Argentina

The family dynamic in Argentina is centered around the parents. In communication, Argentinians expect others to pick up on their cues when interacting. In terms of religion, Argentina is a whopping four-fifths Catholic, with Pope Francis himself coming from the country of Argentina. Also, Argentinians are very expressive and utilize contact heavily when engaging with others, greeting one another with a kiss. In terms of geography, Argentina is highly variable with mountains in the west, rainforests in the north, beaches in the west, and glaciers in the south. With a large population of cattle in the central region, empanadas and parrillada are common dishes. The national drink is Mate, a coffee-like beverage. There is a large Italian influence as a result of immigration in the 1900s too, so indigenous influence in the region is somewhat limited. Blacks were a prevalent group in Argentina during the colonial period, but many decided to leave the country for Brazil and Paraguay due to mistreatment. Still, this group has left their mark on music and art. Italian has influenced much of the distinct Chilean dialect of Spanish. A Chilean national hero is Evita Perón, a radio personality-turned-politician, who, coming from humble beginnings, fought for the “descamisados”, or the urban poor in Buenos Aires, in the period after World War 2. At the center of Argentina lies Buenos Aires, a metropolis that exudes the vibrant culture of Argentina. The city’s architecture, a blend of European and modern, reflects the region’s influences. Narrow cobblestone streets and lively night scenes are reminiscent of European life. Tango is a pillar of Argentinian culture, being one of the most recognized cultural dances worldwide. Soccer consumes Argentine life, bringing people of all backgrounds together. Icons such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi have emerged from Argentina and brought amazing success to the team on the national stage. Unbeknownst to many, Argentina is also a powerhouse on the world stage in basketball with a slew of players drafted into the NBA. Eco-tourism is a big industry in Argentina, with the Patagonia mountains drawing in many visitors each year. As a result, Argentinians have a deep respect for the earth and have learned to live sustainable lives. Another big industry is wine production, with Argentina being the 5th largest exporter of wine in the world. A central matter in Argentinian politics, and even everyday society, is the Falkland Islands which Argentinians view as their own. They do so with a passion, even naming an airport after the set of islands off their southeast coast to spite the British. The daily schedule of Argentina consists of shops opening early, closing for a mid-day break, and reopening in the evening. Meals are a prolonged occurrence and bars or nightclubs are lively atmospheres at night. One central figure of the Argentinian arts is Jorge Luis Borges, who was a trailblazer for other Argentinian authors.