Nationality: Argentine
Religion
Most people in Argentina are Roman Catholic (that’s a form of Christianity) but most people do not practice the religion or attend church.
Culture and tourist attractions
Argentina was a Spanish colony for 300 years! The Spanish arrived in 1516 and much of the native population died after that. Most Argentineans today are descendants of Europeans (mainly from Spain, Italy, Germany, Ireland and France). This has had a huge influence on the culture and customs of the country.
Tango is a type of dance and one of Argentina’s cultural symbols.
When it comes to sport, football is the most popular even though the national sport of the country is Pato (similar to polo).
If you feel hungry, you can try an Argentinian barbecue, they call it ‘asado’. They love their meat in Argentina! No country in the world eats more red meat than the Argentinians. The country is also famous for ‘Maté Tea’, it’s a herbal tea that they sip through a straw, it’s becoming very popular in Europe now. You might even find it at the supermarket.
But now it’s time to explore! Our first stop is Iguazu Falls, these giant waterfalls are in between Argentina and Brazil and are absolutely breathtaking. Don’t forget to take some pictures!
The Perito Moreno Glacier is another natural beauty. It’s in the Patagonia region and stretches 30km!
Famous people
Argentina has produced some of the world’s most famous football players. Do you know these names?
Lionel Messi - considered by many as the best football player in the world.
Diego Maradona - he scored the world famous goal (‘hand of god') against England in the 1986 World Cup. People still remember it today.
José de San Martín - is not a footballer, he is a national hero who helped free the southern parts of South America from the Spanish.
Did you know?
- Copahue is an active volcano in Argentina that last erupted in 2016.
- Argentina has the largest railway system in Latin America. It links all 23 provinces plus Buenos Aires City, and connects with all its neighbouring countries.
- The Ibera Wetlands is the second biggest wetland in the world after the Pantanal in Brazil. It’s a huge swampland with lots of mammals, birds and even alligators!
- The world's first two animated feature films were released in 1917 and 1918 by Quirino Cristiani. He was from Argentina.
