Argentina is a massive South American nation with terrain encompassing Andes mountains, glacial lakes and Pampas grassland, the traditional grazing ground of its famed beef cattle. The country is famous for tango dance and music. Its big, cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires, is centered on the Plaza de Mayo, lined with stately 19th-century buildings including Casa Rosada, the iconic, balconied presidential palace.
Languages: The official language of Argentina is Spanish, which is spoken by the majority of the population. Spanish is used in government, education, and the media, and it is the language of instruction in schools. In addition to Spanish, there are also a number of regional languages and dialects spoken in Argentina, including Italian, German, and French, as well as various indigenous languages such as Quechua and Mapudungun. Finally, English is also spoken by some people in Argentina, particularly in business and tourism.
Ethnic Groups: The majority of the population of Argentina is of European descent, primarily of Spanish and Italian ancestry. There is also a significant community of people of Arab descent in Argentina, as well as smaller numbers of people of indigenous, African, and Asian ancestry. The indigenous population of Argentina is made up of a number of different groups, including the Quechua, Mapuche, and Guarani, among others. The African community in Argentina is primarily descended from enslaved people who were brought to the country during the colonial period, while the Asian community is made up of people from a variety of countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea.
Belief Systems: Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%
Demographics:
Population: 41.8 million people (World Rank: 33rd) (2014 estimate)
Population Density: 39.6 people/mi^2 (People per Square Mile) (World Rank: 212th) (2014 estimate)
Population Growth: 0.863 %/yr (World Rank: 140th) (2013 estimate)
Life Expectancy: 76.3 years (World Rank: 80th) (2013 estimate)
Median Age: 30.3 years (World Rank: 72nd) (2010 estimate)
Sites for More Information:
Map of Argentina
Worldatlas.com
Argentina
World Factbook
Argentina-General Information
Encyclopedia.com
Culture and Tourism:
Buenos Aires Festivals
Cultural and Modern Festivals in Buenos Aires
Festivals in Buenos Aires
Outdoor Markets
Best Outdoor Markets in Buenos Aires
Tango in Buenos Aires
Free Open Air Tango in Buenos Aires
Argentinian recipes and food
Foodnetwork.com
Spanish Language Resources:
Study Abroad in Argentina
Learn Spanish in Argentina
Government Related:
Argentinian Embassy
in Washington D.C.
Argentina Government Websites
by Gunnar Anzinger
