Argentina

__Argentina __ __General Info __ Capital: Buenos Aires Population: (2011 est.): 41.770 million Growth Rate: (2010 est.): 1.017%. Demographics: Ethnic groups: European 97%, mostly of Spanish and Italian descent; mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups 3%. Religions:  Roman Catholic 92%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%. Language: Spanish Major Exports and Industries: Natural resources: //minerals// - lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron, manganese, oil, and uranium. Agriculture: //Products// - oilseeds and by-products, grains, livestock products. Industry: Food processing, oil refining, machinery and equipment, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals. Currency://peso argentino//



__Geography __ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Argentina's geography has played an important part in its history, trade, and its people. One of Argentina's most striking regions is the pampas, with a warm, humid climate. The capital city of Buenos Aires and almost all of Argentina's agriculture lie here. The pampas are vast rolling plains with very fertile,rich soil great for growing crops and feeding livestock. Argentina's north and south are quite different, though. Argentina's southern region is known as Patagonia, which has a cool/cold, humid climate. Patagonia is rugged, semi-mountainous, somewhat arid plateau that extends from the Colorado River to Tierra del Fuego. Argentina's Northern regions are the northeast, which is heavily wooded and has a warm, humid climate, and the northwest, which is mountainous and desert-like and has a warm, dry climate. Argentina's west is completely dominated by the Andes Mountain range.

__<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 21px;">Brief History __ <span style="font-family: 'palatino linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Little is known about the earliest inhabitants of Argentina, except from what archeologists have discovered from ruins, before the Europeans arrived. The Spanish were the first to colonize the area, most notably Amerigo Vespucci. The first settlement was Buenos Aires. Located on the Rio de la Plata, otherwise known as the "Silver River," Buenos Aires was at an important spot for trade and availability. The "Silver River" helped Argentina get its name which means "Land of Silver."Buenos Aires declared independence from Spain on July 9, 1816. Argentines look to General Jose de San Martin as the leader in their fight for independence. After Argentina gained independence, two groups, the centralists and federationists engaged in conflicts to determine the future. Argentina's constitution came into effect in 1853

<span style="font-family: 'palatino linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">From 1880 to 1930 Argentina became one of the world's 10 wealthiest nations based on rapid agricultural expansions and foreign investments in infrastructure. Between the dates of 1943 and 1983 there was a lot of political unrest in Argentina. One of the most prominent figures was Juan Peron, who focused on empowering the middle class and promoting unionization of workers. Another figure is Eva Peron, Juan's wife, who was very popular among the poor and middle class citizens and greatly helped Juan Peron get to power. She established thousands of hospitals, schools, and orphanages, and was seen as a very relatable person to much of Argentina's population.

__<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 21px;">Government/Current Political Situation __ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Type: Republic <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Constitution: Established in 1853 and revised in 1994 <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">President: Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Political Climate: It is similar to the U.S.'s. It is not easy for political officials to abused power. Stable. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">

__<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 21px;">Culture __ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Although it is not official, many Argentines consider //empanadas// to be their nation food. //Empanadas// are pockets of dough filled with meats or fruits or anything that you find enjoyable; they are usually fried. Below is the url to a video on empanada making. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">In Argentinian dinner etiquette it is considered polite to leave a small portion of food on your plate after you having finished eating.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Argentina is one the most European countries in South America. Many of the people living in Argentina associate themselves more with European culture than that in South American.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">The tango originates in Argentina. One of the most well-known and widespread dances, the tango is one of the first couples dances where the man and woman are facing each other.



<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Soccer is definitely the most popular sport in Argentina. Although they excel in polo and rugby, soccer is by far the favorite. __<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 21px;">Tourism __ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Buenos Aires is one of the most desirable places to visit while in Argentina. Buenos Aires is known as "Paris of the South" and is a great place for couples.



<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Iguazu Falls is another popular location. It is taller and larger than Niagara and is located in a beautiful area.



<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">Patagonia is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Popular with climbing enthusiasts its rugged geography makes it a desirable location. Many people also visit to see a rare species of penguin that call Patagonia home.

__<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 21px;">Current Events __ <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">49 people were killed in a devastating train crash February 22, 2012. The commuter train plowed into a barrier at Buenos Aires train station. The two cars in the front were the ones most affected. 49 dead, 460 hospitalized and 600 injured; this is regarded as one Argentina's deadliest train incidences even by Transportation Secretary Juan Pablo Schiavi. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">[|http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/22/world/americas/argentina-train-crash/?hpt=hp_t1#0_undefined,0_]

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">An Argentine woman died after being set on fire by her boyfriend. She spent six antagonizing days in the hospital after dying from multiple organ failures. The couple reportedly had just had a big argument before she was set of fire. The burns consumed seventy five percent of her body according to authorities. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 19px;">[]

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Prentice Hall //Realidades 1//

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