Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is the second-largest country in South America and the eighth-largest in the world, with Buenos Aires as its federal capital and largest city. Following Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the nation declared independence in 1816, and subsequent waves of European immigrants (mainly Italians and Spaniards) profoundly shaped its culture and demographics. The 20th century was marked by political instability, including multiple military coups—most notably the 1976 junta that led to the brutal Dirty War—before democracy was restored with the election of Raúl Alfonsín in 1983. Today, Argentina is a regional and middle power, boasting the second-highest Human Development Index in Latin America and the second-largest economy in South America, while being a member of the G20 and a founding member of the UN and Mercosur. Interestingly, the country's name derives from the Latin word argentum (silver), reflecting early explorers' fascination with the region's silver resources.