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SOUTH AMERICA

ARGENTINA - INTRODUCTION
ARGENTINA - INTRODUCTION

Highlights

The Republic of Argentina, located in South America, has an area of almost 3,800,000 sq. km, of which 2,8 million are continental -approximately 54% are flat lands (prairies and savannas), 23% plateaus, and 23% hills and mountains- and the rest forms part of the Antarctic territory. It borders Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile. Argentina's geography varies considerably, from its extensive grasslands in the East to the impressive Andes mountain range in the West, where the Aconcagua (6,959m), the highest summit in the Western Hemisphere, soars up. From Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, the Andes offer a profuse variety of landscapes from the high plateaus in the Northwest -desert-like, with valleys, ravines and multicoloured mountains- to the lakes, forests and glaciers region in Patagonia. To the North, Chaco is a forest area irrigated by the Bermejo, Salado and Pilcomayo Rivers. To the Northeast, the Argentine Mesopotamia, Between the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers, is an area of low hills, lagoons and marshlands. The Iguazú Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, are in the midst of the subtropical forest. The country's central region is where the most well known and extensive grasslands are located: the Pampas, an intense agricultural and cattle raising center. This region comprehends the province of Buenos Aires, The Northeast part of La Pampa and the southern portion of Córdoba and Santa Fe. To the South, it borders the smooth hills of Tandil and Sierra de la Ventana, and to the West, those of Córdoba. Further South, between the Andes and the Atlantic coast, the Patagonian desert plateaus extend. Flanked by cliffs, the oceanic coast Is Home to precious sea wildlife, colonies, notably at Península Valdés, in the Province of Chubut.

Climate: Temperate and humid in the Pampas grasslands; cold and humid In the West end of Patagonia; subtropical in the North of the Mesopotamia and warm in the Northeast.

Population: Over 43 million inhabitants, Nearly half of which live in Buenos Aires, the Capital City and in the Province of Buenos Aires.

Language: Spanish.

Religion: Roman Catholic 92%. There is completely freedom of worship. Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and other religions coexist in harmony.

Government: Representative, Republican and Federal, divided into the executive, legislative and judicial powers. Argentina is divided into 23 provinces and the City of Buenos Aires, the country's capital city.

Currency:The peso ($) Is the currency of Argentina.

Shopping: Argentine quality Items include leather goods, woven and knitted garments, silverware and wine.

Description

National Parks: Covering a total area of over 3.6 million Ha, the National Parks Administration includes and protects 33 natural areas of great ecological value. Spread throughout the country, from Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, each landscape dazzles the visitor with Its forests, lakes, deserts or jungles. These protected areas acknowledge the increased awareness for the preservation of the country`s biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Sports Fishing: Argentina is a favourite destination for fishing lovers. Different fishing techniques are practiced amid landscapes as varied as exceptional. Fly-fishing and catch-and-release are becoming more and more popular activities in rivers and streams. Local fresh-water varieties such as dorado, surubi, pejerrey, chafalote, tararira, boga or pacú and the quantity and quality of salmonidae varieties are an exciting addition to the Atlantic coast fishing.

Snow: Argentina's superb ski resorts are located from -Mendoza to Tierra del Fuego- along the Andes mountain range. Various snow sports may be practiced at these resorts, some of which are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Both beginners and advanced skiers will enjoy carefully maintained ski runs, winding between forests or with unique vistas over lakes and the Andes mountains.

Eco-tourism: Argentina's countless protected areas offer visitors the opportunity to spot birds and animals in their natural environments. Photographic safaris, bird watching or trailing and trekking excursions will satisfy the expectations of every nature lover. Eco-tourism destinations all over the country, including scuba diving at Peninsula Valdes or in the lakes and lagoons of Mendoza, Neuquén, Rio Negro and Corrientes, invite you to discover ecosystems of varied richness.

The Wine Roads: Reflecting each region's customs and style, the wine roads connect the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucuman, Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza-Argentina's most important wine producing province-. Snow from the nearby Andean peaks provide the water necessary to irrigate fruit-cultivated areas and vineyards. A visit to old and new wineries will give you the chance to taste and compare the diverse character of each region's wine.

Adventure Tourism: Each environment provides endless possibilities for visitors to fully enjoy our natural landscapes. Trailing, mountain climbing, trekking, rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed, mountain biking, 4x4 safaris, kite surfing, windsurfing or scuba diving are a few of the activities that are constantly updated for the most intrepid travelers to enjoy beating the obstacles posed by our heterogeneous geography.

Golf: Argentina has golf courses for all level of players. Certainly a difficult choice for golf fans: greens and fairways amid mountains or next to the sea, in the midst of the jungle, surrounded by forests or in the heart of a great city. Some of our golf courses Meet the stringent standards required for major national and international tournaments to be played, such as the Argentine Open Championship `Copa Roberto De Vicenzo`, the oldest of its category in South America.

Culture and Customs: Art in all its forms is a mayor subject in Argentine life. In museums, exhibitions and art galleries you will be able to appreciate works b y local and worldwide recognized artists. The Rio de la Plata traditional silverware has a privileged place in small and big churches; you will also find the best avant-garde designs in neighbourhoods that have become true art districts with a growing number of patrons.

Conferences, Exhibitions and Events:  Argentina offers a magnificent infrastructure for the organization of events. All year around, you will find technology, comfort, hotel capacity and all the services you need. Although Buenos Aires is considered to be one of the best event sites in South America, other cities, such as Mendoza, Córdoba, San Miguel de Tucumán, Puerto Iguazú, San Carlos de Bariloche and Mar del Plata, regularly host both national and international conferences and symposiums.

Tango:Buenos Aires has possessed from its very origin the quality and warmth of the sultry, powerful tango music. Today played by small bands or big orchestras, tango music may be listened and danced to in bars, restaurants, theatres, clubs, and even in some public parks. Carlos Gardel was the first great singer of tango and to this day remains an icon in Argentina, Uruguay and much of the world.

Rural Tourism: To spend a day or stay overnight at an Argentine Estancia it's not only an unforgettable and enriching experience, it is also the best way to learn about local traditions. To watch the gauchos (cow boys) herding cattle or riding across the plains are the activities you can enjoy there, in addition to the home made cooking and superb grilled Argentine beef. Historic Estancias: Estancias, or ranches, play a huge part in Argentina's culture, economy and history. In the early days these establishments were responsible for making Argentina one of the biggest meat and grain producers in the world. These enormous ranches dotted the entire countryside and are to this day where the best steaks in the world come from. Estancias also give tourists a rare opportunity to stay as a guest at a working ranch and to experience the unique gaucho culture in a tranquil and beautiful setting of untamed countryside. Most estancias are over two hundred years old and still maintain a daily way of life that is firmly grounded in traditional practices and values.