Argentina Facts

Argentina is a country in South America, which boasts of great arts, and delicious food. This country has produced greats like Diego Maradona, and is a wonderful land, for the inquisitive explorer, who wants to lose himself in the picturesque beauty of nature's bounty, and wonderful wines. And if you're planning to visit this lovely country for a vacation, then you need to know all that you possibly can, about it. It will make the stay more enjoyable, when you can relate with the locals, and understand parts of what is being said and done. So, here are some facts about Argentina, that you might be interested in knowing, to improve and enhance your knowledge about the country.

Geography

• Argentina is the second largest country in the continent of South America, coming after Brazil.
• It celebrates its independence day on July 9.
• It lies in the southern part of South America, and has a common border with Chile and Uruguay, there.
• Its other border countries are Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
• Its total area is approximately 1,068,296 sq miles, out of which approximately 1,056,636 sq miles is the total area occupied by land.
• The country of Argentina is divided into 23 provinces.
• The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires.
• The form of government, that is prevalent in Argentina, is a Federal Republic.
• The most widely followed religion is Christianity, with more than 80% of the population being Roman Catholics.
• The climate of Argentina, is different in different regions. Some areas enjoy a temperate climate, while some regions are hot and dry. The southern regions are influenced by the Antarctic climate.
• As far as minerals are concerned, Argentina has deposits of Manganese, Uranium, Tin, Copper, Zinc, etc.
• The density of the population in Argentina is around 13.42 people per sq. km.
• Spanish is the official language here. However, other European languages like German, Italian, etc. are also spoken by many.
• The official currency of Argentina, is the peso.
• The lowest point in South America, is a place called Salinas Chicas, and is located in Argentina.
• The Strait of Magellan, which lies between Tierra del Fuego (the world's southern most national park) and the rest of the country, was named in honor of the explorer, Ferdinand Magellan.
• The breathtaking Iguazu Waterfall, which is a part of Argentina, and Brazil, together, is one of the highest ones on the world.
• Argentina has myriad geographical land forms too, from grassland plains, to high snow clad peaks.
• One of the Argentina fun facts is that the remains of the Argentinosaurus, a dinosaur, nicknamed the 'silver lizard', was discovered in Argentina.

Culture

• The Argentine War of Independence, against the Spanish colonists, ended in 1810. However, the independence was formally declared only in 1816.
• The name 'Argentina' has been derived from the Latin word 'Argentum', which means silver. In this context, the name Argentina, means, a land of silver.
• The flag of Argentina is bi-colored. It has two parallel, horizontal bands of sky blue, which represent virtues like truth, loyalty, vigilance, justice, and perseverance. These two bands are separated by a horizontal band of white, representing peace, and a sun, with a human face on this white band. The sun, is supposed to be interpreted as the Sun of May, which General Belgrano saw before the great Battle of Parana.
• The streets of Argentina are always filled with people visiting sidewalk grill restaurants, and people singing on the sidewalks.
• The flavor of Argentine cuisine is quite similar to Spanish and Italian cuisine.
• Most Argentine foods are rich in protein, and beef is the most widely eaten meat in the country.
• Grilled food, and barbecue, is the specialty of Argentine cuisine, and you can find whole meat animals like lambs, and goats on the traditional grills called the asado.
• Different types of bread and meat are the typical foods that are eaten in Argentina.
• A major chunk of Argentine people hold family values at a very high pedestal. Hence, the family, as a unit, is quite important in Argentina.
• As far as religion is concerned, every person has the right to practice the religion of his or her choice. This freedom of religion has been warranted by the constitution in Argentina.
• The general demeanor of Argentine people is straightforward, and blunt, but with a diplomatic flair to it.
• They are warm by nature, and their passion, for everything, is very obvious.
• While meeting someone for the first time, the customary greeting is a handshake, and a smile.
• In Argentina, you can arrive more than half an hour late, for a dinner party that you have been invited to, and not feel guilty about it. In fact, arriving on time may be considered rude.
• It is also conventional, to thank your hosts of a party, on the next day.
• When invited for a meal, don't take a seat at any place you like. The host or hostess will guide you to your seat.
• Begin to east your food only after the host or hostess gestures that you may.
• NEVER pour wine at another's home party. It is a cultural taboo in Argentina.
• Another interesting Argentina fact is that you must never gift any kind of cutting instruments, like shears, knives, scissors, etc. to someone. This is believed to be a symbolic representation of the intent to discerp any kind of relationship with that person.
• Traditional Argentine attire is characterized by formal shirts, trousers, and dresses in cities, and cowboy attire, called, goucho attire in the villages.
• A special type of pant, made from black cloth is worn by many men. This pant is called a bombacha.
• They also generally wear a huge hat, ponchos, and shoes made of canvas or rope.
• Though pato, is the national sport in Argentina, football is far more popular!

With these facts in your kitty, I'm sure that you're at least a tad more prepared to visit Argentina, than you were before reading it. So enjoy your trip! Chau, suerte!