Argentina is located in South America and has a diverse landscape ranging from jungles to mountains. It has a variety of climates including warm, moderate, arid, and cold. Most Argentines are descended from Spanish and Italian immigrants, though indigenous communities remain in the northeast. Culture has been influenced by European traditions and tango originated in Argentina. The official language is Spanish and Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion. Argentina gained independence from Spain in 1816 and has experienced both economic growth and decline in recent decades.