Info about Argentina
Argentina – review on history, culture, and facts
The Argentine Republic (or simply Argentina) is a Spanish speaking South American country with the Buenos Aires (GPS coordinates: 34°36′S 58°23′W) as capital city and twenty-three provinces. The word “argentina” comes from Latin “argentum” which stands for “silver”. The earliest human traces found on the territory date back over ten thousand years. This ancient monument is located in Santa Cruz province, namely the “Cave of the Hands” (Cueva de las Manos) – a cave with numerous hand imprints. The signs of ancient human presence can be found in various parts of the country.
In the west the country is surpassed by the Andes Mountains and in the east it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Argentina’s neighboring countries are Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil. Among the largest world countries Argentina is number eight. The economy of the country has stabilized since the economic crisis in late 1990s. Starting from 2003 when the government took a new course towards industrialization, enhancement of trade turnover, the country started to enjoy economic grows. Now Argentina is among the G-20 economic leaders. Mrs. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (once a Senator) won the 2007 presidential elections and became the first woman governor in the country.
Argentina claims over several territories including Antarctica, Falkland Islands, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Excluding the Antarctic claim the overall territory of the country makes 1,068,302.7 sq mi (2,766,891.2 km2) where water occupies 11,700 sq mi (30,200 km2), and it makes 2,400 mi (3,900 km) from south to north, and around 870 mi (1,400 km) from east to west. The territory is divided into four main regions: the Pampas – with its fertile lands is the country’s agricultural center, Patagonia – has rich in oil plains, Gran Chaco – with its subtropical lowlands, and the Andes Mountains at the boundary with Chile. Cerro Aconcagua is the highest (22,841 ft, or 6,962 m) above the sea point. The water resources of the country consist of lakes: Viedma, Argentino, Fagnano, Nahuel Huapi, and other - including salt-water ones, and various springs. The climate in the north is subtropical with mild winters and humid hot summers, whereas in the south it is subpolar. Heavy thunderstorms and hail sometimes occur in the central part of the city. The 2009 census reports the population at over 40 million and with life expectancy of 76 years. The majority of Argentina’s population consists of European immigrants who moved to the country in the 19th - 20th centuries. The major religion is Roman Catholicism however the country has diverse religious communities and the society is highly tolerant towards everyone.
A tree with red flowers – the locals call it ceibo whereas Americans know it as the Cockspur Coral Tree (in Latin “Erythrina crista-galli”), is the national flower of Argentina. The country is rich in flora and fauna. There are many interesting architectural constructions in the cities of Argentina: cathedrals, governmental buildings, etc. Cuisine in the country is delicious, diverse and spicy. Argentines appreciate eating and enjoy numerous recipes. The cultural heritage cherishes many eminent writers, thinkers, and painters. And of course one of the greatest national prides is the Argentine’s football team which took a number of World Cups and where the outstanding football player Diego Maradona has plaid and now is the manager of the Argentina national football team.