From the longest mountain range in the world to the unique caffeine-infused national drink, these are the most interesting facts about Argentina.
Fast facts
Official name: Argentine Republic
Capital city: Buenos Aires
Population: 46,994,384
Area: 2,780,400 sq km
Major languages: Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French
Time zone: UTC-3 (Papa Military Time)
Interesting facts about Argentina
1. Argentina is a country in South America that borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay.
2. Argentina claims 1.42 million sq km of Antarctica and some islands in the South Atlantic, including the British-ruled Falkland Islands.
3. Argentina is the second-largest country in South America and the eighth-largest in the world by total surface area.
4. Spanish explorer Juan Díaz de Solís discovered Argentina in 1516.
5. Spain established its first colony in Buenos Aires in 1580.
6. After three centuries of Spanish colonization, Argentina declared its independence in 1816.
7. The 1970s marked the beginning of a period of military dictatorship and repression in Argentina, which resulted in the Falklands War of 1982.
8. Argentina invaded the South Atlantic islands it claimed as its own but was defeated by British forces.
9. Argentina has a rich history of immigration, with large numbers of European immigrants arriving in the late 19th and 20th centuries after its independence.
10. Indigenous people in Argentina were treated poorly for centuries. Many live in the northern region of the country and have less access to education than the rest of the population.
11. The flag of Argentina features a horizontal triband of light blue and white, with the Sun of May in the center. The colors represent the sky and clouds, while the Sun of May signifies the May Revolution of 1810.
12. Despite reestablishing democratic rule in 1983, Argentina has been befallen by many economic crises. In 2023, 40.1% of the population lived in poverty, with an unemployment rate of 6.2%.
13. Argentina is home to the Andes Mountains, the longest mountain range in the world, which stretch about 4,300 mi (7,000 km). It spans seven countries, including Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.
14. Mount Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere, rises majestically to 22,831 feet (6,959 meters).
15. The Pampas, meaning “flat plain”, cover almost one-third of Argentina. These fertile plains were occupied by the Gauchos, the nomadic cowboys of the region, in the mid-18th and 19th centuries.
16. Argentina boasts a vibrant ecosystem, home to approximately 10,221 species of vascular plants, 1,113 bird species, and 428 mammal species.
17. The country is home to the Iguazu Falls, which borders Argentina and Brazil. The cascading 275 waterfalls are a popular tourist attraction and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
18. Patagonia is mostly uninhabited yet covers an enormous area of 260,000 sq mi (673,000 km). Located in the south, it is sparsely populated and known for its desert, virgin forests, glaciers, and mountain peaks.
19. The third-largest economy in Latin America, Argentina boasts a GDP of $632.24 billion as of 2022.
20. Ushuaia, Argentina, claimed the title of the world’s southernmost city but was replaced by Puerto Williams in 2019. Still, it is an ideal gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula.
21. Buenos Aires. Argentina is considered one of the most urbanized nations. Roughly 92% of Argentina’s population lives in urban regions, and almost 46% live in the capital city.
22. The most popular sport in Argentina is football (or soccer), introduced by the British in the 19th century. The country has produced some world-renowned players, such as Lionel Messi.
23. The famous Argentinian dance, tango, originated in Buenos Aires in the late 1800s and is known for its sensual movements and passionate music.
24. Yerba Mate, a caffeine-infused herbal drink, is the national drink of Argentina.
25. The Perito Moreno, Argentina’s famous glacier at Los Glaciares National Park. It is bigger than Buenos Aires city, at 250 sq km.
26. Argentina possesses the world’s second-largest shale gas reserves and fourth-largest shale oil reserves.
27. Argentina holds the third-largest proven lithium reserves and is poised to become a leading exporter in the next decade. Remarkably, over 70 percent of Argentina’s lithium resources remain untapped.
28. In 2022, Argentina was the world’s top exporter of soybean meal, soybean oil, ground nuts, bran, and other vegetable residues and waste.
29. The country has a rich history of literary and artistic movements, producing renowned writers such as Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortázar.
30. Buenos Aires has a reputation for art and culture and was recognized as UNESCO’s City of Design in 2005.
31. Argentina is also known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, such as Carnival and Buenos Aires Tango Festival.
Every effort has been made to verify these facts about Argentina using primary sources. However, if you find an error or have any questions, please contact us.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.