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Argentina -
(Amérique du Sud) Informations sur Argentina
The Argentine Republic forms, together with Chile and Uruguay, the southern cone of Latin America. One third of its population lives in the capital — Buenos Aires and Greater Buenos Aires. Due to the length of the country, the climate varies from semi-tropical to polar, and due to its width the topography varies from coastalto mountainous zones in the Andes. Historically, the country was colonized by the Spaniards and gained independence in 1816. The majority religion has been Roman Catholicism. The first Protestant groups to arrive were Presb from Scotland and Angl (1825-1829); they were authorized to work in English only. The Meth church made its appearance in 1836, followed in 1881 by the Bapt. The first immigrants, who later established the Argentine Reformed Church, arrived from Holland in 1886. By now, most of the historical churches have celebrated the 100th anniversary of their presence in the country. The historical churches also include the Waldensian Church in Argentina and Uruguay (cf. Uruguay), the Evangelical Church of the River Plate in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, the Disciples of Christ, and the United Lutheran Church. In the last few years the country has seen the emergence of a great number of Pentecostal churches, some open for ecumenical contacts, others based on a strong personal and individual ministry. All religious communities have to register with the Foreign Ministry. Église
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