Buenos Aires is one of the most populated cities in the world, but it is part of a country with a low population density. How is it possible that one city concentrates so many people while the rest of Argentina does not?
If we order the world's cities according to population, Buenos Aires ranks 23rd in Latin America, only surpassed by Mexico City and Sao Paulo. Together with its metropolitan area, the Argentine capital is home to almost 17 million people, which represents 36% of the country's total population, despite occupying only 0.5% of the surface area. Comparatively, Mexico City concentrates 19% of its country's population, and Sao Paulo, 11%.
Argentina has a density of 16 people per square kilometer, placing it in the 20% of the least densely populated countries in the world. This paradox arises from the concentration of population in Buenos Aires, but this was not always the case. In past centuries, the area was almost unpopulated, while other regions such as Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) or Cuzco (in Peru) were prominent urban centers. Buenos Aires was founded in the 16th century, but it was not until 1776, with the creation of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata and the consolidation of the port, that the city began to gain relevance.
The demographic exploitation of Buenos Aires took place towards the end of the 19th century, driven by political and economic stability after independence and the arrival of railroad investments, especially British, which helped develop an advanced railroad network. This economic growth attracted immigrants, mainly from Italy and Spain, but also from countries such as Germany, Poland and Syria. Buenos Aires became a magnet for those seeking better opportunities, both foreign and domestic. Throughout the 20th century, the city continued to attract people from other provinces of the country, many of whom settled in Greater Buenos Aires, fueling industrial growth.
During the 20th century, several governments attempted to decentralize the population with measures such as industrial promotions, differential salaries for specific regions and even the proposal to move the capital to Viedma in 1986. However, the concentration in Buenos Aires never stopped increasing. In addition, in recent decades, Buenos Aires has received new waves of migrants from neighboring countries and other continents.
The contrast between the north and south of the country is also striking. Six northern provinces, which occupy a third of Argentina's territory, are home to only 6% of the population. Meanwhile, areas such as Patagonia, despite its natural beauty, are sparsely populated due to its harsh climate and long distances between cities.
The concentration of population in Buenos Aires brings with it urban, economic and political challenges. Looking to the future, alternatives could be explored to achieve greater demographic balance, such as encouraging the growth of smaller intermediate cities, where the quality of life is better and access to services is easier. With the pandemic, many people began to work remotely, which could facilitate decentralization, promoting the creation of new cities and improving life in the interior of the country.
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