Argentina La tierra de plata (The Land of Silver)

EL PRESIDENTE Mauricio Macri – is Argentina’s current president. He is a right-wing conservative. December 2015 – present Argentina is a Presidential Representative Democratic Republic

FACTS Argentina gained independence from Spain on July 9th, 1816. Culture today defined by blending of immigrant groups – especially Europeans. Foods like empanadas are popular as are breads, pastas, potatoes, and tortillas. Soccer is a hugely popular sport in the country .

The exchange rate in 2007 was 1 U. S The exchange rate in 2007 was 1 U.S. dollar = 3 pesos The official exchange rate in 2013 is 1 U.S. dollar = 5 pesos The actual exchange rate on the street aka "blue rate" is more like 6.5 pesos  Hostel – 60-75 pesos/night Hotel – 160 – 200 pesos/night Cheap meal – 8-18 pesos/person Fancy restaurant – 90 pesos/person

Location Argentina is in the Southern hemisphere Bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean Bordered on the west by Chile The countries of Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil are to the north The Southern Ocean is to Argentina’s south

Andes in Western Argentina Physical Features Plains, called Pampas are in the in north Patagonia flat rolling plateau in south Andes Mountains in the west Slightly less than 3/10’s the size of the USA Highest point: Cerro Aconcagua nearly 23,000 feet Lowest point: -315 feet in Santa Cruz Andes in Western Argentina

Climate Argentina is mostly temperate Hot & tropical in the north Moderate in the center Cold in the south Winds also play a role: Atlantic Ocean winds bring rain Winds from the west bring in dry air Winds from the south (Antarctica) bring in cold temperatures

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – LA CAPITAL Buenos Aires is the second largest city in South America. In a 2012 census, there were 12,801,364 recorded inhabitants living in the metropolitan area.

LA REGIÓN DE LA PATAGONIA

THE NORTHWESTERN REGION (the Andes Mountains) The indigenous (Quechua) influence in Argentina is most prevalent in the northwest area of Argentina. You can still find the pucaras, (ruins of ancient fortresses of the Inca) here.

Las cataratas de Iguazú Iguazú Falls are the largest in the world. They produce enough hydroelectric power to serve the three communities surrounding them in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

LOS GAUCHOS (cowboys) The gaucho plays an important symbolic role in the nationalist feelings of this region. The gaucho way of life is a symbol against corruption and of national tradition and is still visible in the area known as La Pampa, which is a sparsely inhabited area in the middle of the country. This region is known for its cattle ranches, beef, and dairy.

EL TANGO Argentina is known throughout the world as the birthplace of the dance called ‘tango’. In Buenos Aires, it is considered an art and performed in many tango salons and even on the streets especially in the area of La Boca.

YERBA MATE Is a caffeinated tea that was used by the natives before the Spanish arrived to Argentina. It is now the national drink of Argentina and is consumed in a small gourd with a straw (una bombilla), and is shared with family and friends around the table (all drink from the same straw – yum!)

LA COMIDA The most typical food of Argentina aside from meat are empanadas and alfajores. Empanadas are pastries filled with different types of meats and veggies; Alfajores are filled with dulce de leche (sweet condensed milk) or fruit fillings. Each region in Argentina has their own empanadas and alfajores. EMPENADAS ALFAJORES

LA CARNE Y EL VINO Argentina is one of the world’s largest beef producers. Anywhere you go, you can get a great meal…sorry vegetarianos! The wine industry is becoming more well-known throughout the world as well. Most of the wine comes from the central valley of Mendoza.