Argentina is the second largest country in South America with a population of over 40 million people. It gained independence from Spain in 1816 and its capital and largest city is Buenos Aires. Soccer is extremely popular and the national team has won numerous international titles. Tango originated in Argentina and became popular worldwide. The country has a literacy rate over 97% and provides universal healthcare funded through employer, government, and private plans. Common Argentine foods include chorizo sausage, empanadas, locro stew, and asado barbecue. While most identify as Roman Catholic, only 20% regularly attend church. Major holidays include New Years, Easter, Independence Day, and days honoring historical figures.

1. Argentina Presentation by Group 17: Natalia Freeman, Jordan Steger, & Mario Montenero

2. Argentina: Quick Facts Second largest country in South America. Population: 40,482,000 (estimate for 2008) Capital: Buenos Aires Language: Spanish Currency: Peso Government: Federal Presidential Republic Independence from Spain declared July 9, 1816

3. Culture in Argentina Sports Music Education Health Care Food and Drink Religion Holidays

4. Sports in Argentina Soccer National team won the FIFA World Cup twice and the Copa America fourteen times as well as 277 other international titles. Most decorated soccer team in the world. Argentina has over 540,000 registered soccer players.

5. Music in Argentina Tango The Golden Age of Tango lasted from 1930-1955 Changed from dance-focused to lyric-focused Tango is popular worldwide. European Classical Argentine Folk Argentine Rock

6. Education in Argentina Literacy rate of 97% Three in eight adults over 20 years of age have completed at least a secondary school education. There are 38 public universities across the country.

7. Health Care in Argentina Ranked fourth in Latin America. Provided by employer, government, private, and labor union sponsored plans Argentina has over 121,000 physicians and 37,000 dentists. Life expectancy is 76 years. The infant mortality rate is 12.9 out of 1,000.

8. Mortality Rates

9. Cuisine in Argentina Popular Dishes and Drinks Choriz or spicy sausage Empanadas or stuffed pastries Locro , a mixture of corn beans bacon onion and gourd Asado or Argentine Barbecue Dulce de Leche Wine

10. Religion in Argentina Argentina is predominately Roman Catholic. Ninety two percent of the population identify themselves as Catholic but only 20% say they attend church on a regular basis. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a recorded 330,000 members. Argentina has the largest Jewish population in Latin America.

11. Holidays in Argentina New Years Day Easter Sovereignty Day Labor Day May Revolution Independence Day (July 9 th ) National Flag Day Jose de San Martin

12. The End