85 Interesting Facts about Argentina – You Need to Know!
Cuba is a very special and unique country! We have prepared for you the ultimate collection of the most fun and interesting facts about Argentina.
We have divided these facts into several categories – fun, culture, geography, history, economy, sports, food and drinks, Christmas, and more… Enjoy!
Obsah / Contents
The Most Amazing Facts about Argentina
1) Argentina had 5 presidents in 2 weeks
It started with violent riots in Buenos Aires and other big cities in December 2001 (as a response to a devaluation of local currency). The current president Fernando de la Rúa admitted unrest in the country and resigned. Interim president Rámon Puerta had to take the role for 2 days before the Senate and the House of Deputies chose Adolfo Rodríguez Saá as the new president. His decisions led to more rioting, so even he resigned. After just 8 days! Rámon Puerta didn’t want to be interim president again, so the Speaker of the House of Deputies Eduardo Camaño became an interim president (for 3 days). Finally, the legislative assembly chose Eduardo Duhalde, who stayed as a president until the next elections.
2) The name “Argentina” comes from the Latin word “silver”
The name is derived from the Latin word „Argentum“ which means silver. The first Spanish conquerors believed that country was full of silver as they found native communities who gave them silver presents. [1]
3) Perito Moreno Glacier is the third largest reserve of fresh water on the planet
Perito Moreno is one of the largest glaciers in Patagonia. It’s located in Los Glaciares National Park and it’s a part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1981. The glacier covers an area of 250 km2 and is about 170 meters thick.
4) Argentina was the 1st South American country that legalized same-sex marriage (in 2010)
Argentina is among the most advanced countries in LGBT rights in the world. On 15th July 2010, it became only the 10th country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
5) There is the second-highest rate of anorexia in Argentina
According to a poll of 90,000 teens, 1 in 10 Argentine girls between 14-18 suffer from an eating disorder. A 20-nation study of female high school and university students from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa showed that Argentina took the second place of the highest rate of anorexia after Japan. [2]
6) Argentina was the first country in the world to have radio broadcasting
It was the live broadcast of Richard Wagner’s opera, Parsifal, from the Teatro Coliseo in Buenos Aires on August 27, 1920. Later (in 1921), the transmission of classical music became a daily occurrence. [3]
7) Argentina has the second largest number of plastic surgeries per capita
It seems that plastic surgeries are very popular in South America. Brazil is the leading country with 715 procedures per 100 000 people, followed by Argentina with 631 procedures/100 000 people and Colombia with 550 procedures/100 000 people. [4]
8) The country has the highest number of psychologists per capita in the world
There are around 198 psychologists per 100 000 people in Argentina. Nearly half of all psychologists (46 %) are in Buenos Aires. Locals simply see therapy as important to self-development and positive health. [5]
9) Argentina was the first country to use fingerprinting as a method of identification
In 1892, Inspector Eduardo Alvarez made the first criminal fingerprint identification. Thanks to this method, he was able to identify Fransisca Rojas – a murderer of her two sons (her bloody print was left on a doorpost). [6]
10) In 1913, Argentina was the 10th wealthiest state per capita
The main factor in this decline has been political instability since 1930. In terms of GDP per capita, Argentina remained well above its neighbors as late as 1965. The dictatorship contributed to the chronic inflation and foreign debt in the 1980s.
Fun Facts about Argentina
11) Birthday Ear pulling
Instead of doing birthday bumps, Argentinians pull the earlobes of the birthday boy/girl. This is done once for each year of the person’s age. [7]
12) Pope Francis worked as a bar bouncer in Buenos Aires
Pope Francis belongs among the famous Argentinians. But what many people might not know is the fact that Pope Francis used to guard the door at a bar in Argentina. And that’s not all, he also used to sweep floors and run tests in a chemical laboratory as a teenager. This is a good example, why he got his reputation as a “pope of the people.” [8]
13) World’s widest avenue is in Buenos Aires
The world’s widest street is Avenida 9 De Julio in Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. The street is named after Argentina’s independence day, and it has 14 lanes of traffic!
14) Part of Patagonia speaks Welsh
There are about 5000 people in Chubut Province that speak Welsh. The whole story dates back to 1865 when a group of about 150 Welsh settlers came to Chubut Valley to establish a Welsh settlement.
15) Politicians have their own brands of beer
There is one restaurant in Buenos Aires named “Peron Peron”, where they sell beers like “Evita” lager beer, “17 de Octubre” Black porter, “Montonera” pale, or “double K”. All these names come from Argentina’s Peronist movement. [9]
16) The name Patagonia comes from the name given by Fernando de Magallanes to native people
Fernando de Magallanes named local people „Patagão“ on his expedition in 1520, but he did not further elaborate on his reasons for doing so. Some sources mention the assumption, that the word is derivated from “pata” (foot), so Patagonia could be interpreted to mean „Land of the big feet“.
17) The largest dinosaur ever was discovered in Argentina
Based on its huge bones (discovered by paleontologists), it was a 40 meters long and 20 meters tall creature! It weighed about 77 tonnes, which is as heavy as 14 African elephants. [10]
Geographic Facts about Argentina
18) Buenos Aires is South America’s most visited city
Buenos Aires had more than 2 million visitors per year (pre-covid). It also ranked among the top 100 most-visited cities in the world (85th). It surely is an attractive urban destination in the southern hemisphere. [11]
19) Argentina owns both the lowest and highest temperature records of South America
- The lowest temperature recorded in South America was -32.8 °C (-27 °F) in Sarmiento, Argentina on June 1, 1907.
- The highest temperature of 48.9 °C (120 °F) was reached in Rivadavia, Argentina on December 11, 1905. [12]
20) Over 10% of the world’s flora is found in Argentina
There is an astonishing range of flora in Argentina. The national flower is ceibo [13]
21) The highest mountain in the Southern and Western hemisphere lies in Argentina
It’s Cerra Aconcagua. The highest point in both the Southern and Western Hemisphere, it’s 6 960 meters (22,837 feet) high and it has origin in volcanic activity. The first mountaineer who reached the summit was Matthias Zurbriggen from Switzerland, in 1897. [14]
22) The lowest point of South America is also in Argentina
The lowest point of South America is Laguna del Carbón, Santa Cruz at 105 meters (344 ft) below sea level. It’s a salt lake located about 54 km (34 miles) from Puerto San Julián. It’s also the seventh-lowest point on Earth.
23) Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world
The city of Ushuaia is located roughly 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) from the coast of Antarctica. It’s the capital of Tierra del Fuego province and it has a beautiful motto: „Ushuaia, end of the world, beginning of everything“. There is also a sign “End of the World” which you can’t miss when visiting.
24) 92 % of people live in cities
Argentina has over 45 million people. Population density is around 15 people per square kilometer and most of the inhabitants live in cities. The fertility rate is 2.26 births per woman. [15]
25) Argentina has a very rich eco system
There are an estimated 9000 bird species, 1000 bird species, 400 mammal species, 300 reptile species, and 200 amphibian species living in Argentina.
26) The longest river is Río Paraná
Paraná River is the second-longest river in South America after Amazon and 14th longest river in the world. It starts on the plateau of southeast-central Brazil. The river is 4,880 kilometers long and passes through Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Its name Is derived from the Tupi language meaning “like the sea”.
27) Argentina spans over 4 different climates
Argentina is such a huge country that it spans over 4 different climates. Northern Argentina is subtropical, the lowlands have arid or semi-arid climates. The far south lays in subpolar climate and the Andes mountains have an alpine climate.
28) Argentinian Railway network is the largest in Latin America
The railway network in Argentina is the largest in Latin America and 8th largest in the world with its 36,966 km (22.970 mi) size.
29) Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world
Argentina covers an area of 1,068,296 square miles (2 780 000 km²).
30) There are 33 National Parks in Argentina
Argentina belongs to one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There are 33 stunning National Parks including the world’s famous Torres del Paine.
31) Iguazu Falls was voted as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world
Argentinian Iguazu Falls were voted as one of the 7 natural wonders of the World by a global poll New7Wonders of Nature. These falls are simply staggering with 1756 cubic meters of water flowing down every second and should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Historical Facts about Argentina
32) Quirino Cristiani created the first animated feature film
Many historians consider El Apóstol (The Apostol) by Quirino Cristiani to be the world’s first animated feature film (1917). El Apóstol is a satire based on President Yrigoyen, and it was created by using cutout animation.
33) Evita Perón was the first woman to appear on banknotes
The former first lady Eva Perón became the first lady on Argentina’s national currency. The first 100 peso note was revealed on the eve of the 60th anniversary of Perón’s death. [16]
34) Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara was born in Argentina
Ernesto „Che“ Guevara was born in Rosario to Ernesto Guevara Lynch and Celia de la Serna (14 June 1928). He was a major figure in the Cuban Revolution.
35) Argentina has 5 Nobel Prize laureates
| Year | Winner | Field |
| 1936 | Carlos Saavedra Lamas | Peace |
| 1947 | Bernardo Houssay | Medicine |
| 1970 | Luis Federico Leloir | Chemistry |
| 1980 | Adolfo Pérez Esquivel | Peace |
| 1984 | César Milstein | Medicine |
36) Argentina Declared Independence from Spain in 1816
The War of Independence started in 1810 and was led by patriotic forces under Manuel Belgrano, Juan José Castelli, and Jose de San Martín against royalist forces of the Spanish crown. On July 9, 1816, an assembly in San Miguel de Tucumán declared full independence under the name of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. [17]
37) Abortion in Argentina was baned until 24 January 2021
Since January 2021, abortions are allowed up to the 14th week of pregnancy. Until 2021 abortions were only permitted in cases of rape or when the mother’s health was at risk.
38) Argentina tried to stay neutral in World War II.
Argentina didn’t want to be part of World War II., however, they were kind of forced to join after the United States joined the war. They insisted that as many countries as possible join them against Germany, Italy, and Japan. The countries, who refused to join, were then treated as potential enemies.
39) The world’s oldest plants: 472 million-year-old fossils were discovered in Argentina
Discovered fossilized plants were liverworts – a very simple species with no roots or stems. A team of researchers found five fossilized species in sediment samples collected from the Sierras Subandinas (Central Andean Basin) in 2010. [18]
40) The oldest known dinosaur species on earth were found in Argentina
The fossilized remains of about 140 million years old Titanosaur were discovered in Neuquén province in Argentina’s Patagonia region. The creature was named Ninjatitan zapatai after Argentine paleontologist Sebastian Apesteguia, nicknamed „El Ninja“. [19]
Facts about the Culture in Argentina
41) Tango has its origins in the streets of Buenos Aires
The dance was developed in the late 19th century in Buenos Aires and Montevideo in lower-class districts and perhaps even brothels. It quickly gained its popularity (tango became socially acceptable by the 1900s and by 1915, there was a tango craze even in European circles). [20]
42) Argentines kiss each other on the cheek when greeting
When Argentinian’s greet friends, family, or friends of friends, they greet each other with a kiss on the right cheek. They don’t make a kissing sound, but simply graze cheeks. So once you are there, don’t be surprises if someone greets you in this way.
43) Argentina is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world
It’s not surprising because Argentina is the 8th biggest country in the world. If we count it by inhabitants, then most Spanish speakers are in Mexico (122 million people), followed by Colombia (49,5 million people) and Argentina with 45 million people.
44) Cowboys in Argentina are called Gauchos
Gauchos are horseman and cowhand of the Argentine Pampas (grasslands). They became an important part of the Argentine cultural tradition. Their typical costume included a woolen poncho, a “chiripa” girding the waist, and long, called “bombachas”. The gauchos of the 18th century lived in small mud huts roofed with grass and slept on piles of hides. [21]
45) Argentina was the first country to legally recognize 2 fathers on the birth certificate for surrogate born son
On June 29, 2012, for the first time in history, Argentina recognized a gay couple as legal parents and their son Tobias became the first official registered baby with 2 fathers.
46) Argentina has the second-largest Italian population outside of Italy
There are about 25 million Italians, right after 28 million Italians in Brazil.
47) Siesta is a thing
Many schools, shops, and businesses close down for siesta (an afternoon rest). In Buenos Aires, there are even some hotels renting rooms just for a siesta.
48) Guarani and Quechua are still spoken indigenous languages
Quechua was the language of the Inca Empire and it’s still spoken by 10 million people in South America. You can find some Quechua words in English (condor, llama, pampa,..). Guarani belongs among the most widely spoken indigenous languages in the world.
49) The largest mosque in Latin America is in Buenos Aires
The Islamic Cultural Center „Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd in Argentina“ is the largest mosque in the whole of Latin America.
Facts about Food and Drinks in Argentina
50) Argentina has world-famous beef steaks
Argentinians are super proud of their meat and their steaks are world-famous. One of the reasons is that is a lot of cows in Argentina. According to beef2life.com, Argentina belongs among 5 countries in the world with more cows than people (the other 4 are Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia, and Brazil).
51) Argentina has the second highest consumption of beef in the world
This is strongly tight with the previous point. According to beef2life.com, only Uruguay has higher beef consumption per capita than Argentina.
52) Yerba Mate is the country’s national drink
The national drink in Argentina is mate, which is also known as chimarrão or cimarrón. It’s a caffeine-rich infused drink made from yerba mate herb. Preparing the perfect mate is a work of art.
53) Every 29th day of the month is a Day of Gnocchi (Dia de Ňoquis)
What is the reasoning behind this tradition? People believe in a superstition that says that if you eat gnocchi on the 29th of the month and place some money under your plate during eating, carrying that money with you after the meal is said to bring you lots of luck.
54) Sparkling Water „Sifón“ is served at every restaurant table
Argentina is very proud of its world-famous wine industry. They are the 5th largest wine producer in the world. However, the production methods weren’t that great till the 1990s, and producers were concerned about wine quality. Many restaurants started to serve sparkling water alongside the wine to mask the flavor. The tradition still remains even nowadays, when they don’t need to mask anything because the wine is truly great.
55) Argentinians usually eat very late
Argentinians eat dinner usually well after 9 pm. Sometimes finishing even after midnight. It’s quite strange because the lunch is mostly around 2 pm. How do they survive such a long time between the meals?
Facts about Economy in Argentina
56) Argentina is the 6th leading exporter of wheat in the world
Argentina is one of the leading exporters of wheat in the world. In fact, they are the 6th biggest exporter in the world (behind just Russia, the USA, Canada, France, and Australia). [x]
57) Due to rapid inflation, Argentina has dropped 13 zeroes off its currency
This is a little hilarious fact, but between the years 1970 and 1992 the Argentinian national currency lost a whopping 13 zeros due to hyperinflation. If no change happened, the price for a standard $2 coffee would be $20,000,000,000,000
58) Fishing is a major industry in Argentina
Fishing is Argentina’s eighth-largest export sector, representing 2.9 percent of GDP.
59) Argentina is rich on natural resources
The gas and oil industry makes up 4 % of the Argentine economy. There are also many coil mines and other natural resources such as copper, lead, silver, magnesium, borate or sulfur.
Facts about Argentinian Flag
60) The “Sun of May” represents Inca Sun-sod
Argentina’s national emblem is the “Sun of May”, which is in the center of the Argentinian Flag. It represents Inca Sun-god Inti. The Sun of May was also engraved on the first Argentinian coin.
61) What is behind the Argentina flag colors?
The blue and white colors were chosen by Manuel Belgrano, who was the leader of the Argentinian revolution against Spain. They mean blue sky parting to reveal white clouds as is said to have happened when the Liberation demonstration began in Buenos Aires on May 25, 1810.
62) Argentina celebrates National Flag Day
Argentina’s National Flag Day is celebrated on 20th June, which is the anniversary of Manuel Belgrano’s Death.
Facts about Sports in Argentina
63) The national sport of Argentina is Pato
This is interesting. One might think that in the land of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, the national sport must be football (soccer). Wrong! Pato has been played in Argentina since the 1600s. The game is played by gauchos on horseback and combines elements of polo and basketball.
64) Diego Maradona has his own church and religion
Diego Maradona is one of the most famous Argentinians to ever live. He even has its own church and religion. Here are The Church of Maradona’s ten commandments:
- The ball is never soiled.
- Love football above all else.
- Declare unconditional love for Diego and the beauty of football.
- Defend the Argentina shirt.
- Spread the news of Diego’s miracles throughout the universe.
- Honor the temples where he played and his sacred shirts.
- Don’t proclaim Diego as a member of any single team.
- Preach and spread the principles of the Church of Maradona.
- Make Diego your middle name.
- Name your first son Diego. [source]
65) Lionel Messi’s hometown baned parents from naming their children ‚Messi‘
After a resident of Lionel Messi’s hometown Rosario named his son Messi, the government officials were afraid that too many people are going to do that and banned parents from naming their children after the superstar. The reasoning was that it could lead to confusion. [x]
66) Most of the world’s top polo players are from Argentina
Polo is another very popular sport in Argentina. According to lapolo.in, six of the nine best players in the history of the game are from Argentina.
67) Women field hockey team belong among the most successful in the world
Field hockey is also popular in Argentina and the Women’s national team belongs among the best in the world. They won a world cup twice (2002 and 2010) and have 4 Olympic medals (silver in 2000 and 2012, bronze in 2004 and 2008).
Facts about Argentinian Soccer Team
68) Argentinian soccer team is the 4th most successful in the history of the World Cup
They have won the World Cup twice (1878 and 1986) and were second also twice (1930 and 1990), which makes them the 4th most successful nation in the world. The only countries with more titles are Brazil, Germany, and Italy.
69) Argentinian soccer team is the 3rd most successful in the history of the Olympic Games
They have won the Summer Olympic Games twice (2004 and 2008) and were second also twice (1928 and 1996), which makes them the 3rd most successful nation in the world. The only countries with more wins (three) are Hungary and Great Britain.
70) Argentinian soccer team’s nickname is “Los Albicelestes”
The nickname “Los Albicelestes” comes from the white and blue colors of the Argentinian flag. It means blue and white sky.
71) Lionel Messi owns the most Ballon d’Or trophies in history
Nobody has won the most prestigious individual football (soccer) award Ballon d’Or (Golden Ball) more times than Lionel Messi, who was selected as the best football player in the world six times. He was also 5 times second and once third.
Interesting Facts about Christmas in Argentina
72) The main Christmas meal is roast turkey, roast pork or goat
The main Christmas meal people enjoy on Christmas Eve in Argentina, is roast turkey, roast pork, or goat. The side dishes are salads, festive bread, and cakes.
73) Midnight Mass is important
The most celebrations take place on Chrismas Eve. The majority of Argentinians are Catholics and Midnight Mass on December 24th is one of the most important parts of the celebrations.
74) The most popular dessert is Pan Dulce
Pan Dulce is one of the most popular desserts during Christmas in Argentina. It’s a sweet bread stuffed with nuts, raisins, and dried fruit.
75) Barbecues and picnics are everywhere
As it is summer in Argentina during Christmas, barbecues and picnics are very popular and basically everywhere.
76) Argentinians enjoy fireworks and globos
Fireworks and globos are also very popular on Christmas Eve. Globos are traditional paper decorations with lights inside, which are released in the night to the sky.
77) Children are given presents on January 6th
January 6th is a day knows as Three Kings Day. It’s the day when children are usually given their presents. They traditionally leave their shoes outside the door, filled with water and hay for the Wise Men’s horses.
78) Christmas cards aren’t common
Most Argentinians don’t give or send Christmas cards. They also give Christmas presents only to family and close friends.
79) Houses are decorated
People like to decorate their houses with colored flower wreaths, and red and white garlands.
Read also our other interesting facts collections:
- 65 Most Interesting Facts about Peru
- 53 Most Interesting Facts about Cuba
- 15 Richest African Countries
Pin this article about Interesting Argentina facts for later and to your friends:
Do you like this post – interesting Argentina facts? Share it with your friends:
