35 billion USD, and the metropolitan area’s GGP is around $236 billion USD as of 2022-2023. This makes it Latin America’s largest economic hub by PPP.
- Industry Structure: The economy is centered on finance, industry, and tourism. The Port of Buenos Aires boasts one of the highest cargo volumes in the world.
- Services and Events: Buenos Aires has been ranked first in business tourism in Latin America for 14 consecutive years by ICCA standards. It is projected to host 91 international events in 2024.
7. Key Locations
- Historical and Political Landmarks: Key sites include Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo.
- Cultural and Recreational Areas: Notable cultural venues are the Teatro Colón and MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires), which attracts 1 million visitors annually.
- Renovation and Trendy Districts: Puerto Madero is a regenerated old port area with luxury hotels and restaurants. San Telmo, Recoleta, and Palermo are prominent areas for art and gastronomy.
8. Conclusion
Buenos Aires stands as a key economic and cultural city in South America.
- Strengths: Its strengths include a high HDI, strong competitiveness in culture, business, and events, and its status as a global tourism hub.
- Challenges: The city faces challenges such as infrastructure imbalance, economic instability, and issues related to environment and urban regeneration.
- Future Strategies: Future plans involve expanding eco-friendly transportation based on bicycles and walking, promoting regeneration projects around rivers and coasts alongside social inclusion, and strengthening the foundation for sustainable tourism and business tourism.