Ten Fun Facts about Argentina
A nation famed for its geographical contrasts, wonderful wines and culture-laden cities, Argentina is bursting with intrigue. We’ve rounded up our favourite fun facts about Argentina, from its tallest mountains to its most famous exports, so read on to learn more about this South American giant…
1. Argentina is the birthplace of tango
This popular type of music and dance originated in the working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century. Characterised by a syncopated rhythm and a ‘tango beat’, tango music traditionally features a bandoneon (a type of accordion) and other instruments like a guitar and a violin. In 2009, UNESCO recognised tango as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – quite the accolade.
Image by Ignazio Sciacca/LAIF REA
2. The national sport of Argentina is pato
Despite the popularity of football in Argentina, pato has been its national sport since 1953. This sport originated in the 17th century and is played on horseback, similar to polo. Although not very prevalent today, pato is still played in rural areas where there’s a strong gaucho (South American cowboy) culture.
3. Argentina has the highest beef consumption in the world
On average, Argentinians consume 46.93kg of beef per person per year. This, in part, is thanks to it being a large producer of beef – Argentina is home to over 50 million cattle (meaning there are more cows than people). Argentinian cuisine is famous for asado, a traditional barbeque used for grilling meat (especially beef).
4. Argentina is one of the world’s largest wine producers
The nation’s wine production is centred around the base of the Andes Mountains, where conditions are most favourable. Mendoza makes up around 70% of Argentina’s wine production, with Malbec being its most famous export.
Image by Kseniya Ragozina/stock.adobe.com
5. The highest mountain in Argentina is Aconcagua
With an elevation of 22,840ft, Aconcagua also the tallest mountain in the Southern and Western Hemispheres. Found in the Andes Mountains in Mendoza Province, it is also the highest peak in the Americas.
6. The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso
The Argentine peso (ARS) is divided into 100 centavos and is denoted by the ‘$’ symbol. It was introduced as the country’s official currency in 1992, following a period of severe economic hardship.
7. Argentina is home to rich flora and fauna
Thanks to its variety of ecosystems – which include subtropical rainforests, temperate grasslands and cold subantarctic regions – this South American nation is home to over 9,000 plant species (over 1,500 of which are endemic), over 1,000 bird species (approximately 18 are endemic) and over 400 mammal species (around 38 are endemic).
8. The world’s southernmost city is found in Argentina
Ushuaia is located in the nation’s southernmost archipelago, Tierra del Fuego, and is home to over 82,000 inhabitants. Also known as the ‘end of the world’, this remote city is surrounded by the Martial Mountain range and the Beagle Channel, and is approximately 680 miles from Antarctica, making it the gateway for most Antarctica cruises.
Image by dmitry saparov/Fotolia
9. In 2001, Argentina had five different presidents in ten days
Following a severe political and economic crisis, Argentina’s president of two years, Fernando de la Rua, resigned. He was replaced by a president who served for two days, followed by one who served for eight, another who served for three, and finally, Eduardo Duhalde, who served as Argentina’s president for a year.
10. Argentina is home to the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere
Mount Aconcagua is the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere, towering at 22,840ft, while Laguna del Carbon, a salt lake in the Santa Cruz province, is the lowest point, sitting at 344ft below sea level. The latter is also the seventh-lowest point on Earth.
