GEOGRAPHY - Comparison of Two Latin American Nations -CHILE and ARGENTINA - Essay Example

GEOGRAPHY - Comparison of Two Latin American Nations CHILE and ARGENTINA A developed nation is one that has a high GDP per capita. When we compare Chile and Argentina, it can be noted that the per capita GDP of Argentina is higher ($13,100) than that of Chile ($11,300). The standard of living is another way to measure the development and it refers to the quality and quantity of goods and services available to people and the way these services and goods are distributed within a population. It is generally measured by standards such as income inequality, poverty rate, real (i.e. inflation adjusted) income per person.

Other measures such as access and quality of health care, educational standards and social rights are often used tools. If we compare these factors, it can be noted that the population below poverty line is high in Argentina (38.5%) than in Chile (18.2%). In terms of inflation rates also Argentina has a higher inflation rate than Chile and hence it can be noted that the cost of living is high in Argentina than in Chile. When we compare these factors such as population under poverty line and inflation rate, it can be said that Chile is a better developed nation than Argentina.

Though Argentina in more industrialized than Chile, unemployment rate is high in Argentina. Argentina and Chile have good infrastructure including railroads, highways, airports and telecommunications facilities. Comparatively, Argentina has better infrastructure than Chile.The idea of a standard may be contrasted with the quality of life, which takes into account not only the material standard of living, but also other more subjective factors that contribute to human life, such as leisure, safety, cultural resources, social life, mental health, environmental quality issues etc.

When we compare these factors, Chile is comparatively safer and peaceful than Argentina. The potential for terrorist activity is low in Chile where as in Argentina individuals and organizations with ties to extremist groups, including some known to provide financial support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, operate in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, in the tri-border area between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. It was also noted that Argentina has seen in recent years, a number of small bomb/incendiary incidents in metropolitan Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, Santa Fe, and other cities.

The bulk of the targets have been bank branches (ATMs), fast food restaurants, and Argentine government-affiliated offices.  These incidents usually occurred in the middle of the night and appeared intended to cause only property damage. The crime rates are low to moderate throughout Chile where as it is a problem for residents and visitors alike in Argentina. All of these make Argentina less safe than Chile. Health and wellness among the people is another measure of development of a nation.

When we compare the medical facilities of both these countries it can be noted that the medical services provided are good. The public health system in Argentina provides emergency and non-emergency services free of charge to all, regardless of nationality or immigration status. In Chile, the medical care, though generally good, may not meet U.S. standards, especially in remote areas. However, if we compare the Infant mortality rate and the Death Rate, Chile is in a better position than Argentina.

In conclusion, Chile is more developed place than Argentina, in terms of economy, safety and security and health care.