Argentina - 1834

Although the Spanish colonization of Argentina started in 1536 (as Río de La Plata under Viceroyalty of Peru), the complete formation of today's Argentina occurred not before late 1880s. There was a time when Spain had colonized the entire South America, leaving Brazil for the Portuguese and the Guyanas were divided into British, Dutch and French (the French one still exists as an overseas French department in South America). The two gigantic Spanish colonies were Viceroyalties of New Granada and Peru that literally covered all of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and parts of Chile and Argentina. Patagonia, the southern part of South America was basically home to various indigenous tribes such as the Mapuches.

It was 1776 when Viceroyalty of Río de La Plata separated from Peru, which would cover up today's northern Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia (also known as Upper Peru) and Paraguay. In 1811 after the Argentine war of independence, the United Provinces of Río de La Plata was carved out, marking the earliest Argentine state. It consisted of today's Argentina (except Patagonia), southern Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay and parts of Brazil and Chile. In 1831, after separation of Chile, Paraguay (although some parts were still to be exchanged), Uruguay and Bolivia, the first Argentine Confederation was formed. For some 10 years between 1852 to 1862, territory of Buenos Aires would also separate (it was also a brief British colony for a few months in 1806) but would rejoin in 1860 to form Argentine Nation. In 1881, border would be made between Chile and Patagonia, thus adding the latter to Argentina.

Like some nations, Argentina also has a disputed territory - the Falkland Islands. Disputed between Argentina and United Kingdom, the former lays claim to it while the latter considers is as a British overseas territory. The imperial nations Britain, France and Netherlands all lay claim to have discovered the islands first with various names - Davis' Land or Hawkins Maydenlande (British), Sybold de Waerde Eylanden (Dutch) and Les Îles Malouines (French). The name 'Falkland' appeared first in 1702. After the French giving away the islands to the Spanish, it was juggled between the Spanish and the British, the latter still claiming it. Jumping to the 20th century, for a brief time the islands were under Argentine possession in 1982. In 2013, 99.8% of people chose to remain with the United Kingdom.

Although the name Argentina appeared first in 1536, it's official usage was done in the Argentine Constitution in 1826. It's well known that it's etymology is derived from the Latin word for 'silver', hence the symbol for the element in the Periodic Table as Ag (Argentum).

Below here is the map of Argentina in 1834 when it was still divided among Río de La Plata (or simply La Plata) and Patagonia (not as a country, but a geographical area of Indian tribes).