Argentina is the second largest country in South America located between the Andes mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of 41 million people who are mostly of European descent. Spanish is the official language and Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion. Argentina has a diverse geography and culture influenced by European immigration. It has a long history, gaining independence from Spain in the early 19th century and experiencing periods of military rule and economic decline in the late 20th century.

1. ArgentinaBy Terrance Finley-Moore

2. GeographyThe Argentine Republic is the second largest country in South America by land area. It lies in the south of the continent between the Andean mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. It also has claims to Antarctic land.

3. Its total area is 2,780,400 sq km and it is the eighth largest country in the world by land area.

4. The climate is mostly temperate, but is arid in the southeast and sub-antarctic in the southwest.

5. Argentina has diverse geographical features, from tropical regions to rugged mountains to tundras. It also contains the highest and lowest geographic points in the Western Hemisphere.PeopleThere are approximately 41 million people in the Argentine Republic.

6. Most Argentines are of European (Spanish and Italian) descent. The country is ethnically and culturally diverse.

7. The official language of Argentina is Spanish.

8. Roman Catholicism is the country's most common religion.Argentina also has the largest Jewish population in Latin America.Ninety-two percent of the population lives in urban areas.CultureMediaArgentina is one of the dominant media markets in South America.Theater and CinemaCinema has been active in Argentina since the late nineteenth century. It has been a great influence on Argentine culture.SportsFútbol is the nation’s most popular sport by far. Other popular sports include tennis, rugby, and field hockey.FoodArgentine cuisine is similar to European food, with influences from Spanish, French, and Italian cooking. Pasta and beef are very common.

9. Argentina is well known for its asada (grilled meat) and wineMusic and DanceArgentina, along with Uruguay, created the popular and influential tango dance.

10. Argentina has a wide range of popular music genres. The most popular music among the younger generations is rock and its subgenres.