25 Amazing Facts about Argentina

Photo by Nestor Barbitta on Unsplash

25 Amazing Facts about Argentina

Argentina is a nation in the southern region of South America. It is the fourth-largest nation in the Americas, the eighth-largest nation in the globe, and the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, with a total land area of 2,780,400 km2 (1,073,500 sq mi).

Argentina has a turbulent political and economic history. However, the country has made remarkable progress in recent years to become a more prosperous and stable country.

Over 43 million individuals call Argentina home. More than 2.8 million people live in Buenos Aires, the nation’s capital. In addition, Immigration is common in Argentina. There are sizable groups of people with Spanish, German, French, and British ancestry, as well as more than 60% of the population who are of Italian lineage in some way.

With glaciers, deserts, jungles, and mountains, Argentina offers a varied geography. Aconcagua, which rises to a height of 22,840 feet, is the tallest peak in Argentina (6962 meters). In addition, Aconcagua is the highest mountain in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres.

let’s learn more about Argentina;

1. The Latin Word for Silver is the Source of the Name Argentina

El Chalten, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Photo by Rafael Hoyos Weht on Unsplash

Silver is referred to as “Argentum” in Latin, and it is from this term that the nation derives its name. According to popular belief, this name was adopted because, in the past, European invaders had come to South America to mine the rich gold they had heard so much about.

2. Animal Species are Incredibly Diverse in Argentina

South American Sea Lion pups in a colony in Patagonia. Wikimedia

Animal species are quite diverse in Argentina. Elephant seals, fur seals, penguins, and sea lions all reside along Patagonia’s coastline. Patagonia is a sparsely populated region that is abundant in natural resources and wildlife, including guanacos, herons, condors, pumas, tortoises, and exquisite creatures related to llamas and alpacas.

Along the Atlantic coast, you will find Salmon, dolphins, sharks, orcas, and other marine life. Flamingos, toucans, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, and caimans can all be found in Argentina’s north! There are numerous species of huge cats as well, including the cougar, jaguar, and ocelot.

3. The Civil War in Argentina Almost Took Eight Years

The Argentina war of Independence was fought from 1810 to 1818. It was a secessionist civil war. The war was fought under Manuel Belgrano, Juan José Castelli, and José de San Martín against royalist forces loyal to the Spanish crown.

The country fought for independence from the Spanish Empire and its colonial rule during this 8-year conflict. The conflict marked the start of a new era for Argentina. Moreover, it led to the creation of a new country with Buenos Aires as its capital.

National holidays and monuments commemorate the events. They serve as a constant reminder of the price paid for the nation’s freedom. The First National Government (and the founding of the Primera Junta), one of the important events in Argentina’s history, is commemorated on May 25 with a national holiday known as Da de la Revolución de Mayo (May Revolution Day). The Semana de Mayo refers to these activities as well as others taking place throughout the week leading up to May 1. (May Week).

Check out the Top 10 Famous Facts about the American Civil War

4 . The Nation has more Cows than People

Argentina is one of just five nations in the world (together with Uruguay, Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia) where there are more cows than people, according to the Cattle Network.

Due to the enormous number of cows, this tranquil city is known for its world-famous steak. This is because the citizens of Argentina are extremely passionate about their meat. One of the many parrillas or steakhouses is the spot to eat a perfectly prepared steak.

5. Argentina had 5 Presidents in 10 days in 2001

The former president of Argentina, Eduardo Duhalde.Author Fabio Pozzebom/ABr.Wikimedia

Argentina saw a coup against the government in December 2001, which resulted in bloody riots in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and other major towns. The Argentine peso’s depreciation, which had triggered an economic crisis, was the cause of the uprisings.39 individuals were killed by police and security during the disturbance. This led to the resignation of the incumbent president.

In light of Fernando de la Ra’s resignation, an acting president was chosen to lead the country until a joint session of the Senate and House of Deputies could choose a new leader. For around two days, Rámon Puerta presided as president pro tem. Adolfo Rodriguez Saá was then chosen, but his term as president was only supposed to last until March.

Saá wasn’t too pleased with that, so he started to strengthen his control, which brought in more unrest. After serving as president for around eight days, Saá eventually announced his resignation as well. Since Rámon Puerta didn’t want to serve as interim president once more, Eduardo Camaro was selected. Before the legislative assembly selected Eduardo Duhalde, who ultimately became president until the elections in 2003, he presided for around three days.

Read more about the Top 10 Famous Argentinian people

6. South America’s First Nation to Allow Homosexual Marriage

Argentina is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. It was the first nation in Latin America to legalize gay marriage with full adoption rights.  Gay marriage was legalized in 2010.  Additionally, Rosario and Buenos Aires have anti-discrimination laws in full effect, and the opportunity to change one’s legal gender has been available since 2012.

7. Argentina is the Home of Tango

A_couple_dancing_Tango.Author Jorge Láscar.WIKIMEDIA

Tango is the most famous Latin American dance. This dance is well-established for its passion and intensity.

The dance was first performed in the docklands’ underprivileged districts in the 19^th century in the nation’s capital, Buenos Aires. As a result, many Porteos despised the dance, considering it to be demeaning and repulsive.

This later changed, though, and tango spread throughout the world, becoming a phenomenon that is widely associated with Argentina. You may watch the Argentine tango in several locations across the nation. Two of the most well-liked choices are Piazzolla Tango and El Beso.

8. Argentina’s National Sport is Pato

“Pato”, Argentine national sport.Author David. Wikimedia

Soccer coke to mind when sports in Argentina are mentioned. However,  soccer is not a national sport. The national sport of Argentina is Pato, which was declared  Argentina’s national sport in 1953.

Pato, which means “duck game,” is a horse-mounted sport that mixes aspects of polo and basketball. Interestingly,  the early  games used a live duck inside a basket rather than a ball, pato is Spanish for “duck.” The winning team would be the first to carry the duck into its own casco (ranch house).

Pato was outlawed multiple times throughout its history. This was due to the violence that occurred. The violence  was not just to the ducks but also to many gauchos who were crushed underfoot and lost their lives in sudden-death knife fights

However, the modern game does not use ducks. Two four-member teams riding on horses fight for the possession of a ball.

In modern Pato, two four-member teams riding on horses fight for possession of a ball that has six conveniently-sized handles, and score by throwing the ball through a vertically positioned ring (as opposed to the horizontal rim used in basketball).

9. It is a Multicultural Country

Argentina is a multiracial country with strong European influences. Immigrants from Italy, Spain, and other European nations, including France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, among others, have had a considerable influence on contemporary Argentine culture. The significant proportion of people of European descent in its cities and the wilful imitation of American and European fashion, architectural, and design trends set them apart.

10. Argentina Draws Tourists with its Magnificent Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina.Photo by Jackman Chiu on Unsplash

Argentina welcomes tourists from all over the world thanks to the Perito Moreno Glacier, a natural wonder. The glacier, which is about 97 square miles in size, is a magnificent sight with its soaring ice walls and ice that is a brilliant blue.

Since it is one of the few glaciers in the world continuously expanding while the majority is shrinking, the glacier is exceptional. Due to the rocky landscape surrounding it, it is a well-liked location for trekking, hiking, and adventure. There are more than 300 glaciers in Argentina, while the Perito Moreno is the most well-known.

Check out the Top 8 Facts about the Marble Caves, Argentina/Chile

11. The Largest Mosque in Latin America is in Buenos Aires

The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, features the largest Mosque in Latin America. In the Palermo district of Buenos Aires is where the largest mosque is located, the King Fahd Islamic Cultural Centre.

Interestingly, the Saudi Arabian government helped fund its construction. The Mosque was formally opened in 2000. The Mosque houses the city’s  Muslim community. Over 1500 worshipers may fit within the mosque.

For the promotion of Islamic culture and education, it has a library, classrooms, and a cultural center. The center is a helpful resource for the larger community because it is accessible to guests of all origins and faiths.

12. Yerba Mate is Argentina’s National Beverage

Yerba Mate. Author ChimaAddicted. Wikimedia

The Ilex paraguariensis plant’s leaves and twigs are used to make yerba mate. It has a strong herbal tea flavor and is high in caffeine.

Mate has a distinctive flavor and scent, with hints of earthiness and a delicate sweetness. In order to show hospitality and kindness, sharing a mate is a customary tradition among friends and relatives.

Anyone visiting Argentina should try the beverage because it is a valued component of the nation’s culture. If you visit this tranquil country, try mate.

13. Tourism is One of the Most Important Sectors in Argentina 

With 5.57 million visitors in 2013, the nation ranked first in South America and second in Latin America (behind Mexico) in terms of international tourist arrivals. International traveler earnings totaled US$4.41 billion in 2013, down from US$4.89 billion in 2012.

 The most frequented city in South America is Buenos Aires, the capital of the nation. 30 National Parks, many of which are World Heritage Sites, exist in Argentina.

check  out the Top 10 Facts about Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

14. Argentina’s Nuclear Program has been Highly Successful

 Argentina developed and constructed the RA-1 Enrico Fermi research reactor in 1957. It was the first nation in Latin America to do so.

The National Atomic Energy Commission, Argentina’s civilian nuclear program, relied heavily on developing its own nuclear-related technologies rather than purchasing them from overseas (CNEA). Peru, Algeria, Australia, and Egypt all have nuclear power plants that use Argentine technology.

15. Argentina is where the Largest Dinosaur Remains were Discovered

An Argentine agricultural worker found the ruins of a Patagotitan mayorum in 2008. Thought to have lived in the late Cretaceous era, the dinosaur was at the time the largest ever found.

The largest of the sauropods, the titanosaur, is thought to have been this dinosaur, according to scientists. They were thought to have existed from the end of the Jurassic period to the beginning of the Cretaceous period. They were plant-eating animals with long necks.

16. One of the World’s Cleanest Lakes is in Argentina

Argentina’s Patagonian region is home to the glacial salt lake Laguna del Carbon. Because of its isolation and lack of habitation nearby, it is regarded as one of the world’s most pure lakes.

The Southern Patagonian Ice Field supplies the lake, which is a part of the Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its brilliant, clean water. It is a genuinely one-of-a-kind and unforgettable site due to the lake’s natural beauty and rocky surroundings.

17. Football legend Maradona has Inspired Religion in Argentina

Diego Maradona. Author Joka Madruga. WIKIMEDIA

A small group of Maradona supporters opened the church in the city of Rosario in 1998. The faith has been carefully considered, and it even has its own version of the Ten Commandments, which include things like “Name your first son Diego” and “The ball is never filthy.”

The name of the Maradonian Church’s hero is D10S. This is a combination of the word for God in Spanish (Dios) with the iconic football number 10 worn by Maradona.

The Maradonian Church uses the abbreviation d. D. In place of more conventional year notations like BC and AD. Supporters calculate the years since Maradona was born, therefore “d. D.” Stands for “after Diego” 

Check out the Top 10 Greatest Argentine Football (Soccer) Players of All Time

18. Argentina sent a Pregnant Woman to Antarctica in 1977

Silvia Morella de Palma, who was eight months pregnant, was dispatched to Antarctica in 1977 by Argentinian authorities. She was sent there in order to establish their possession of a portion of the continent.

Emilio Marcos Palma, Silvia’s son, was born on January 7, 1978. His birth in Antarctica became the first ever recorded instance.

Due to the fact that Emilio’s parents were both citizens of Argentina and that he was born in so-called Argentine Antarctica, the government immediately accorded him Argentine citizenship. This area of Antarctica is claimed by Argentina as part of its national territory. However, this claim is unofficial and overlaps with those of Chile and Britain.

19. The Falklands War was never an Official war

The Falklands War was an unofficial ten-week conflict. The war was between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982 over the two British-dependent territories in the South Atlantic: the Falkland Islands and its dependent territories, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Argentina invaded and captured the Falkland Islands on April 2. The next day South Georgia was invaded, sparking the start of the conflict. The British government sent a naval task force to the Argentine Navy and Air Force on April 5 in order to confront them before launching an amphibious attack on the islands.

The Argentines surrendered on June 14, ending the 74-day war and handing back control of the islands to Britain. The hostilities resulted in the deaths of 3 Falkland Islanders, 255 British military personnel, and 649 Argentine military men overall.

20. Argentina has had Two Female Presidents

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. Author Maximus0970.WIKIMEDIA

Unexpectedly, the first of these, Isabel Martnez de Perón, wasn’t actually elected. Her husband Juan Domingo Perón died in office in 1974, leaving her in temporary charge of the position. Despite the fact that Isabel served as president for two years, the government overran the nation, put her under house arrest, and ultimately banished her to Spain.

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is the first democratically elected and the second female president of Argentina. She was the President of Argentina from 2007 to 2015. Previously, she practiced law.

check out the Top 10 Facts about First Lady of Argentina Eva Peron

21. Argentina was the First Country to use Fingerprints for Identification

In 1892, the children of Argentine Francesca Rosa were discovered dead. They died of stab wounds in their house. The mother told the authorities that she suspected the perpetrator might be a guy whose advances she had previously turned down. The man in issue was detained and repeatedly tortured in exchange for his confession. However,  he insisted on being innocent.

The person in charge of criminal identification, Juan Vucetich, suggested adopting a completely novel method to gather more details from the scene of the crime. The police realized that a bloody fingerprint was from Rosa rather than the accused. She was questioned and finally confessed to killing them. She had killed her children in an effort to get married to her lover, who detested them.

22. There is a Law Against Naming a Child after Argentina’s Football Legend

Lionel Messi playing for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Author Tasnim News Agency.WIKIMEDIA

Inspiring millions around the world, football great Lionel Messi led the Argentinian squad to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After Argentina’s victory, a citizen of Rosario, Messi’s hometown, gave his son the name Messi.

Government officials in Rosario anticipated a large number of people would do the same. Thus, they were concerned that if the name gained too much traction, there may be “mass confusion” later on. To discourage parents from naming their children Messi, a citywide ban was enacted.

Read more about the Top 10 Facts About Lionel Messi

23. It was the First Country to Produce an Animated Film

The first animated feature film was produced in Argentina. This gave this country a special place in cinematic history.

Quirino Cristiani was the director of “El Apóstol” (The Apostle), which was released in 1917. In the film, a man builds a robot to assist him in winning the election. As an appropriate allegory to the nation’s volatile political situation at the time, the robot ultimately turns out to be a dictator.

24. Argentina is where the Southern Hemisphere’s Highest and Lowest Points are Located

With a peak elevation of 6,962 meters, Mount Aconcagua in Mendoza is the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere. The peak is one of the Seven Summits of the Seven Continents. Edward FitzGerald, a renowned British mountaineer, led the first recorded ascent of Aconcagua in 1897.

In contrast, Laguna del Carbon, a salt lake located in the province of Santa Cruz, is the Southern Hemisphere’s lowest point. This basin, which translates to “coal lagoon,” is the seventh-lowest place on the earth and is located 105 meters below sea level.

25. The Second-largest Country in South America is Argentina

The eighth-largest country in the world, Argentina spans a wide area measuring 1,068,296 square miles. With a population of more than 46 million, it is the second-largest country in South America after Brazil.