Gap Year Destinations

Where to go

Argentina

Home to cowboy ‘gauchos’, a red meat diet and some of the world’s biggest hailstones...

Environment

Argentina is the second largest country in South America, and lies in the south of the continent. It is sandwiched between the Andes Mountains in the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Argentina is such a large country that its geography differs depending where you are. The middle of the country is made up of fertile plains, while in the north, there are subtropical flats. The southern part of the country has rolling oil-rich plateaus, and shares the tip of South America, with Chile. The Argentinean part is the famous Tierra del Fuego archipelago, and Cape Horn. Argentina also claims part of Antarctica. The capital is Buenos Aires.

Climate

Both the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in South America were recorded in Argentina, which gives you some idea of the changeability of the climate! Generally, though, the north has hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters, the centre has hot, stormy summers and cool winters, while the south has warm summers but very cold winters with lots of snowfall. From November to February, the far south of the country also experiences very long daylight hours (up to 19 hours a day of sunshine).

Demographics and Language

Many different peoples call Argentina home. Most of the population are of European descent, representing people of Spanish, German, Italian, French Swiss, Greek, British (famously mostly in the Welsh community), Armenian and Scandinavian heritage. However, more than half of the population has some Amerindian DNA, showing the mixing of the populations over time.

Spanish is the official language, and is spoken by most of the population. The previously mentioned Welsh community still speak Welsh. Some indigenous communities have also retained their original languages, such as Guaraní and Quichua.

Cuisine

As well as the expansive vineyards, Argentine cuisine has many European influences – pasta and sausages, for example, are commonly eaten. More home grown delicacies, however, are empanadas – stuffed pastry and locro – a mix of beans, corn, meat, bacon, onion and gourd. Argentines commonly enjoy barbeques, called Asado, indeed, they consume more red meat than anywhere else in the world!

Religion

Most Argentines are Roman Catholics, with the Church estimating that about 70% of the population adhere to the faith. Other types of Christianity are also fairly common; 10% of the population worship at evangelical churches, traditional Protestant groups are present in most communities, and there are also a number of Mormon churches in some towns and cities.

With regards other religions, Argentina is home to the largest Jewish population in South America with about 2% of the population classed as Jews. 1.5% of the population are Muslims, 12% of Argentines record themselves as agnostic, and 4% are atheists.

Economy and money

Prior to 1945, Argentina’s economy flourished, with high standards of living for most people. However, since 1950, a recession, military dictatorship and large, high interest loans from the International Monetary Fund have crippled the country’s fiscal health. There is hope, though; recently various measures have been taken to improve the situation and now urban poverty rates stand at less than 30%, down from almost 50% five years ago, despite import/export problems. The currency is the Argentinean peso.

Culture and politics

Politically, Argentina is now a federal presidential representative democratic republic. The President is also the head of state, and head of government. Below that is a multi-party system. The current president is Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

Culturally, Argentina has been influenced by its European inhabitants. Buenos Aires is said to be the most European city in South America, with architecture and lifestyles similar to Rome, Madrid and Lisbon. This is also reflected in sport – Argentina’s favourite sport is football, and the national team aren’t too shabby, having won the World Cup twice. Gauchos have also had a big influence on Argentinean society, with their cowboy-like, self sufficient lifestyle and indigenous Amerindian traditions like mate tea drinking have been absorbed into the main culture.