Where are we?

 

Located in South America, Argentina borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and is situated between Chile and Uruguay. Geographically, it is the eight largest country in the world, covering an area about one-third the size of the United States. It has a population of just over 42 million people, with about 15.5 million people living in the capital city of Buenos Aires.

 

 

 

While Argentina was a Spanish colony for about 300 years, its culture and lifestyle have been shaped by immigrants from many European countries. After gaining independence in 1816, the country was dominated by internal political conflict until about the mid-20th century.

The country benefits economically from having rich natural resources, a high level of literacy, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Despite these benefits, however, Argentina has suffered recurring economic crises for much of the last 100 years, with the worst point being in 2001-02 when the economy bottomed out. While the economy has recovered strongly since then, it is accompanied by high inflation.

Spanish is the official language, but many other languages are used – Italian, French, German, English and indigenous. About 85 % of Argentines are members of the Roman Catholic Church, which has substantial influence over many social customs and celebrations.

Buenos Aires is the most visited city in South America (ahead of Rio de Janeiro) and the second most visited city across Spanish Latin America behind Mexico City. It is also one of the most important, largest and most populous of South American capitals, often referred to as the Paris of South America.

Buenos Aires is a top tourist destination, and is known for its European-style architecture and rich cultural life, with the highest concentration of theatres in the world. Buenos Aires held the 1st Pan American Games in 1951 and the city also had two venues in the 1978 FIFA World Cup.

El Ateneo Bookstore in BA
voted the second most beautiful book store in the world...
Who keeps track of these thing?

People from Buenos Aires are referred to as porteños (people of the port). The city is the birthplace of the current pope, Francis (former Archbishop of Buenos Aires), and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

9 de Julio Avenue in Buenos Aires is the widest avenue in the world. Its name honors Argentina's Independence Day, July 9, 1816 (as well as my son's birthday).

The widest avenue in the world

 

La Boca is a popular destination for tourists visiting Argentina, with its colourful houses and pedestrian street, the Caminito, where tango artists perform and tango-related memorabilia is sold.

La Boca Houses