Argentina is a South American nation packed with breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant cultural aspects, bordered by five other nations and considered the second-largest in South America.
Argentina is home to incredible street art! Buenos Aires in particular is famous for its extraordinary graffiti.
1. Argentina is the birthplace of the tango
Tango is one of the world’s most iconic forms of dance, and Argentina is its birthplace. The word tango may have come from African term “tangir,” which translates to “play drums.” Beginning in Buenos Aires during the 19th century, thousands of working class European immigrants, former slaves and indigenous Argentinians lived side-by-side bringing with them traditions that eventually culminated into what is known today as tango dance.
Tango became a cornerstone of Argentine culture and an expression of national identity, serving as the main form of entertainment in Buenos Aires and even outside its city limits. By 1920s tango music and dancing had gained global respect; Paris had even experienced it first hand! Although high society looked down upon tango’s music and dancing, well-off sons of porteno oligarchy would introduce their friends and acquaintances to it through socializing sessions slumming and spreading its popularity through well-heeled sons of porteno oligarchy were not shy to introduce their friends and acquaintances to this art form!
As the popularity of tango grew, it spread through different cultures and eventually developed into various distinct styles. Ballroom tango remains relatively close to the ground while Uruguayan and Argentine styles utilize additional vocabulary not found in ballroom dancing such as boleo (allowing momentum to lift one leg off the floor) and gancho (hooking one’s foot around that of their follower).
Tango became increasingly popular in the United States due to its association with Argentina and an increase in immigrant numbers from that country, particularly single men who traveled there seeking fortune so that they could return home and reunite with their families. Tango became an expression of their nostalgia and melancholy for lives left behind them in Argentina.
Argentina and the United States currently enjoy close ties, sharing similar values and interests while their policies frequently overlap – especially since Menem Administration helped open up Argentina’s economy and shift its foreign policy toward Asia. Still, disagreements exist on certain issues between both nations.
2. Argentina is the home of Pato
Pato, Argentina’s national sport, is an unconventional equestrian game similar to polo and basketball that originated during the seventeenth century and traditionally involved using a live duck that was sewn into a leather bag with handles; teams from different villages would gather on opposite sides of the field and race at signal to grab it and run with it away; the winning team would win! Although Pato could be deadly – sometimes leading to severe injury and even the amputation of limbs during matches – church and civil authorities eventually banned its practice altogether.
Nowadays, a ball is used in place of the duck, and players must be adept at riding well on their horses in order to win. Furthermore, skill and finesse are required, with players needing to lasso opponents and cut them free from their saddles as well as offer up pato to rivals in order to win.
Attending a tournament in Argentina is the best way to discover this fascinating sport, though it might seem odd at first. Though the sport involves playing on the Pampas using dead ducks as batons, it provides a fantastic and exhilarating way of spending a day exploring this stunning nation.
Argentina lies at the southern half of South America, bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. Covering an area of 2,784,400 square kilometers (1 million square miles), Argentina is the eighth-largest nation worldwide and one of Latin America’s most geographically diverse nations; featuring snow-capped Andes to flat pampas and wetlands of Buenos Aires Province; its variety has contributed to over 1,500 species of plants and animals living within its boundaries – as well as vibrant culture and cuisine that make Argentina unique among nations worldwide.
3. Argentina is the country with the highest murder rate in the world
Argentina’s recent history has been marred by a turbulent transition from military dictatorship to democracy and then economic crises, leaving both cities safe. Although Buenos Aires still remains one of Latin America’s safest capital cities, tourists are frequently targeted for petty crime and tourists are often targets themselves of crimes of opportunity such as purse snatching and pickpocketing; crimes with higher poverty rates experience even higher incidents of this nature.
Argentina’s high unemployment rate creates frustration and boredom that may result in violent or property crimes for millions of Argentines living in impoverished areas. Furthermore, political analysts worry about the increased power of its executive branch – many believe its system of checks and balances has become weaker as presidents can bypass Congress more easily to pass laws with force of law without congressional consent.
Although Buenos Aires is safer than many Latin American cities, gangs targeting unaccompanied travelers are common in some neighborhoods. Be particularly wary when walking the bustling streets of Tres de Febrero district – its murder rate doubles that of national average and it sees spikes during summer when tourists are present in large numbers.
Though Peru isn’t often associated with traditional organized crime, corruption in local police forces and an increase in clan-like organizations resembling mafias can still be found throughout Latin America.
To avoid becoming the victim of crime, it’s essential that your belongings stay as close to you at all times. Carry a small bag that contains your camera, money and credit cards at all times – don’t be intimidated to use this bag as an assertive form of self-defence in situations that feel threatened; carry it around your waist while walking, hug it to your belly on public transportation rides and loop it around chairs when sitting at restaurants and cafes.
4. Argentina is the country with the highest percentage of homosexuals
Argentina boasts the highest percentage of homosexuals in South America. Homosexuality is legal there and recent advances on LGBT rights have made notable strides – in 2008 the government passed a law permitting civil unions for gay couples while 2009 became the first Latin American country allowing widowers to collect the pensions of deceased partners – but homophobia still runs rampant throughout society.
Buenos Aires boasts a bustling gay scene, including many bars, clubs and tango halls designated as gay milongas. Additionally, it is home to numerous gay-friendly hotels and vacation rentals; hence its reputation as “the gay capital of South America.” Cordoba, Mendoza and Rosario also boast strong gay communities.
Rural settings present more difficulties for LGBT individuals. Although homosexuality is legal, some forms of discrimination still occur against them there. Furthermore, Catholicism remains strongly influential within rural areas, which may exacerbate these problems further.
Many Argentines hail from European heritages; European immigration contributed significantly to shaping Argentina’s current ethnic composition. Indigenous groups were either forced towards the border or assimilated into society entirely; while mestizos — those with mixed Spanish and indigenous blood — have become the majority.
Though Colombia is home to one of Latin America’s most diverse and vibrant populations, it has not fully embraced its diversity. There have been many racial and cultural conflicts within its borders; these tensions are compounded by economic difficulties and political unrest.
However, numerous high-profile LGBT individuals have made their voices heard in support of the rights of people with different sexual orientations, including tango dancers, soccer players and actresses. The forthcoming Argentine football season will witness its inaugural transgender athlete: Gimnasia de Comodoro player Mara Gomez is currently waiting on an official decision from the Argentine Football Federation as they consider her eligibility to compete openly transgender women’s league competition as an openly transgender woman.
Argentina is home to both European and Indigenous cultures, serving as the birthplace of tango and offering world-famous natural wonders such as Perito Moreno Glacier.
Wildlife in Australia varies as widely as its climate, from warm sub-tropical regions to cold Antarctic zones. Furthermore, Australia is widely recognized as one of the leading wine producing nations worldwide.
1. It’s home to the world’s southernmost city
Ushuaia, Argentina’s gateway to Antarctica, is a place rich in history and culture. As Argentina’s (or possibly the world’s) southernmost city (depending on your point of view), it features the Beagle Channel with icy peaks rising out of the ocean; here is where our world ends (there’s even a sign to commemorate it!).
Early in the 1900s, Argentina experienced rapid economic development and was considered one of the richest nations on Earth. Unfortunately, political unrest quickly ensued and caused lasting harm.
Juan Domingo Peron rose to power during the 1920s with a populist movement known as Peronism that would eventually result in the revitalization of Argentina’s economy and an expansion of middle class membership.
There are various festivals and celebrations across Argentina to recognize different regions and cultures. Students at Argentina’s top universities enjoy La Noche de Los Bastones Largos (or “Night of the Long Baton”) where they engage in mock battle with professors; this lighthearted yet lively tradition serves as a sign of student activism and camaraderie. Furthermore, Argentina boasts numerous wines to sample; Malbec stands out among them due to its earthy notes while another popular drink called Yerba Mate is made by boiling dried leaves that contains caffeine-like stimulant qualities;
2. It’s the birthplace of tango
At the close of the 19th century, tango dance emerged from immigrant culture in Buenos Aires’ dockside slums as an amalgamation of African and European dance forms, performed to violin, harp or bandoneon accompaniment – its steps sexual yet aggressive while its music often filled with longing and despair; its popularity rose due to a sense of loss as people sought connection with those left behind.
Tango gained widespread popularity during the 1920s, and when singer Carlos Gardel included lyrics in his recordings he became its first superstar. His recordings continue to be beloved folk treasures of Argentina even today.
The 1940s witnessed a landmark in the evolution of tango as an artistic form, as well as being an important period for Eva Peron and her activism for social justice, women’s suffrage, and improved labor conditions – qualities she is remembered today for in the Broadway musical Evita.
Unfortunately, tango would not continue its upward trajectory after World War II ended. A series of military dictatorships started restricting freedom of speech and expression in Argentina through curfews, government-enforced bans on dancing, and Rock & Roll music’s introduction. Tango finally experienced renewed energy throughout France and Europe during the 1980s regaining international acclaim and becoming popular again.
3. It’s the home of the first animated movie
Argentina may be known for its soccer, but they also boast the world’s first animated movie: Quirino Cristiani and Federico Valle’s 1917 animated feature film El Apostol was considered by historians to be its precursor.
Cristiani was an Italian-Argentine immigrant who began his animation career by drawing cartoons for pioneering newsreels during the early 1900s, making his mark with political and satirical cartoons for newsreels. Although his parents wanted him to pursue medicine instead of art, Cristiani pursued political cartooning before meeting Valle who produced short animated films that would eventually appear in Argentine cinemas.
El Apostol was produced in 1917 using cutout animation. The story revolved around politician Yrigoyen traveling through heaven to meet Thor, god of thunder who uses lightning bolts to attack Buenos Aires – likely an allusion to his attempt at drawing Argentina into World War I and was widely criticized for its satirical political content.
Cristiani included a Vitaphone sound-on-disc synchronization system soundtrack in his film which played during its screening – making this animated movie sound-laden 20 years before Disney’s Snow White!
4. It’s home to the largest population of Magellanic penguins
Argentina boasts one of the world’s largest populations of Magellanic penguins. Punta Tombo’s rocky islands draw visitors from around the world and penguin colonies can also be found along Chilean and Falkland Islands coastlines. Whales and other marine mammals regularly come together with these birds in this area around Puerto Madryn during summer.
Argentine pampas provide home for elephant seals, fur seals and penguins; sharks, orcas and dolphins frequent its Atlantic coastline; birdlife includes kingfishers and snowy egrets as well as flamingos and Andean condors – each species is worth discovering!
Ibera Wetlands are an oasis for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring swamps and lagoons home to over 300 bird species and other creatures such as caimans, capybaras and anacondas that thrive here.
The Patagonian lancehead pit viper, also known as yararanata in Argentina, can be found in sandy areas such as dunes and riverbanks, growing up to one metre in length and not recommended for anyone easily startled. Other predators in the area include cougars and jaguars that were revered by indigenous cultures before Spanish conquerors painted them as cowardly and set about wiping out their populations; thanks to conservation efforts these creatures are making a comeback today and protected within national parks and reserves in Argentina.
5. It’s home to the highest per capita income in the world
Argentina is one of the world’s leading economies and boasts an abundance of natural resources. Since 1880, Argentina has been governed by democracy; citizens enjoy high standards of living. Unfortunately, however, its history has been marred by military coups and Eva Peron’s populist movement which resulted in rising inflation rates.
Argentina’s economy is driven primarily by agriculture, energy and services. Argentina is a leading grain exporter and boasts vast oil reserves; as an OAS member state it also maintains extensive trade agreements with several other nations including U.S. Export-Import Bank and Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
Argentina may enjoy economic prosperity, yet still face several significant obstacles. The Great Depression caused import restrictions that caused an initial decrease in Gross Domestic Product from 1929-1932 before recovering by late 1930s.
Argentina is not only known for its strong economy, but it’s also an amazing cultural powerhouse. From world-famous writers such as Jorge Luis Borges to international superstar tango dancers like Ivan Veliz, Argentina has produced world-renowned artists in literature and dance alike – not to mention numerous famous musicians and sports stars! Soccer is Argentina’s national sport and fans are extremely passionate about their teams – often filling stadiums full of people dressed in team colors cheering loudly for their players; in Buenos Aires some of the finest clubs can be found, such as Boca Juniors where Lionel Messi lives among others!
6. It’s home to one of the world’s largest vineyards
Argentina was among the top 10 wine producing nations worldwide in the early 1900s. Yet much of their wine was drunk locally (one estimate puts annual production at some 125 liters per person) even if many local wines weren’t exactly top notch.
By the late 80’s things had started to change. Savvy winemakers in the region realized that high altitude vineyards like Yacochuya (pictured above), situated 2000 meters (6500 feet above sea level), could produce world-class wines. With this realization came increased investment and production. Now one vineyard stands proud at 2000 meters, producing some incredible Malbec wines.
Wine is the drink of choice in Argentina – it is consumed throughout meals, date nights, watching a soccer match on television, business meetings and leisure time alike. Emanuel Ginobili and Luis Scola are just two Argentinean basketball players to have made an impression with NBA basketball players like David Stern.
Argentina is home to some of the finest vineyards, making it an excellent wine country. Make sure you visit Wines ‘Til Sold Out first; our team can assist in your wine search if needed; simply reach out if any queries arise! Thanks, Krissy K.