Discover Argentina
DISCOVER ARGENTINA !!!
By Maria de la Paz Mohando
Situated towards the tip of South America, Argentina covers almost 3.8 million square kilometers (2.36 million square miles), with approximately half of this being made up of plains, a quarter of plateau and quarter comprised of mountains. Argentina’s neighbors are Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile.
Known for its incredible nature, Argentina is a traveler’s paradise. Stretching from Jujuy in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the far south, Argentina holds a marvelous variety of landscapes. Between the Parana and Uruguay Rivers, the Argentinean Mesopotamia (northeast area) is made up of low hills, lagoons and estuaries. In some areas, immersed in the subtropical forest, there are breaks with phenomena such as the spectacular Iguazu Falls. In the center of Argentina, the Pampa region is the most extensive area, well known for its massive farms and cattle ranches. In the South, from the Andes to the sea, you can take in the views of the clear and stony patagonic plateau, as it is slashed by the strong winds. With its high cliffs, it depicts incredible wavy shapes such as the Valdes Peninsula which is a magnificent and unique area with a spectacular array of marine animals.
Argentina boasts a population of over 36 million with the vast majority being white (95%), mainly descendants of Italian and Spanish. With this massive European immigration, the mestizo, a cross of European and indigenous populations, steadily decreased, currently accounting for only 4.5% of the total population. Indigenous populations of the mapuches, collas, tobas and matacos represent 0.5% of the inhabitants. The official language of the Republic of Argentina is Spanish, and the official religion is Roman Catholic, though there is religious freedom throughout the country.
Being home to almost half of the country’s population, Buenos Aires is huge, beautiful, diverse, cosmopolitan and full of history. With a reputaion for being a city with a uniquely European feel, it offers different opportunities during day and night, from watching fútbol (soccer), to dancing the genuine tango or just interacting with the dynamic porteños (Buenos Aires locals). If these options don’t entice you, you can go shopping for famous designer items (at very affordable prices), enjoy the world’s best steaks, along with some of the world’s best wine. Later, you might want to take in an opera or theatrical performance or just enjoy the colorful nightlife! Leaving the bright lights and big city behind, life in the smaller cities (in the north or south of Argentina), means enjoying the peace and quiet of a simpler life. Very family-oriented, there are often cultural or local events (like music festivals, carnivals, etc) where people enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, cycling, skiing, horseback riding, polo, waterskiing, rafting, swimming, sailing, golf, hunting, soccer and even car racing!
While out in the countryside, you may happen upon a gaucho, the traditional Argentinean farmer. Gauchos wear particular clothes and have their own unique traditions. Those traditions have spread and nowadays you can see them in cities as well. One well-known tradition of the gaucho is the drinking of mate. Mate is a special kind of green tea and is served in a large cup made from a hollow-out gourd. The tea is packed to one side of the cup and hot water is then poured into the other, allowing the tea to steep slowly. As the cup is passed around, friends drink from the bombilla or metal straw. It is known as an ancient drink of health and friendship in both Argentina and Brazil. Another food-oriented gaucho tradition is the asado. Quite a social event, an asado involves a special technique for cooking cuts of meat, usually consisting of beef alongside various other types of meat, which are cooked on a grill (parrilla) or open fire. Delicious and not to be missed!
In general, you will find Argentineans to be very warm and family-oriented, with close friends. In addition, since the government provides a public and free system through high school, many young people have the chance to be well educated. So, why not welcome an Argentinean au pair into your family? What better way to continue learning about our beautiful country and culture?