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Argentina, "the land of the six continents", is a gift from Mother Nature.
From the Tropic of Capricorn to the Antartic Circle, it stretches with its
rain forests, its waterfalls, forests, lakes and glaciers. It is the green
of the Pampa and the spectacular geological formations that touch the sky,
its fauna, its enchanting cities. The name Argentina comes from the latin "argentum" which means silver. The origin of the name goes back to the voyages made by the first spanish conquerors to the River Plate. The shipwrecked survivors of the expedition mounted by Juan Díaz de Solís found indians in the region who gave them silver objects as presents. This fed the legends that told that the region had rich silver deposits, and gave the name to the river beside which Buenos aires was built (Río de la Plata). Since 1860 the official name of the country has been the Republic of Argentina. Location, surface and frontiers: Located in the southern hemisphere, has an area of almost 3.8 million km2 of which 2.8 are in the continent and the remainder in the Antartic. Has frontiers with Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile. The coast over the Atlantic Ocean has 5.117 km. Geographic and demographic information: The fundamental characteristic of the configuration of Argentina is the enormous contrast between the immense eastern plains and the imposing mountain range of the Andes in the limit with Chile, to the west. The highest peak (which is also the highest peak in South America)is Mount Aconcagua (6.959 metres). The current population is around 35 million, of which almost half live in the Federal Capital and the province of Buenos Aires. Only 0,5% of the population is pure indigenous population (mapuches, tobas, collas, matacos and chiriguanos), and with the massive european immigration the half casts, a mixture between white and indian gradually became diluted until today these people only amount to 4,5% of the population. Language, currency and government: The official language is spanish, the official religion is Roman Catholic, although there is complete religion freedom. The official currency is the peso, which is exchanged around 3,50 pesos per U.S. dollar. The country is a federal and democratic republic, with Buenos Aires as Federal Capital, and 23 provinces. There are three authorities: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. The first is exercised by the President of the Nation, elected for a mandate of four years (can be re-elected once). The National Congress has two chambers: Deputies and Senators. The provinces are autonomous and elect their own officials, the Governor being the ultimate authority. National emblems: The national flag has three stripes, the middle one is white with the rising sun and the two outside ones of sky blue. The national flower is the Ceibo, and the national stone is the manganese spa (pink coloured) or "Stone of the Inca". How to get there: All the airlines that fly to Argentina arrive at the Ministro Pistarini Airport (Ezeiza), located 47 km from Buenos Aires. The city is connected to it by the Gral. Ricchieri motorway, and besides the regular buses that circulate each half an hour from 05:00 to 21:00 (ticket costs about $15, and the trip takes 40 minutes) there are taxis (cost between $40 and $60) and car rental. Current passport, with or without visa, depending on the circumstances, is required for entering the country (ask your Embassy or Consulate). Visitors coming from countries not bordering Argentina are exempt from all taxes on travel articles and new articles whose values dont exceed US$ 300 and an additional amount of US$ 300 purchased in "duty free shops". No vaccination certificate is required for entering the country, except for cholera and yellow fever from passengers coming from countries where these diseases are endemic. Climate Information: Because it is on the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Summer is in the months of January, February and March, and winter in June, July and August. In general, summer with mild temperatures and long days is the best time in Patagonia and the southern Andes. Winter is best for the north and northwest as the rain is less frequent and the tropical temperatures drop a few degrees. Fall and spring are magnificent in Buenos Aires, Cuyo and the foothill areas of La Rioja and Catamarca. Some typical Argentinean dishes:
How to travel in Argentina: The size of the country makes it advisable to use air travel. Foreigners and non-resident Argentineans may make use of the air pass named "Visit Argentina" which allows you to make at any time of the year and for thirty days four, six or eight flights of your choice at low prices. Payment methods and tips: Whilst the US dollar is accepted, foreign currency can be exchanged in banks and authorised bureaus. Most frequently accepted credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners. There may be difficulty in changing travellers cheques outside the Federal Capital. It is customary to leave 10% of the bill in bars and restaurants, and to give a tip to doormen, porters and ushers at shows. |
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