Fun facts about Argentina...

I realized that some of you may not know much about Argentina. So, I thought I'd list some things I found online, and some things I've experienced while there...since I'm definitely still learning about this culture:

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world (it is as long as the U.S. is wide) and South America's second largest country.

The capital city is Buenos Aires and is the most European city in Latin America, full of ornate French style buildings fronted along tree lined boulevards with fountains, parks and sidewalk cafes. About 14 million people live in this city, compared to: approx. 8.3 million in NY or 560,000 in Portland!

The city I am planning to stay in is Cordoba. Cordoba is Argentina's colonial capital, a picturesque city of a million on the edge of a mountain range known as the Sierra Chica. Because of its proximity to the mountains, Cordoba is a perfect base for excursions into the natural beauty of the Andes, or even the Pampas 100 km to the south. Prior to the rise of Buenos Aires, Cordoba was Argentina's center of arts and learning, a place of scholars and priests, churches and universities. Though in terms of national importance the city has fallen behind the capital, it still retains and independent spirit and distinctive grace. Its name comes from the surrounding province, which embraces an unusually scenic section of the Andes, the Sierras de Cordoba. (http://www.geographia.com/argentina/cordoba/index.htm)

Although many consider the Argentine people to be of Spanish descent, the majority of them are from a German, Italian and Dutch background. Argentina is home to 40,000,000 hospitable, friendly and fun-loving people. Although Spanish is the national language of Argentina, it is not uncommon to hear Italian, German and Indigenous languages being spoken. (Interesting Facts about Argentina by Connie Earl Robertson www.helium.com )

Argentines love their beefsteak and Argentina is the third largest producer of beef in the world. The largest part of the food eaten by Argentines is beef and vegetables without the use of spices. They use a sauce called "Chimichuri" that is rather plain. The first European immigrants who came to Argentina have had an enormous influence on the food they eat. (Interesting Facts about Argentina by Connie Earl Robertson www.helium.com )


Well, hopefully this helps you understand a little bit more about where I am going.