STD Testing Centers
Argentine, MI
Same Day Service
No Doctor Visit Or Insurance Required
Accredited Drug Testing provides multiple STD tests at our Argentine, Michigan testing centers for individuals who may have been exposed to or showing symptoms of an STD. Millions of Americans have some form of an STD and our testing is provided in a confidential manner. STD tests at our Argentine, MI locations may be ordered for one specific type of test or you may order a multiple panel screening which includes several STD tests. Same day service is available, and we have multiple Argentine, Michigan STD testing centers within minutes of your home or office. All testing information and results are confidential.
3220 W SILVER LAKE RD 5.0 miles
FENTON, MI 48430
2377 S LINDEN RD 6.1 miles
FLINT, MI 48532
2265 S LINDEN RD STE A 6.1 miles
FLINT, MI 48532
11166 HIGHLAND RD 11.7 miles
HARTLAND, MI 48353
11554 HIGHLAND RD 11.8 miles
HARTLAND, MI 48353
3434 REGENCY DRIVE, SUITE B 12.4 miles
GRAND BLANC, MI 48439
8401 HOLLY RD 13.0 miles
GRAND BLANC, MI 48439
620 BYRON RD 13.3 miles
HOWELL, MI 48843
12751 S SAGINAW ST STE 701 13.5 miles
GRAND BLANC, MI 48439
6011 Porter Rd, 13.6 miles
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
2313 E HILL RD 13.7 miles
GRAND BLANC, MI 48439
1255 E GRAND RIVER AVE 13.7 miles
HOWELL, MI 48843
4185 E GRAND RIVER AVE 13.7 miles
HOWELL, MI 48843
190 S HIGHLANDER WAY 13.8 miles
HOWELL, MI 48843
200 S HIGHLANDER WAY 13.8 miles
HOWELL, MI 48843
12821 S. SAGINAW ST, STE D13 13.9 miles
GRAND BLANC, MI 48439
5494 S Dort Hwy 14.3 miles
Flint, MI 48507
2284 S BALLENGER HWY STE 2 14.8 miles
FLINT, MI 48503
1515 W ATHERTON RD 15.2 miles
FLINT, MI 48507
2300 GENOA BUSINESS PARK DR STE 120 15.4 miles
BRIGHTON, MI 48114
2305 GENOA BUSINESS PARK DR STE 170 15.4 miles
BRIGHTON, MI 48114
7960 GRAND RIVER RD STE 100 15.5 miles
BRIGHTON, MI 48114
1360 S MILFORD RD 15.5 miles
HIGHLAND, MI 48357
5080 Villa Linde Parkway, Suite 3 15.8 miles
Flint, MI 48532
401 S BALLENGER HWY 16.3 miles
FLINT, MI 48532
1397 S Linden Rd, Suite E 16.7 miles
Flint, MI 48532
3021 S DORT HWY STE A 16.8 miles
FLINT, MI 48507
G1071 N Ballenger Hwy, Suite 101 17.1 miles
Flint, MI 48504
649 S SAGINAW ST 17.1 miles
FLINT, MI 48502
1 Hurley Plaza 17.2 miles
Flint, MI 48503
8580 W GRAND RIVER AVE 17.3 miles
BRIGHTON, MI 48116
1459 S CENTER RD 18.3 miles
BURTON, MI 48509
4067 East Court St, Suite 4 18.7 miles
Burton, MI 48509
1460 N CENTER RD 19.3 miles
BURTON, MI 48509
1021 KARL GREIMEL DR 19.8 miles
BRIGHTON, MI 48116
2253 HAMPTON ST 20.2 miles
WHITE LAKE, MI 48386
239 N STATE RD 20.6 miles
OWOSSO, MI 48867
5825 Ortonville Rd, Suite 202 21.4 miles
Clarkston, MI 48346
30488 MILFORD RD 21.9 miles
NEW HUDSON, MI 48165
216 E COMSTOCK ST 22.3 miles
OWOSSO, MI 48867
1097 S State Rd, Unit 2 22.4 miles
Davison, MI 48423
6620 Highland Rd, Suite 200 22.7 miles
Waterford, MI 48327
826 W KING ST 23.2 miles
OWOSSO, MI 48867
6310 SASHABAW RD STE D 23.2 miles
CLARKSTON, MI 48346
100 HEALTH PARK DR 23.4 miles
OWOSSO, MI 48867
5800 Highland Rd 23.5 miles
Waterford, MI 48327
29600 S WIXOM RD 23.5 miles
WIXOM, MI 48393
2455 Union Lake Rd, 23.5 miles
Commerce Township, MI 48382
11515 N Saginaw St, 23.6 miles
Mount Morris, MI 48458
22316 PONTIAC TRL 25.2 miles
SOUTH LYON, MI 48178
47601 GRAND RIVER AVE STE B230 THE OUTPATIENT CENTER 26.9 miles
NOVI, MI 48374
4272 W Vienna Rd 27.0 miles
Clio, MI 48420
1265 West Huron Street, Suite 202 27.2 miles
Waterford, MI 48328
290 W WALTON BLVD 27.5 miles
PONTIAC, MI 48340
42875 GRAND RIVER AVE STE 101 28.3 miles
NOVI, MI 48375
42020 GRAND RIVER AVE STE B 28.5 miles
NOVI, MI 48375
461 W HURON ST 28.5 miles
PONTIAC, MI 48341
385 N LAPEER RD 28.5 miles
OXFORD, MI 48371
318 N LAPEER RD 28.6 miles
OXFORD, MI 48371
898 JOSLYN AVE GM PONTIAC POWERTRAIN TRAILER 28.7 miles
PONTIAC, MI 48340
31 OAKLAND AVE 29.0 miles
PONTIAC, MI 48342
33200 W 14 MILE RD, STE 170 29.2 miles
WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48322
40015 Grand River Road, Suite 115 29.5 miles
Novi, MI 48375
7125 ORCHARD LAKE RD STE 100 29.7 miles
WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48322
1375 S LAPEER RD 29.7 miles
LAKE ORION, MI 48360
1424 S Lapeer Rd, 29.8 miles
Lake Orion, MI 48360
39555 W 10 Mile Rd Ste 301 29.8 miles
Novi, MI 48375
3273 Davison Rd, Suite 6 29.9 miles
Lapeer, MI 48446
1881 W Grand River Ave 30.2 miles
Okemos, MI 48864
1915 N PERRY ST 30.4 miles
PONTIAC, MI 48340
944 BALDWIN RD STE D 30.8 miles
LAPEER, MI 48446
28595 ORCHARD LAKE RD STE 103 30.8 miles
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 106 31.2 miles
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
21800 HAGGERTY RD 31.5 miles
NORTHVILLE, MI 48167
3252 UNIVERSITY DR STE 130 31.8 miles
AUBURN HILLS, MI 48326
1254 N MAIN ST 31.9 miles
LAPEER, MI 48446
1375 N MAIN ST 31.9 miles
LAPEER, MI 48446
2191 S BLVD 32.0 miles
AUBURN HILLS, MI 48326
2900 HANNAH BLVD 32.0 miles
EAST LANSING, MI 48823
237 Davis Lake Rd, 32.5 miles
Lapeer, MI 48446
32620 GRAND RIVER AVE 32.6 miles
FARMINGTON, MI 48336
37595 7 MILE RD 32.8 miles
LIVONIA, MI 48152
1794 N Lapeer Rd Ste D 33.1 miles
Lapeer, MI 48446
26400 W 12 Mile Rd, Suite 117 33.2 miles
Southfield, MI 48034
PO BOX 511 34.6 miles
CHELSEA, MI 48118
775 S MAIN ST PO BOX 490 34.6 miles
CHELSEA, MI 48118
1100 S CEDAR ST 34.8 miles
MASON, MI 48854
2820 CROOKS RD Ste 400 35.0 miles
ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48309
1778 HOLLOWAY DR STE A 35.3 miles
HOLT, MI 48842
455 S Livernois Rd, Suite A-14 35.3 miles
Rochester, MI 48307
1322 E MICHIGAN AVE STE101 35.4 miles
LANSING, MI 48912
1101 W UNIVERSITY DR 35.5 miles
ROCHESTER, MI 48307
1115 S PENNSYLVANIA AVE STE 101 36.2 miles
LANSING, MI 48912
12970 S US HIGHWAY 27 36.2 miles
DEWITT, MI 48820
1785 W STADIUM BLVD 36.2 miles
ANN ARBOR, MI 48103
2720 Alpha Access St Ste C 36.3 miles
Lansing, MI 48910
1310 TURNER ST 36.6 miles
LANSING, MI 48906
1000 E STADIUM BLVD 36.8 miles
ANN ARBOR, MI 48104
1107 E MILLER RD 36.8 miles
LANSING, MI 48911
745 BARCLAY CIR STE 340 36.9 miles
ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307
135 Barclay Circle, Suite 103 37.0 miles
Rochester, MI 48307
1701 S. BOULEVARD E, 150 37.0 miles
ROCHESTER, MI 48307
6810 S CEDAR ST STE 7 37.0 miles
LANSING, MI 48911
6910 S CEDAR ST 37.0 miles
LANSING, MI 48911
24901 NORTHWESTERN HWY STE 304 37.1 miles
SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075
34095 PLYMOUTH RD 37.1 miles
LIVONIA, MI 48150
1050 WILSHIRE DR STE 105 37.1 miles
TROY, MI 48084
11583 Farmington Rd, 37.3 miles
Livonia, MI 48150
32355 CAPITOL ST 37.4 miles
LIVONIA, MI 48150
1398 ROSS LN 37.4 miles
ROCHESTER, MI 48306
2008 HOGBACK RD STE 1 37.5 miles
ANN ARBOR, MI 48105
3280 WASHTENAW AVE 37.5 miles
ANN ARBOR, MI 48104
22341 W 8 Mile Rd 37.5 miles
Detroit, MI 48219
2050 N HAGGERTY RD STE 140 37.6 miles
CANTON, MI 48187
28196 SCHOOLCRAFT RD 38.1 miles
LIVONIA, MI 48150
3131 S STATE ST STE 100 38.1 miles
ANN ARBOR, MI 48108
26185 GREENFIELD RD 38.3 miles
SOUTHFIELD, MI 48076
29531 PLYMOUTH RD 38.5 miles
LIVONIA, MI 48150
555 W 14 Mile Rd, Suite B1 38.6 miles
Clawson, MI 48017
8577 N WAYNE RD 38.8 miles
WESTLAND, MI 48185
627 E MAPLE RD STE 200 39.0 miles
TROY, MI 48083
2530 CROOKS RD STE 2 39.2 miles
ROYAL OAK, MI 48073
14671 TELEGRAPH RD 39.2 miles
REDFORD, MI 48239
1663 STEPHENSON HWY 39.3 miles
TROY, MI 48083
901 S OAKLAND ST 39.3 miles
SAINT JOHNS, MI 48879
805 S OAKLAND ST 39.3 miles
SAINT JOHNS, MI 48879
22255 GREENFIELD RD STE 422 39.4 miles
SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075
1224 W 14 MILE RD 39.7 miles
CLAWSON, MI 48017
108 W Walker St 39.7 miles
St Johns, MI 48879
20755 GREENFIELD RD STE 200 39.9 miles
SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075
44237 Michigan Avenue 39.9 miles
Canton, MI 48188
5180 DEQUINDRE RD 40.0 miles
UTICA, MI 48316
425 PARK AVE 40.3 miles
ROYAL OAK, MI 48067
38815 Dequindre Rd, Suite 102 40.3 miles
Troy, MI 48083
80650 VAN DYKE RD 40.6 miles
BRUCE TWP, MI 48065
36250 DEQUINDRE RD STE 130 40.9 miles
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310
555 Horace Brown Dr Ste 200 41.1 miles
Madison Heights, MI 48071
1010 N CAMPBELL RD STE 3 41.1 miles
ROYAL OAK, MI 48067
740 N WAVERLY RD 41.3 miles
LANSING, MI 48917
6015 19 MILE RD 41.5 miles
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48314
641 W 9 MILE RD STE C 41.7 miles
FERNDALE, MI 48220
39333 Van Dyke 41.7 miles
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48313
13316 W MCNICHOLS RD 42.0 miles
DETROIT, MI 48235
739 E 12 MILE RD 42.0 miles
MADISON HTS, MI 48071
140 S INDUSTRIAL DR 42.5 miles
SALINE, MI 48176
40732 VAN DYKE AVE 42.8 miles
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48313
18984 LIVERNOIS AVE 42.9 miles
DETROIT, MI 48221
27351 DEQUINDRE RD 43.0 miles
MADISON HEIGHTS, MI 48071
51863 SCHOENHERR RD 43.1 miles
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI 48315
50505 SCHOENHERR RD STE 160 43.2 miles
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI 48315
29245 Ryan Rd Ste 200 43.4 miles
Warren, MI 48092
32500 VAN BORN RD 43.4 miles
WAYNE, MI 48184
1745 DACOSTA ST 43.5 miles
DEARBORN, MI 48128
45030 NORTHPOINTE BLVD 43.8 miles
UTICA, MI 48315
25070 Michigan Avenue, 43.9 miles
Dearborn, MI 48124
350 SAINT ANDREWS RD RM 241 44.2 miles
SAGINAW, MI 48638
23455 MICHIGAN AVE 44.3 miles
DEARBORN, MI 48124
1447 N HARRISON ST 44.6 miles
SAGINAW, MI 48602
31700 VAN DYKE AVE 44.6 miles
WARREN, MI 48093
10000 WAYNE RD STE 102 44.7 miles
ROMULUS, MI 48174
41005 E HURON RIVER DR 44.7 miles
BELLEVILLE, MI 48111
600 IRVING AVE 44.8 miles
SAGINAW, MI 48602
1770 23 Mile Road 45.3 miles
Macomb Township, MI 48044
43475 Dalcoma Dr, Suite 135 45.6 miles
Clinton Township, MI 48038
11301 METRO AIRPORT CENTER DR 45.6 miles
ROMULIS, MI 48174
11700 METRO AIRPORT CENTER DR STE 104 45.6 miles
ROMULUS, MI 48174
2062 N Center Rd, 45.7 miles
Saginaw, MI 48603
5570 STATE ST 45.8 miles
SAGINAW, MI 48603
26400 Van Dyke Ave, 45.8 miles
Center Line, MI 48015
25429 VAN DYKE AVE 46.0 miles
CENTER LINE, MI 48015
43900 GARFIELD RD STE 121 46.1 miles
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI 48038
11569 E 12 MILE RD 46.1 miles
WARREN, MI 48093
11615 HARTEL RD 46.3 miles
GRAND LEDGE, MI 48837
1325 N WEST AVE 46.7 miles
JACKSON, MI 49202
1500 S MAIN ST 46.7 miles
EATON RAPIDS, MI 48827
22605 VAN DYKE AVE 46.8 miles
WARREN, MI 48089
17500 FEDERAL DR STE 750 46.9 miles
ALLEN PARK, MI 48101
15717 15 MILE RD 47.0 miles
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI 48035
24095 CHAMPAIGN ST 47.0 miles
TAYLOR, MI 48180
22976 OUTER DR 47.1 miles
DEARBORN, MI 48124
3340 HOSPITAL RD 47.3 miles
SAGINAW, MI 48603
500 LANSING AVE 47.5 miles
JACKSON, MI 49201
26095 SCHOENHERR RD 47.7 miles
WARREN, MI 48089
4599 TOWNE CENTRE RD 47.7 miles
SAGINAW, MI 48604
4677 TOWNE CENTRE RD STE 201 47.8 miles
SAGINAW, MI 48604
300 W Washington Ave, 47.9 miles
Jackson, MI 49201
9100 BROMBACH ST 47.9 miles
HAMTRAMCK, MI 48212
3001 MILLER RD 48.5 miles
DEARBORN, MI 48120
7445 Allen Rd, Suite 150 48.5 miles
Allen Park, MI 48101
33089 GROESBECK HWY 48.7 miles
FRASER, MI 48026
12701 TELEGRAPH RD STE 104 49.1 miles
TAYLOR, MI 48180
2195 SPRING ARBOR RD 49.3 miles
JACKSON, MI 49203
4229 CASS AVE 49.4 miles
DETROIT, MI 48201
4201 SAINT ANTOINE ST 49.7 miles
DETROIT, MI 48201
31503 GRATIOT AVE 49.8 miles
ROSEVILLE, MI 48066
15000 GRATIOT AVE 49.8 miles
DETROIT, MI 48205
3022 DIX HWY 49.9 miles
LINCOLN PARK, MI 48146
Testing services include physician referral, collection of the specimen, complete laboratory analysis and confidential and secure result reporting.
** Patients who have high insurance deductibles, co-pays or do not have insurance can access important health and wellness testing by scheduling/Ordering a confidential clinical test through Accredited Drug Testing By Phone or On-line.
The process to schedule a lab/blood test in Argentine, Michigan is fast and easy!
Step 1: Schedule/Order your test online at www.accrediteddrugtesting.com/lab-test-order or call our scheduling department at 800-221-4291. You do not need to visit a doctor to order a test.
Step 2: Provide confidential and secure patient information including the type of test, zip code of the location area you would like to take the test and payment information (self-pay).
When completed you will receive a patient registration form by email where you can immediately proceed to the testing location in the Argentine, Michigan area. Same day service is available and your registration pass will have the testing location address and hours of operation.
Step 3: After your test has been analyzed by one of our nationally CLIA and FDA certified laboratories (Quest/ LabCorp) your results will be sent through a confidential, secure and encrypted portal to the email address that you provided. In the event that the test is non-negative, abnormal or other circumstances, a consultation with the referring physician is available.
STD Definitions/Descriptions
STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease, also known as STI or Sexually Transmitted Infection, meaning that these diseases are most often, but not exclusively, spread by sexual intercourse.
STDs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity which can include vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse and/or anal intercourse. Though not as common, STDs can also be transmitted through intimate physical contact such as heavy petting.
STDs do not always cause symptoms, or they may only cause mild symptoms. This makes it very possible to have an infection and not know it. Therefore, if you are sexually active it is important to get tested at least once a year. You will find the most common types of STD and STI testing below.
HIV - HIV is a sexually transmitted disease (that can be spread outside of sexual contact) known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is the virus that causes AIDS and interferes with the body's ability to fight infections.
Herpes 1 and 2 - Herpes is an infection caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). This virus affects the external genital, anal region, mucosal surfaces and skin in other parts of the body. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 9 herpes type 1, or oral herpes) and HSV-2 (herpes type 2, or genital herpes).
Gonorrhea - Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause infections in the genitals, rectum and throat for both men and women. If untreated it can cause serious health issues, however, if it is caught in time it can be cured with the right medicine.
Chlamydia - Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease that may not show symptoms. However, those that do show symptoms may experience genital pain and discharge from the vagina or penis. If left untreated it can cause damaging effects to the woman's reproductive system.
Syphilis - Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that develops in different stages. The first stage involves a painless sore on the genitals, rectum or mouth. After that initial sore heals, the second stage is a rash. Then, there are no symptoms until years later which is the final stage - damaged brain, nerves, eyes and/or heart.
Many STDs can be easily cured with medication, so you can just finish your treatment and get on with your life. And even though some STDs can't be cured, there are lots of ways to treat your symptoms and prevent you from giving your STD to anyone you have sex with.
People with STDs can be in relationships, have sex, and live totally normal lives. Most people get an STD at least once, and millions are living with STDs now. Having an STD is nothing to feel ashamed of, and it doesn't mean you're "dirty" or a bad person , it just means you're a pretty normal human who got an infection. The reality is that STDs can happen to anybody who's ever been sexual with someone, which is almost everybody on earth. And a few STDs can be spread in non-sexual ways, too.
Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your STD test at an Argentine, Michigan testing facility in a confidential, friendly and professional manner. Call us today!
Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Overview of STD Testing
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing is a critical component of healthcare, essential for detecting and managing infections transmitted through sexual contact. STD testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, as early detection and treatment can prevent serious health consequences and limit the spread of infections to others.
Importance of STD Testing
Regular STD testing is vital because many infections often do not show symptoms immediately, or symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed. Untreated STDs can lead to severe health issues, including infertility, complications during pregnancy, and increased risk of acquiring other STDs, including HIV.
Common Types of STD Tests
- HIV Testing: Performed through blood or saliva samples to detect the presence of HIV antibodies or antigens.
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: These bacterial infections are typically tested via urine tests or swabs of the genital area.
- Syphilis: Diagnosed through blood testing, which can detect antibodies produced in response to the infection.
- Herpes: Although no cure exists, testing for herpes involves blood tests or swabs from an active outbreak.
- Hepatitis B and C: Blood tests are used to diagnose these viral infections, which affect the liver.
When to Get Tested
- After Unprotected Sex: It's advisable to get tested if you've had unprotected sexual contact with a new partner or multiple partners.
- If Symptoms Occur: Symptoms such as sores on the genitals, pain during urination, or unusual discharge are indications for testing.
- Regular Screenings: Annual or more frequent STD testing may be recommended for active individuals, especially if they have multiple partners.
What to Expect During STD Testing
The testing process is straightforward, involving a physical examination, the collection of samples (blood, urine, swabs), and sometimes a visual inspection of affected areas. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of STD testing, ensuring privacy and discretion in handling patient information and test results.
Benefits of STD Testing
- Early Detection and Treatment: Allows for timely treatment that can effectively manage symptoms and prevent transmission to others.
- Peace of Mind: Provides reassurance and helps maintain your health and the health of your partners.
- Prevention of Complications: Reduces the risk of the long-term health issues associated with untreated STDs.
Understanding the importance of STD testing and participating in regular screenings can significantly impact personal health and public health outcomes. It is an essential step in responsible sexual health management.
"When You Need A Test, Choose The Best"
AccreditedDrugTesting.Com
800-221-4291
Local Area Info: Argentina
Argentina (Spanish: [a?xen?tina]), officially the Argentine Republic[A] (Spanish: República Argentina), is a country located mostly in the southern half of South America. Sharing the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, the country is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Drake Passage to the south. With a mainland area of 2,780,400 km2 (1,073,500 sq mi),[B] Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, the fourth largest in the Americas, and the largest Spanish-speaking nation. The sovereign state is subdivided into twenty-three provinces (Spanish: provincias, singular provincia) and one autonomous city (ciudad autónoma), Buenos Aires, which is the federal capital of the nation (Spanish: Capital Federal) as decided by Congress. The provinces and the capital have their own constitutions, but exist under a federal system. Argentina claims sovereignty over part of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands (Spanish: Islas Malvinas), and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
The earliest recorded human presence in modern-day Argentina dates back to the Paleolithic period. The Inca Empire expanded to the northwest of the country in Pre-Columbian times. The country has its roots in Spanish colonization of the region during the 16th century. Argentina rose as the successor state of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, a Spanish overseas viceroyalty founded in 1776. The declaration and fight for independence (1810–1818) was followed by an extended civil war that lasted until 1861, culminating in the country's reorganization as a federation of provinces with Buenos Aires as its capital city. The country thereafter enjoyed relative peace and stability, with several waves of European immigration radically reshaping its cultural and demographic outlook. The almost-unparalleled increase in prosperity led to Argentina becoming the seventh wealthiest nation in the world by the early 20th century.
Following the Great Depression in the 1930s, Argentina descended into political instability and economic decline that pushed it back into underdevelopment, though it remained among the fifteen richest countries for several decades. Following the death of President Juan Perón in 1974, his widow, Isabel Martínez de Perón, ascended to the presidency. She was overthrown in 1976 by a U.S.-backed coup which installed a right-wing military dictatorship. The military government persecuted and murdered numerous political critics, activists, and leftists in the Dirty War, a period of state terrorism that lasted until the election of Raúl Alfonsín as President in 1983. Several of the junta's leaders were later convicted of their crimes and sentenced to imprisonment.