Argentina

Flag:

Population:  43 million

Currency: Argentine Pesos

Capital: Buenos Aires

Language: Spanish

Government: Republic

Famous People

• Eva Perón (1919-1952): Wife of President Juan Perón, important political figure, known for supporting women’s right to vote and the working class.

• Pope Francis (1936-present): Current leader of the Catholic Church, 266th pope since St. Peter, real name Jorge Bergoglio, first pope from South America, known for concern for the poor and building bridges between people.

• Diego Maradona (1960-2020): Argentine soccer player, considered one of the greatest of all time, led Argentina to win the 1986 World Cup.

•  Lionel Messi (1987-present): Argentine soccer player, currently plays for Barcelona, won the award for best player in the world four times.

Attractions in Argentina

•  La Boca: A neighborhood in Buenos Aires, known for its colorful buildings and Caminito street; not considered very safe outside main tourist areas.

• Iguazu Falls: Consists of 275 waterfalls, spreading across nearly two miles of the Iguazu River, formed by volcanic activity, with a powerful water flow.

• Perito Moreno Glacier: A massive glacier in Patagonia, a major attraction, covering 99 square miles.

• Floralis Genérica: A 75-feet-tall moving sculpture in Buenos Aires, created in 2002, shaped like a large flower that opens in the morning and closes at night.

Culture

• Argentinian Culture: A mix of Spanish and Italian influences, with African roots playing a small part.

• Language: Spanish is the official language, making Argentina the fourth-largest Spanish-speaking country. Argentinian Spanish has unique linguistic features influenced by European languages.

• Gauchos: National symbol of Argentina, representing a traditional culture of cattle ranching in the open plains, with distinct clothing and customs.

Geography

• Argentina: Second-largest country in South America, eighth-largest in the world. The name "Argentina" comes from the Latin word argentum, meaning silver.

• Andes Mountains: Dominates western Argentina.

• Gran Chaco: A flat, dry, and sparsely vegetated area; the name "Chaco" comes from the indigenous Quechua language and means "hunting land."

• Pampas: Located south of Gran Chaco, it consists of grasslands. The word "pampas" comes from Quechua and means "flat surface." One of the most fertile areas in the world.

• Patagonia: A cold region with dramatic landscapes, rainforests, and mountains.

History

• Incas in 1480 AD: The Inca empire expanded into northwestern Argentina.

• Spanish Colonization: The Spanish persisted and took over Buenos Aires in 1536, developing an agricultural industry and forcing native people into labor. In 1806, the British attacked the Falkland Islands.

• Argentina’s Independence (1816): The country faced economic and political struggles, with dictators and military rule.

• Juan Perón (1946): Became president, popular among the working class due to higher wages and better conditions

• Eva Perón: Helped Argentine people by establishing a charity for the poor.

Culture

• Argentinian Culture: Blend of Spanish and Italian influences, with African communities also contributing. The largest native groups are the Mapuche, Quechua, and Kolla.

• Language: Spanish is the official language. Argentina is the fourth-largest Spanish-speaking country. The Quechua language has also influenced it.

• Dance: Tango is a passionate dance that began in Buenos Aires in the 1800s, blending European, Caribbean, and African styles. It is a dance between two people, where the leader invites and the follower decides to accept.

Food & Typical Dishes

• Beef and pasta are the most popular foods; Argentina is the world’s largest consumer of red meat.  

• Asado (barbecued meat) is the most important part of Argentine cuisine, originating from gauchos.  

• Choripán: Grilled chorizo in bread with chimichurri sauce, a popular snack.  

• Empanadas: Stuffed dough pockets with chicken, beef, or vegetables, introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century.  

Sports

• Pato is the official national sport, played on horseback and similar to basketball and polo.  

• Soccer is the most popular sport, with Argentina winning 25 major international titles, including two World Cups. Famous players include Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.