Argentina is a South American country filled with beautiful places, amazing customs, and a wonderful people.
In this article, we bring you some curious facts about Argentina that you may not know. 🇦🇷
Big Argentina
Argentina is the second-largest country in Latin America after Brazil and the eighth largest in the world.
With an area of 2,780,400 km², this South American nation shares borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Argentina and Chile share the longest international land border in South America and the third longest in the world.
The Widest Avenue
Buenos Aires, the capital of this South American nation, boasts the widest avenue in the country. The bustling thoroughfare, named 9 de Julio, has a width of 140 meters.
At the midpoint of this avenue stands the Obelisco, a monument commemorating the first hoisting of the national flag in this city in 1812.
Its name comes from the Declaration of Independence of Argentina on July 9, 1816.
Italians in Argentina
Argentina has the largest Italian community outside of Italy. This massive migration began in the late 19th century and continued into the early 20th century.
By 1920, around 50% of the population of Buenos Aires had been born outside Argentine territory.
Currently, almost all Argentinians have some form of family, relative, or descendant of Italian origin, which is evident by observing the surnames that many citizens of this nation carry.
The Widest River in the World
The Rio de la Plata, formed by the confluence of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, is the widest river in the world, spanning 219 km in width.
This river divides the nations of Argentina and Uruguay, and administratively belongs to both countries. Their capitals (Buenos Aires and Montevideo) face each other across its waters. The river flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Despite being such a significant river, the quality of its waters leaves much to be desired due to high pollution, clearly influenced by the proximity of both capitals.
The Tallest Mountain in the Americas
Another curious fact about Argentina is that the country is home to Aconcagua, located in the province of Mendoza, which is the highest peak in the Americas.
It stands at 6,962 meters above sea level and is visited by thousands of tourists each year in search of adventure and the accomplishment of reaching its highest point.
Unfortunately, some individuals have lost their lives attempting to climb this mountain hastily, causing their bodies to struggle to adapt correctly to the change in oxygen levels at such high altitudes.
The Tango
The tango is the dance that represents Argentina. In 2009, it was declared by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This dance, full of complicity and sensuality, has transcended borders and is now danced in many countries around the world.
This musical genre and dance originated in the Rio de la Plata region, influenced by the cultural diversity between Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
Iguazu Falls
This beautiful location situated on the Iguazu River is administratively shared between Argentina and Brazil. Its name comes from the Guarani language and means ‘big water.’
It is one of the most visited natural attractions in South America due to its breathtaking beauty. In 2011, these falls were recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Visitors can explore both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, offering a variety of accommodations, dining options, and additional attractions.
Mate
More than just a beverage, mate is a symbol of this South American nation and other neighboring countries.
This drink is a part of the everyday life of Argentinians and is enjoyed in homes, workplaces, cars, parks, and practically anywhere.
Made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant, this infusion contains caffeine, making it a highly addictive beverage.
National Sport of Argentina
The national sport of Argentina is Pato, which bears great similarity to soccer but is played on horseback with four participants per team. The objective is to score by placing ‘the duck’ in the opponent’s goal.
The name comes from the fact that originally, the game was not played with a ball but with a real duck.
While soccer is the most popular and widely practiced sport in this South American nation, ‘Pato’ holds the distinction of being the national sport of Argentina.
Origin of the Name Argentina
Argentina comes from the Latin word “argentum,” which means “silver.” The name arose due to the beliefs held by the conquistadors about the supposed abundance of this metal in the region.
Its official name is the Argentine Republic, and its official currency is the Argentine Peso.
Argentina is a country you shouldn’t miss visiting. It stands out for its natural beauty, culture, and diverse customs and traditions.
Tell us…
Have you ever visited Argentina?
What did you like most about this country?
We look forward to reading your comments…
