Situation of Rosario
Some facts about the city:
- Rosario is located in the province of Santa Fe in Argentina and lies 300 km north of Buenos Aires. It has a population of 1 million people. The population consists of Native people and a descendants of immigrants from all over the world, especially from Spain and Italy, who arrived sailing up the Parana river which borders its coast.
- Its development has been a result of vigorous port activity. Its port is a receiver of grain coming from the surrounding rich and humid "pampa" region. Its development is also due to the establishment of a large number of industries located on the city's outskirts.
- The city has a long history of social, political and cultural conscience/participation. Many movements promoting social change have originated here. Rosario has also generated rich literary, musical, artistic and intellectual productions which have transcended local and national recognition.
- More recent economic troubles such as the stagnation of port activity (which today is once again slowly starting to become active), the closing down of many factories (which in the 90s brought about the loss of 60 000 jobs) are today still major factors in the rising state of unemployment.
The continuous migration of people from poorer areas and provinces and the deep socioeconomic crisis in which Argentina finds itself, are manifested in Rosario with:
- A rate of unemployment of 24%
- Over 50 000 people survive with State assistance amounting to 43$ US/month
- 7000 citizens are on a waiting list for State assistance
- In Greater Rosario 45,7% of households, which translates to 56,2% of the city's inhabitants, live below the poverty line