Argentina
Where is Argentina located? Argentina is located on the continent of South America. It is positioned in Southern South America, on the coastline of the South Atlantic Ocean and its border countries are Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile.
Argentina population and size Argentina is the second largest country in South America. The estimated area size of this American country is 2,780,400 km sq. It is predicted that the country has a population of approx. 43,886,000 inhabitants with Argentina’s most populous region being the capital city of Buenos Aires.
The capital of Argentina The capital city of Argentina is Buenos Aires which is situated in the east of the country. Buenos Aires is the most populated city in Argentina and has an approximated population of 15,180,000 inhabitants. The area is known for being a popular tourist destination with many points of interest. There are a range of notable landmarks in the capital of Argentina including the The Obelisk, Kavanagh building, Cabildo government house, Las Nereidas font, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Library, San Martin Palace. Buenos Aires is a very popular tourist destination offering quality hotel accommodation and access to some of the most famous landmarks in Argentina. Buenos Aires is core to the economy of this South American country as it supports major industrial, commercial and financial services. This important capital city houses one of the busiest ports and main distribution hubs in South America.
Argentina major cities There are several major cities in Argentina, the names of the largest and most important cities and towns include the country’s capital Buenos Aires, and Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, San Miguel de Tucuman, and La Plata. The second most populous city in Argentina is called Cordoba. Located in Central Argentina close to the Punilla Valley area, Cordoba has many points of interest including historical buildings and monuments which date back to Spanish colonization.
Iguaza Falls Facts The Iguaza Falls can be described as spectacular waterfalls of the Iguaza River located at Misiones Province, Argentina and Panana State, Brazil. The Iguaza Falls form the world's largest waterfall system. The highest waterfall drop is measured at 82m tall.
Perito Moreno Glacier Facts The Perito Moreno Glacier can be described as an ice formation found in Santa Cruz in the Los Glaciares National Park. The total area size of the Perito Moreno Glacier is 250 km sq. It is 30km long and 170m deep, and forms the third largest fresh water reserve on Earth. One of the most interesting facts about the Perito Moreno Glacier is that it is advancing rather than retreating like most other glaciers. The Lago Argentino, meaning Lake Argentinian, is located in the Los Glaciares National Park. It is a notable for being the largest freshwater lake in Argentina.
Argentina Flag Argentina’s flag was designed by General Manuel Belgrano during the country’s battle for independence. The flag was first introduced in 1812.
Argentina Flag The National Flag of Argentina can be described as a triband flag featuring three equally spaced horizontal stripes. The colors, from to bottom are light blue, white, light blue. The ‘Sun of May’ was added in 1818 to centre of the flag’s design. The Sun of May is a national emblem of Argentina. The same symbol features on the flag of Uruguay also.
Argentina Flag The flag of Argentina, which features the Sun of May emblem, is known as the Official Ceremonial Flag. It is the official civil state, war flag and ensign. The Argentinean flag without the yellow Sun of May emblem is known as the Ornamental flag. This flag is seen as an alternate civil flag and ensign. Both flags are seen as the National Flag of Argentina, with the Ornamental flag being flown under the Ceremonial flag. The Sun of May symbolizes the May Revolution; a battle that sparked Argentina’s fight for independence.
Argentina Flag The origin of the flags colors can be traced back to the lead of Argentina’s fight for independence, General Belgrano. During the battle for independence, it is said, that General Belgrano realized that both his forces, and those of Spain, were using the same colors; red and yellow. The General then opted to use the colors that were used by the Criollos during the May Revolution. However, it has since been discovered that the Criollos used red, and it is therefore, more likely that the colors were taken from the House of Bourbon.
Sun of May Meaning The Sun of May emblem is a main feature of the National Flag of Argentina. It is a representation of the Inca Sun-god, Inti. The symbol has great meaning and replicates the engraving of the Sun of May on the first Argentine coin, which was approved in 1813, and valued at 8 Escudos. The sun itself is surrounded by 16 waved and 16 straight rays. The month of May forms part of the emblem’s name as it references the May Revolution that occurred in Buenos Aires, Argentina from May 18 to May 25, 1820.
Map of Argentina
Geography
The geography of Argentina varies across its landmass which stretches from the Atlantic to the Chilean border and lofty Andes peaks, and consists of coastal regions, mountains, wooded Gran Chaco, rich pampas and marshland. Northern Argentina is dominated by rich plains of Pampas that can be subjected to extreme windstorms, the Andes Mountains are located on its western border with Chile and comprise of two main spots that are prone to earthquakes; Mendoza and San Miguel de Tucuman, and southern parts of the country can be described as having flat to rolling plateau. The area is agriculturally rich and sheep and cattle are the mainstay of the Argentine population. Southward is Patagonia, an area marked by cool, dry plain interspersed with wooded and rich agricultural zones. With the exception of major peaks found in Asia, the highest mountain in the Americas and the rest of the world can be found in Argentina; the Cerro Aconcagua summit has a highest point of 6,960m.
Climate
The climate in Argentina can be quite diverse but is generally described as temperate with climatic conditions often being characterized by mild temperatures. However, the climate differs between landscapes and range from the arid areas of the southeast to the sub-Antarctic conditions experienced in the southwest. The climate can often be described as tropical in the north although areas of the northeast can be subjected to extreme floods and severe winds can occur in northern areas.
Famous landmarks
There are numerous unusual landmarks, monuments, museums and buildings of interest in Argentina including the The Obelisk, Kavanagh building, Cabildo government house, Las Nereidas font, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Library, San Martin Palace.
Argentina is famous for being one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. Its capital city of Buenos Aires is one of the most populous and busiest cities in the Americas. This country has some of the most stunning features, geographical points, historical sites and landmarks on the continent.
Culture
The official language of Argentina is Spanish, however, a number of other languages are also spoken across this South American country including Italian, German, English, French and indigenous languages such as Quechua and Mapudungun. The main languages of this country are greatly influenced by its European descendants. Argentina gained independence from Spain on July 9, 1816 and has since attracted many European immigrants, in particular, large numbers from Spain and Italy.
Since Argentina gained independence from Spain in the 19th century, the country has welcomed many immigrants, particularly from Europe, majorly from Spain and Italy. European influences have impacted greatly upon the culture and traditions of this country. The majority of the population are highly literate and enjoy a good standard of living. Argentina prospers from natural wealth. The workforce of this country is knowledgeable, and its economy is one of the largest in South America. The main religion here is Roman Catholic. As a multicultural country, the people of Argentina enjoy art, architecture, music, theatre, cinema, literature, cuisine and different types of sport with the most popular sport being football. The national sport of Argentina is Pato which can be described as an historical game played on horseback.
History
The May Revolution marked the beginning of Argentina’s fight for independence from Spain. Legend has it that the outbreak of the revolution saw the sun breaking through the clouds which was said to be a good omen. The Spanish colony incorporated parts of Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. The May Revolution is considered the first successful revolution in South America’s battle for independence.
The flag
The national flag of Argentina, whose design composes of three colors, was first introduced in 1812, and can be described as having three horizontal bands equal in size that run the colors of light blue, white, light blue from top to bottom. The Argentinian flag can be identified by a yellow Sun of May symbol that features central to the flag's design. The National Flag of Argentina represents this South American country's history, and in particular, Argentina's fight for independence. The flag was designed by General Manuel Belgrano who established the colors of light blue and white during the May Revolution. The Sun of May is a national emblem of Argentina.
