Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.OFFICIAL NAME:
Argentine Republic
POPULATION:
34,768,455
SIZE:
2,780,400sq km. The second largest country in South America in terms of both area and population, and Belgium would fit into it 91 times.
ENVIRONMENT:
A dramatically varied landscape, from the rugged Andes mountains that run along the country's western border, to the bare windswept Patagonian plateau in the south. In the middle of the country lies the pampas, a fertile grassy plain, and in the north, forests cover much of Argentina along its borders with Bolivia and Paraguay.
BEST MONUMENT:
Until recently, the Casa Rosada (the Presidential Palace) in Buenos Aires was off limits, under the military dictatorship of 1976-1983. Now you can visit it and even photograph the grenadiers guarding it.
MOST FAMOUS CITIZEN:
For most it would have to be Eva Peron. The second wife of President Juan Peron "Evita" occupies an important position in Argentina's political history. She died in 1952 and is remembered for her moving speeches, her part in helping to improve workers' conditions and for securing voting rights for women.
NATIONAL DISH:
Beef. Prepared in a variety of ways, but the most traditional is parrilla or parrillada - basically barbecued. The Spanish word carne (meat) is synonymous with beef there, and a typical dish will include offal - small and large intestines, kidneys and blood sausage - alongside the meat. Even the udder is eaten.
BEST MOMENT IN HISTORY:
Independence from Spanish rule in 1816 and winning the World Cup on home turf in 1978.
WORST MOMENT IN HISTORY:
Perhaps losing the World Cup in 1990.
ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY:
Tango shoes and a meat-knife.
HOW NOT TO BEHAVE:
Never refuse to tomar un mate. In other words, don't refuse to take tea with an Argentinian. Drinking mate is an important ritual there. To turn down an invitation would be seen as impolite.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments