Argentina is a country located in South America. Argentina’s history is fraught with political instability and economic turmoil, but the country has made strides in recent years to become a more prosperous and stable nation.
This diverse country offers something for everyone, from bustling cities to stunning mountain landscapes to sandy beaches. Here are 30 interesting and fun facts about Argentina that can help you plan your trip.
Fun Facts About Argentina For Travel
- The official language of Argentina is Spanish.
- Argentina is located in southern South America and borders Chile to the west, Bolivia, and Paraguay to the north, and Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast.
- The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso.
- Some of the most popular cities and tourist attractions in Argentina include Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Tierra del Fuego, and Patagonia.
- Argentina is home to the largest population of Magellanic penguins in the world. That is in the Patagonia region, with the largest colony on Punta Tombo.
- Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, and the second-largest in South America.
READ NEXT:
- ULTIMATE NOMAD TRAVEL GUIDE: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
- COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO USHUAIA ARGENTINA
- COMPLETE GUIDE TO IGUAZU FALLS ARGENTINA
Interesting Facts About Argentina Culture
- The gaucho is a symbol of Argentinean culture. Gauchos were traditionally cowboys or horsemen who lived in the plains (pampas) of Argentina.
- Argentina is the birthplace of tango, a popular type of music and dance that originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century.
- Futbol, or soccer, is by far the most popular sport in Argentina. Some of the most famous Argentinean soccer players include Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
- Despite its popularity, the national sport of Argentina is not football but Pato. It is a sport played on horseback, and it has been declared the national sport since 1953.
- In some parts of Argentina, it is traditional for men to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.
- Argentina has more psychologists per capita than any other country in the world.
Facts About Argentina Demographics
- Argentina has a population of over 45 million people.
- Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is home to over 15 million people.
- Argentina is a land of immigrants. Over 60% of the population has some form of Italian descent, and there are also significant populations of Spanish, German, French, and British ancestry.
Geographical Fun Facts Of Argentina
- The highest mountain in Argentina is Aconcagua, which has an elevation of 22,840 feet (6962 meters). Aconcagua is also the tallest mountain in all of the Southern and Western Hemispheres.
- The lowest point in Argentina is Laguna del Carbon, located in southwestern Argentina near the Chilean border. The Laguna del Carbon has an elevation of -344 feet (-105 meters).
- Argentina has a diverse landscape that includes glaciers, deserts, rainforests, and mountains.
- The Falkland Islands, located off the coast of Argentina in the South Atlantic Ocean, are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
READ NEXT:
- 20 FAMOUS LANDMARKS IN ARGENTINA TO VISIT
- COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING IN EL CHALTEN, ARGENTINA
- TRAVELING TO ANTARCTICA & SOUTH GEORGIA
Interesting Facts On Argentina Food and Drinks
- The Argentinean steakhouse, or parrilla, is a popular type of restaurant found throughout Argentina. Parrillas specialize in grilled meats such as beef, chicken, and sausage.
- Asado, or Argentinean barbecue, is an iconic dish in Argentina that typically features beef or lamb that is cooked over an open fire. It is as much of a social gathering event as a meal.
- Malbec wine is a red wine grape that originated in southwest France but is also now commonly associated with Argentina.
- Mate tea is a popular beverage in Argentina, as well as other countries in South America such as Uruguay and Paraguay. Mate is made from the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant and is typically enjoyed with friends from a shared cup known as a gourd.
- Dulce de leche, or sweetened milk caramel, is a popular dessert ingredient in Argentina. Dulce de leche can be used in everything from cookies and cakes to ice cream and hot beverages.
READ NEXT:
Other General Argentina Facts
- The Argentinean flag features two bands of color: white and light blue, with a sun. The white band represents purity, and the blue band represents the sky.
- Argentina is home to more than 14 million cattle, that ranks it high on the list of countries with the largest cattle population in the world.
- Argentina is one of the world’s leading producers of quinoa, a type of grain that is high in protein and nutrients.
- The country produces more lemons than any other nation in the Southern Hemisphere, accounting for over 20% of the world’s lemon production.
- Argentina is one of the world’s largest exporters of soybeans, commonly on the top of the list with countries such as Brazil, the United States, and Canada
- Argentina is the only country in Latin America has not signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Discovering More Fun Facts About Argentina
There are so many fun facts about Argentina that it would be impossible to list them all here. But, what these interesting facts show is that Argentina is a country with a rich history and culture that is worth exploring in more detail. If you want to learn more about this fascinating country, the best way to do it is by traveling to Argentina and experiencing it for yourself.
