As the second-largest economy in South America, Argentina is rich in natural resources and a world leader in agricultural exports. One of the founding members of the Mercosur agreement, a trading bloc and customs union with Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, it has one of the highest per capital income levels in Latin America and a strong middle class. Its capital, Buenos Aires, is an important trade hub, but its weak regulatory system, currency volatility and restrictions on access to hard currency can be challenging for Canadian investors and exporters.