Argentine Northwest

The Argentine Northwest (Spanish: Noroeste argentino, NOA) is a geographic and historical region of Argentina comprising the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán. It borders Bolivia to the north, Chile to the west, the Northeast region to the east, the Center region to the south, and the Cuyo region to the southwest.

The region extends primarily over the Andes Mountains and their adjacent valleys, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes. The region's main geographic features are the Puna, the Calchaquí Valleys, the Yungas, and the Argentine portion of the Chaco Plains. Major rivers in the region include the Bermejo River, the Salí-Dulce River, and the Pilcomayo River.

According to INDEC (National Institute of Statistics and Censuses), the combined population of the provinces in 2022 was 5,859,115. San Miguel de Tucumán is the most populous city in the Argentine Northwest. Other significant cities include Salta, San Salvador de Jujuy and Santiago del Estero.

The region's economy is based on agriculture (especially sugarcane, tobacco, grapes, and citrus production), mining, tourism, and to a lesser extent, industry. Its strategic location makes it an important corridor for trade with Bolivia and Chile.

The region has a rich pre-Columbian history and was among the first areas colonized in what is now the Argentine territory. It was the site of some of the earliest cities founded, and during the colonial era, its strategic location made it an important transit and supply center for the regional economy under Spanish rule. Major battles and events during the Argentine War of Independence took place in the Northwest, including the Declaration of Independence in Tucumán in 1816.

While socioeconomically, the Argentine Northwest has faced historical neglect compared to the more developed regions, it remains an important cultural and tourism center in Argentina. The NOA has contributed significantly to Argentine identity, particularly in music, folklore, and gastronomy. The region's rich history, with strong and lasting indigenous and Spanish influences, continues to shape its own identity.