Argentina (República Argentina), is a federal republic
located in southeastern South America - bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay
to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean to
the east, and Chile to the west. With a mainland area of 2,780,400 km2,
Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world, the second largest in
Latin America and the largest Spanish-speaking nation.
The territory showcases a vast diversity across its regions: i) the Cuyo
& the Andean northwest region boasts impressive volcanoes, spectacular
salt flats and beautifully-blue skies, extensive wineries, spectacular
wildlife and many outdoor sporting activities; ii) the Mesopotamia & the
northeast is a humid region of extensive grasslands and wetlands, it is
also home to an abundance of fascinating animal and bird species,
natural landscapes and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls of the Misiones
province; ii) the Chaco primarily comprising of wildlife-rich flatlands,
which is a hub of ecotourism activities and particularly appeals to keen
bird watchers of the more than 300 different species. It is also home to
the indigenous communities of the skillful Guaraní and Wichí Chaco
native inhabitants who pride themselves on producing carefully-sculpted
pottery and intricately-woven baskets; iii) the Pampas is a grassland
biome surrounding Buenos Aires, renowned for its spectacular horse
riding routes; iv) the Patagonia and the Lake District in southern
Argentina, is celebrated for its dramatic, contrasting scenery, from
colossal glaciers to arid deserts and vast flatlands to steep granite
cliffs, not to mention its electric blue-colored lakes; v) the Tierra
del Fuego is an archipelago situated at South America’s southernmost
tip, the ´Land of Fire´ islands boast spectacular mountainous peaks,
vast lakes and verdant forests. Consisting of one large island (also
called Tierra del Fuego), with a 630km2 national park, and a series of
smaller ones, the Tierra del Fuego offers walking, fishing and wildlife
enthusiasts with an outdoor paradise. |
Spanish is the official language, but some immigrant communities retain
their language as a badge of identity. Italian is widely understood and
there are 17 native languages, including Quechua, Mapuche, Guaraní,
Tobas and Matacos.
European influences comes across in Argentina's art, architecture,
literature and lifestyle. Buenos Aires in particular has very much
emulated European cultural trends in art, music and architecture. There
are many art museums and galleries in the city, and it has a strong
theater community.
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Probably the best known manifestation of Argentine popular culture is the
tango dance and music. Folk music is also thriving. Sport is extremely
important to the Argentines and soccer is more of a national obsession
than a game.
Besides the many pasta, sausage and dessert dishes common to continental
Europe, Argentines enjoy a wide variety of Indigenous and Criollo
creations, which include empanadas, locro, humitas and yerba mate, all
originally indigenous Amerindian staples, the latter considered
Argentina's national beverage. Other popular items include chorizo,
facturas and Dulce de leche. The Argentine barbecue, asado as well as, a
parrillada, includes various types of meats, among them chorizo,
sweetbread, chitterlings, and morcilla.
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