Argentina

Introduction to Argentina

Argentina is a country in South America, situated between the Andes in the west and the southern Atlantic Ocean in the east and south. It is bordered by Paraguay and Bolivia in the north, Brazil and Uruguay in the northeast, and Chile in the west and south. It also claims the British overseas territories of the Falkland Islands (known in Spanish the Islas Malvinas ) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Under the name of Argentine Antarctica, it claims around 1,000,000 km² of Antarctica, overlapping other claims by Chile and the United Kingdom. By area, it is the second largest country of South America after Brazil and the 8th largest country in the world.

The country is formally named República Argentina (pronunciation) ▶ (help·info) (Argentine Republic), while for purposes of legislation the form Nación Argentina (Argentine Nation) is used.

Cultural notes about Argentina

The culture of Argentina is as varied as the country's geography or its ethnic mix.

Argentine culture has been primarily informed and influenced by its European roots. Buenos Aires is undeniably the most European city in South America, due both to the prevalence of people of Italian and Spanish descent and to conscious imitation. There are nevertheless Amerindian and African influences, particularly in the fields of music and art.

Buenos Aires and other cities show a mixture of architectural styles imported from Europe. In the case of older settlements (and of older preserved neighborhoods within cities), modern styles appear mixed with colonial features, relics from the Spanish-ruled past.

Museums, cinemas and galleries are abundant in all the large urban centres, as well as traditional establishments such as literary bars, or bars offering live music of a variety of genres.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Argentina

Though the economic and political crisis of 2001-2002 is over and the recovery has been strong, its consequences are still evident in Argentina. Demonstrations, protests, marches, strikes, some violent, may occur in the capital, Buenos Aires, throughout the country and on main highways. Most large demonstrations have taken place in the vicinity of Plaza de Mayo and Congreso. Groups of demonstrators (piqueteros) may also block major roads into and out of the capital, causing delays and possibly a change in route. Local transportation services may be disrupted. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.