Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the third largest in terms of population. The name Argentina comes from the Latin word argentum (silver), which comes from the Greek “argentos”, meaning “white”, “shining”.
According to Politicsezine.com, Argentina is located in the southeastern part of South America. In addition to the mainland, the country’s territory includes the eastern part of Tierra del Fuego and other small islands. It borders Bolivia and Paraguay to the north and Brazil and Ugugvaem, washed by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south and west – with Chile. In the west it is washed by the Pacific Ocean. The area of the country, including several offshore islands, is 2.8 million square kilometers.
The capital is Buenos Aires. Religion – Catholicism. Currency – Argentine pesos (100 centavos, 1$ USA = about 3 pesos). Time is 6 hours behind Moscow time.
The nature of Argentina is diverse, due to the large extent from north to south and the varied topography. In summer the air temperature is +40*С, in winter the average temperature is up to +20*С. The vegetation is diverse – from tropical forests to semi-deserts.
Climate of Argentina divided into zones: tropical, subtropical and temperate. The climate is formed mainly under the influence of sea air masses from the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeast – the climate is subtropical, humid, winters are mild. The south of the country is much colder and it rains most of the year. In Buenos Aires, the summer months are very hot and most of the residents leave immediately after Christmas for a vacation. In January and February the city is empty. In winter, for Europeans, the weather here is very comfortable, the temperature drops, but only slightly. In the Iguazu region and in the north of the country, it is humid and warm. From October to April it is hot (+25+33*С) and humid, with little precipitation. It is cooler from May to September (+17+25*C). In the central region of Buenos Aires and Mendoza, the differences between summer and winter temperatures are more significant. From October to April here +22+30*C, from May to September +10+20*C. In the south of the country in Patagonia and on the island of Tierra del Fuego it is always cool. In winter from May to September from 0 + 5 * C, from October to April from + 5 + 12 * C.
Aerolineas Argentinas – the main airline of the country, provides domestic and international transportation.
Electricity: 220W. Sockets with round European-type plugs are used.
Visa Entry visa. To apply for a visa, you need a passport valid for 6 months from the start of the trip. Issued at the Embassy of Argentina in Moscow (tel. 502-10-20).
Airport tax for domestic flights – 5 USD, for international flights – 25 USD (charges may vary). Paid before boarding for each flight.
Import and export of national and foreign currencies is not limited. The free import and export of weapons, drugs, currency values, objects and works of art, objects of historical significance is prohibited.
Embassy of the Russian Federation in Argentina – Buenos Aires (Rodriguez Pena 1741 – Capital Federal (1021), Argentina) Tel: (+54 11) 4813-1552/8039, fax (+54 11) 4815-6293
History and Culture
Iguazu Falls separates three countries. According to the photo: on the left – Argentina, on the right – Brazil, on top – Paraguay. In 1903, a monument was erected in this place, symbolizing the friendship of the three neighboring states. This region is extremely important in terms of tourism, it is visited annually by thousands of tourists and travelers.
Since the time of the Gauchos, equestrian competitions have been the main sporting spectacle in Argentina. On national holidays, thousands of pesos are wagered on horses racing, and huge crowds of spectators gather to watch their favorites. Another traditional equestrian game found nowhere else in the world is pato (duck). The meaning of this ancient game, invented once by a gaucho, is the struggle of a group of riders for a stuffed stuffed duck (previously a live duck was used), which they throw at a gallop to each other, like a basketball. Cockfighting was also a favorite pastime of the gauchos, a tradition that continues today in the countryside.
The origin of many songs and dances in Argentina is associated with the Gaucho culture. However, the most famous Argentine dance – tango – has urban roots and comes from the song of the city outskirts – the so-called. milongas. Born on the outskirts of Buenos Aires at the end of the 19th century, tango in a somewhat refined form became famous in Paris in 1910, from where it began its triumphal procession around the world. Singer Carlos Gardel was considered the king of tango, and Astor Piazzolla made a great contribution to the development of this genre among contemporary composers. Since the beginning of the 19th century, when emigrants from Italy poured into Argentina, opera has gained great popularity. In 1857, the Colon Opera House was opened in Buenos Aires.
