With national beverages as well-liked as yerba mate, a love of radio that surpasses that of all other nations in the world, unparalleled natural settings like the Perito Moreno Glacier, magnificent wildlife like the giant anteater, and other merely interesting features, we guarantee that our curiosities of Argentina wonโt leave you unimpressed!
Some of the major jaw-dropping facts like, in 1892, the first case was solved using a test from fingerprints, and it was achieved in Argentina, or that, Che Guevara, was believed to be Cuban, but no: the truth is that Che Guevara was Argentine!
Not just that, another interesting fact about Argentina is that in 2001 they had five different presidents in a period of 10 days and that the country has experienced bad times since 1913, it was the tenth world power. Today, it is the 54th.
Here are some more fascinating facts about Argentina, a vast country with various cultural traits that make it a distinctive and exceptional travel destination in addition to its endlessly beautiful scenery.
1. Here are 40 Interesting Facts About Argentina
We give 40 fascinating facts about Argentina in this note. We shall examine information that astounds us and leaves us dumbfounded as we go through avenues and rivers, depressions, and mountains. Here are some fascinating details about Argentina.
1. 85% Of The Citizens Of Buenos Aires Are Of European Descent
The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires, which is also the most populous city in the country and is located in the east of its territory, right on the western shore of the mouth of the Rรญo de la Plata.
From the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century, all of Argentina but especially Buenos Aires, received a tremendous wave of immigrants from countries such as Italy, Germany, and Spain. The result? It is estimated that at least 85% of the citizens of Buenos Aires have European ancestry.
2. A Territory Bordering 5 Countries (Not Only Chile)
Some of the interesting facts about Argentina are found in its borders that, despite widely bordering Chile on its western border, has bordering territory with four other countries. This way, Argentina borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay.
3. A Higher Concentration Of Population In The North
It is estimated that the current population of Argentina is around 44 million inhabitants. One of the characteristics of Argentina is that its population is especially centered in the city of Buenos Aires.
4. A Popular Tourist Destination
Another interesting fact about Argentina is that it is a country that receives a considerable number of tourists each year due to its amazing mountains and historical richness. The tourism GDP in Argentina in 2020 was recorded to be 24.2 billion US dollars.
5. The Flag Of Argentina Honors the Virgin Mary
Although it has generally been thought that the colors of the Argentine flag come from the colors of the sky, one of the interesting facts about Argentina is that, in reality, the colors of its flag would come from the highly revered Virgin Mary in Argentina.
The Virgin Mary, whose mantles are made up of two light blue stripes at the ends and a white stripe in the center, inspires the Argentine flag.
6. A Good Barbecue: The Key To Its Gastronomy
What is the typical food of Argentina? One of the characteristics of Argentina that you cannot ignore if you go on a trip is its gastronomy. Argentina has a wide variety of gastronomic products, but without a doubt, its star dish is beef, so a good Argentine barbecue is the best option to choose from.
7. Its Name is Derived from The Latin โArgentumโ (Silver)
Another interesting fact about Argentina is the origin of its own name. The name โArgentinaโ comes from the Latin โArgentum,โ so Argentina literally means โland of silver,โ and it was the name the Spanish gave to this region of America when they discovered the large quantities of this mineral in the area.
To understand the origin of the name Argentina, we must go back to the beginning of the Spanish conquest and colonization of America. Spain and Portugal disputed their supremacy over these lands and their riches.
In the 16th century, indigenous people from the region of what is now called Rรญo de la Plata gave silver objects to shipwrecked people from an expedition of Spanish conquerors, who then believed that there was a mountain rich in this precious metal in the surroundings of the aforementioned river, which they called โSilver River.โ
The National Constitution of 1853 included the name โArgentine Republic,โ among the official names for the designation of the government and territory of the Nation.
In fact, this territory received different denominations throughout its history: Government of the Rรญo de la Plata, Viceroyalty of the Rรญo de la Plata, United Provinces of the Rรญo de la Plata, United Provinces of South America, Argentine Confederation or Argentine Nation. . Finally, in 1860, the official name of the Argentine Republic was established by decree.
8. A Dinosaur That Leads To Argentina By Name
Another interesting fact about Argentina is that there is a dinosaur that bears its name. In fact, the Argentineosaurus received this name because it was found in the Neuquรฉn area, on the border with Chile. The largest dinosaur in the world
Argentinosaurus is among the most enormous known dinosaurs in the world.
The dimensions of its skeletal remains are almost exceptional in the fossil record. Different studies, over the years, have estimated its size a range between 30 and 39.7 meters in length, with an approximate weight of 55 to 90 tons and a height of 15 or 16 meters when erecting its neck. Such proportions must have been very useful to protect itself against the eventual attack of predators.
It is undoubtedly one of the largest animals that ever walked the Earth. Its fossil remains were found in the Plaza Huincul locality in the province of Neuquรฉn.
This dinosaur is characterized by the fact that it could measure more than 40 meters high and around 18 meters wide, which makes it one of the largest that has ever been discovered so far.
9. Some Areas Have A Mediterranean Climate
This makes them suitable areas for cultivating vines of European origin, which also entails the production of their own wines, which are highly valued on the international market.
10. The Mennonites: Argentinaโs Version Of The Amish
Despite the fact that Argentina is one of the most developed countries in South America, the Mennonites are a people who live in some areas of La Pampa and who have chosen to live in a similar way to how they did in the Middle Ages: without electricity, cars and other devices typical of the current era. It could be said that they are the Argentine version of the Amish.
11 . Largest Number Of Psychologists Per Capita In The World
Another interesting fact about Argentina is that they have the largest number of psychologists per capita in the world. In 2012 a study indicated that there are 202 psychologists for every 100,000 inhabitants of the country.
12ย . If You Were To Dig A Well In Buenos Aires-
If u dig a well in Buenos Aires, you would practically appear in the town of Hyde, near Shanghai, in China, although in the sea.
13 . On Average, People of Argentina Spend 20 Hours a Week Listening To Radio
It means that they are the country with the most radio in the world. It leads us to believe that old cultures are being revived and relived in this country. Other countries are also installing public radios in colleges and schools to finally allow less screen time for youngsters.
14. Modern Argentina
Argentina became The First Latin American Country To Officially Legalize Same-Sex Marriages. After this step, a lot more countries have taken the initiative to protect LGBTQ and give them the life they deserve.
There is a superstition in Argentina that says that if you go under a scaffoldingโฆ you will not get married!
Another Argentine superstition says that if you spill wine on the table, you will have bad luck. To avoid this, wet your fingers with the wine and touch your forehead with them.
15ย . The First Animated Feature Film Was The Work Of An Argentine
Quirino Cristiani. He created this in 1917, and it was called โThe Apostle.โ It was one of the theatre-changing moments of the film industry. Hollywood adapted many comics into animated versions, and this also laid down the base for many animated film industries like Disney.
16 . The Iguazรบ Falls Are One Of The Treasures Of Argentina
Their beauty is such that when Eleanor Roosevelt visited them, she is said to have exclaimed, โPoor Niagara Falls!โ Well, although they are spectacular, they could not be compared with those of Iguazรบ.
What this distinction does is confirm what all of us who were lucky enough to know about them is their immense beauty and magnitude.
Without a doubt, it is one of those places that should be visited even once in a lifetime.
17 . Even Though Soccer Is So Popular In This Country, Pato Is The National Sport
It is a sport played on horseback that originally used a real duck to score goals, so it was quite brutal.
18ย . The Southernmost City Of The Globe Is In Argentina
The southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia is considered one of the most attractive cities to visit on the continent in winter and throughout the year, thanks to the wide variety of tourist options. Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Ushuaia is the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego.
It is located on the north coast of the Beagle Channel and at the foot of the Martial Cordillera in the middle of the Andes Mountains. Due to its incredible landscapes and geography, thousands of tourists come to the area searching for action in different extreme sports. At the same time, it is a share of tranquillity that allows contemplative excursions and walks.
19 . Contributions of Argentina
Two Of The Great And Most Delicious Argentine Inventions Are The Dulce De Leche And the Alfajor.
How grateful is the world for both of these contributions?
20 . โArgentavis Magnificentโ
Around 6 to 8 million years ago, one of the largest birds to ever have existed lived in Argentina.
Itโs called the โArgentavis magnificent,โ and it is believed that the wingspan of its wings could reach 8 meters.
21 . The Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina is one of only three glaciers in the country that continues to grow rather than shrink.
22. Mate Is The Countryโs National Drink
It is famous as Mate due to its unusual acceptance among youngsters as the non-alcoholic beer served at parties. It also represents the traditional Argentine way of making this remarkable drink. Sometimes it is made alcoholic to serve foreign tastes. Many of its variants have turned the world into becoming a Mate fan.
Undoubtedly, one of the most striking interesting facts about Argentinaโs national drink, mate, is that according to a study by the Yerba Mate Institute, this infusion is present in 98% of homes in the country.
23. Argentina Sent a Pregnant Lady to Antarctica
It will be hard to digest, but Argentina successfully sent a pregnant woman to Antarctica in 1977. The idea was that once the child was born, it could claim the territory. When the baby, Emilio Palma, was born, she was the first known human being born on this continent, but Argentinaโs right to that territory was not recognized internationally.
24. The National Animal Of Argentina Is A Bird: The Hornero
Birds are indeed very much respected and protected in this nation. The birds found here are exquisite and rare. Their nests have a very curious shape! It attracts a lot of tourists all year long.
25. The University Of Buenos Aires
It is The Largest In Argentina and the second in Latin America. By the way, Che Guevara studied Medicine at this institution before joining the Revolution.
26. Polo Champion
Argentina is a great polo champion. It has been the absolute champion in polo competitions for decades, and most of the best polo players are Argentinean.
27. The Most Endangered Animal In Argentina
The Short-Tailed Chinchilla is the most endangered animal in Argentina. Since the 19th century, it has been hunted to create pieces of leather clothing since its fur is very soft.
28 . Variety of Animals in Argentina
In this country, you will also find the giant anteater. Itsย tongue reaches 60 centimeters!
29 . The Rรญo De La Plata Is Considered, at Its Mouth, The Widest River Of All
With a maximum width of 219 km, the Rรญo de la Plata is considered the widest river in the world. Of course, some consider it to be an estuary.
The river bathes the coasts of both Argentina and Uruguay. On these shores, we can find the city of Buenos Aires, Montevideoโs capital of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,
In it, different types of sports activities are practiced, both sailing and kayaking.
30 . The Highest Peak In The Americas
Another interesting fact about Argentina is that its territory contains the highest peak in the Americas: Aconcagua, which reaches 6,960.8 meters above sea level.
With an altitude of 6,960.8 meters above sea level, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the southern and western hemispheres, the highest on Earth after the Himalayan system (Asia), and, therefore, the highest peak in America. It is located in the Province of Mendoza and part of the Cordillera de Los Andes. Around it is a Park with the same name that serves as a base for the brave who dare to climb it.
31 . The โJapanese Gardenโ Of Buenos Aires
This garden in the District of Palermo is the largest Japanese garden in a country other than Japan.
Also, the Argentine landscape is highly respected in the country. There are about 30 national parks distributed throughout the territory. If you like nature, this is a country you should visit!
32 . Popes from Argentina Are Winning in Europe
Pope Francis Is From Argentina And Is The First Non-European to be elected to this position in the Church.
33 . Argentine Duck Is The Vertebrate With The Longest Penis
Another interesting fact about Argentina that has to do with its fauna is that the Argentine duck is the vertebrate with the longest penis with respect to the body, on the planet. It reaches a meter, almost as long as its body.
34. In The Province Of Buenos Aires, Friendship Day Is Celebrated On July 20
The creator of this festivity, Enrique Ernesto Febbraro, started it on the occasion of the arrival of man on the moon on July 20, 1969.
He sent hundreds of postcards to his friends, acquaintances, and relatives, moved by the human achievement and, according to what he said, it seemed to him that this festivity connected him to the rest of the people and was a gesture of opening humanity towards the universe. Thatโs why Friendship Day.
35 . Soccer Madness
The fans of the former soccer player Diego Maradona have created a religion around him in the country.
36 . Abortion Remains Illegal In Argentina
Despite the protests and the numerous illegal terminations of pregnancy that are practiced and that claim the lives of many women.
37 . Farming and Agriculture
Argentina is the third largest beef producer in the world, and a lot of this countryโs land is reserved for the agriculture and farming of animals. They are huge exporters, and their economy lies in this occupation.
38 . Birthday Presents
Unlike other countries, in Argentina, children who have their birthday are pulled by the ear. A tradition that is also practiced, for example, in Spain.
39 . The Oldest Predator Found On Earth
Another interesting fact about Argentina is that the remains of the oldest predator found on Earth were also discovered in the country in 1993. Itโs the Eoraptor.
40 . Laguna del Carbรณn
The Laguna del Carbรณn is considered the deepest depression in all of America and is 105 meters below sea level.ย It also occupies the seventh place worldwide for the deepest depressions in the world.
2. Brief History
Itโs possible that humans first arrived in South America as early as 16,500 BCE. Until the advent of European invaders in the late 15th century, pre-Columbian civilizations flourished. The Spanish Empire grew over the Caribbean Islands and half of South America for more than three centuries.
Initially, numerous indigenous tribes inhabited different portions of Argentinaโs territory today. Soon, Argentina declared independence.
The first decades of independent life in Argentina were marked by civil wars between unitary and federal groups. While the Unitarians fought for a centralized government led by Buenos Aires, the Federals wanted a decentralized system with respect for the autonomy of the provinces.
In 1853 the National Constitution was finally issued, establishing a federal, republican, and representative government system.
3. Geographic Location
Argentina is, along with Chile, one of the southernmost countries in the world and is located at the southern end of the American continent.
Argentina is bordered to the west and south by Chile, to the north by Bolivia and Paraguay, and to the east (from north to south) by Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The country also has access to the Pacific Ocean through the Strait of Magellan. Also, The Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia is the third-largest water reserve on the planet.
The highest town in Argentina, Olacamato, in the province of Salta, comprises an adobe farmhouse, a chapel, and a school. Olacapato, Salta It is considered the highest town in the Argentine Republic since it is 4,090 meters above sea level. Itโs one of the Interesting Facts About Argentina.
4. Relief
The relief of the Argentine territory is characterized by the presence of mountains in the west and plains, alternated with regions of sierras (mountains of lower altitude) in the east.
A mountain chain called Cordillera de Los Andes runs through the western end of Argentine territory and separates it from Chile.
The highest sectors of the Cordillera are found in the north, while to the south (Patagonian section), the peaks are notoriously lower.
5. Climate
Given the extension of its territory, Argentina has a multiplicity of climates, with temperatures ranging from 22ยบ annual average in the extreme north to -5ยบ annual average in the extreme south. Itโs one of the Interesting Facts About Argentina.
Towards the south of the country (Patagonia), the climate is subpolar, humid in the west on the edge of the Cordillera, and dry and windy in the plains and plateaus of the east.
6. Conclusion
Perhaps because it has developed as a country of immigration, Argentina is one of the few countries in the world where both education and public health are free for Argentine citizens and foreigners.
For what is Argentina renowned?
- Massive waterfalls near the Argentine-Brazilian border are known as Iguazu Falls.
- Argentinaโs most well-known glacier, Perito Moreno, is located within the Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz Province.
- The stunning scenery of Tierra del Fuego.
- Patagoniaโs Road of the Seven Lakes.
- Ushuaia, sometimes known as the โEnd of the World.โ
- Equestrian polo. which is also Argentinaโs national sport.
Moreover, Argentina has six cultural and five natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are many things about this beautiful country that will leave u amazed.
The United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) places Argentina as a country with โvery high human development,โ ranking it 40th out of 187 countries, first among Latin American countries. These were the few Interesting Facts About Argentina.
Last Updated on by Himani Rawat
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