Physical Patterns
Despite their close continental proximity, Brazil and Argentina are strikingly different geographically. Highlands prevail in Brazil, and the rest is lowland relief (Martins). The territory of Argentina is mainly composed of flat plains and plateaus; there are small areas of foothills, highlands, and canyons adjacent to the Andean zone (Calvert). When comparing vegetation, Brazil wins in terms of flora diversity and quantity. It includes caatinga, woodlands, “rainforest, widely dispersed grasslands, and mangrove swamps” (Martins). Argentine flora consists of subtropical and drought-tolerant scrub forests, subtropical rainforests, plains, and desert plants (Calvert). The climate differs, with Brazil being in the tropics and Argentina in the temperate zone. Environmental problems in Brazil are of human-made character, and these include deforestation, destruction of ecosystems and natural cycles of flora and fauna, and poaching (Martins). Argentina’s ecological issues are comparatively less extensive and critical; the only notable is the dry winds generated by the natural rain shadow zone (Calvert). The geography and nature of Argentina are less diverse, but the country successfully preserves them.
Human Patterns
These countries have a genesis and major historical patterns similar to most other states of the South American continent. For example, Brazil and Argentina emerged from trading and manufacturing colonies founded by European colonizers from the Iberian Peninsula in the 16th century (Matins). Another interesting thing is that both countries became independent from their mother countries in the 19th century (Calvert). Both experienced a significant influx of European migrants during this period. Settlement patterns look alike since the populations of these countries are predominantly urban and prefer to live near the east coast of the continent (Matins). As one can see, the historical and societal similarities between Brazil and Argentina are incredibly striking.
Population Patterns
As well as with human patterns, similarities prevail in the populations of Brazil and Argentina. According to professionals in sociology and demography, “South America enjoys strong growth with an overall growth rate of over 1% per year” (“South American Population 2022”). The populations of the compared countries have significant percentages of children, adolescents, and young adults as well as “high fertility and a high birth rate” (“South American Population 2022”). The number of people in Brazil is slightly over two hundred million, and the Argentine figures are five times less (“South American Population 2022”). Brazil’s population density is higher at 25.29 points; this figure is about nine points lower for Argentina (“South American Population 2022”). Quantity is the only factor that generates differences in this comparative category.
Socio-Cultural Issues
The cultures of Argentina and Brazil are civilizational phenomena derived from a mix of European beliefs, societal norms, and rites and those of South American Indians, with the former prevailing. In addition, there is a significant African cultural component in Brazil in “music, dance, food, and religious practices” (Martins). Branches of Christianity such as Roman Catholicism and Protestantism are the dominant faith types in both regions. Brazilians predominantly speak modified Portuguese with influences from European, African, and local Indian languages (Martins). Spanish has the status of an official Argentinean language, but it differs from its original European version (Calvert). The women of societies in both regions experience significant gender gaps and informal discrimination; the situation is better in Argentina (“Gender Equality”). The cultures, social processes, and trends of the compared South American states have these similar features due to the close historical genesis of both explained above.
Economic and Political Issues
Brazil and Argentina are considered emerging nations with structurally imperfect but developing economies. Both Latin American countries are experiencing low unemployment and moderate economic growth of up to eight percent (“South American Population 2022”). The main market fields of the discussed economic zones are agriculture and mining, and economists observe the expansion of manufacturing and services (Martins). The governments of Brazil and Argentina operate within the system of federal democratic republics. Political problems of the compared countries come from persistent economic inequality and instability.
Works Cited
Calvert, Peter A. R. “Argentina.”Britannica, 2022.
“Gender Equality.”UNICEF, 2019.
Martins, Luciano. “Brazil.”Britannica, 2022.
“South American Population 2022.”World Population Review.