Argentina Geography • Population of 39 million • 92% population live in cities • Capital – Buenos Aires with population of 11.6 million Andes Mountains to the West and agricultural flatlands to the north and east. Patagonia in south is oil-rich Iguaza Falls • Varied climate • North – sub-tropical (warm summers and mild winters) • South – sub-polar (warm summers and very cold winters) Economy • Argentine Peso • Agricultural – Sunflower seeds, lemons, grapes, corn, and wheat • Industries – food processing, cars, and clothing, cattle Government • President: Cristina De Kirchner • Vote when 18 • Three branches of government and 2 house legislative branches Culture Education – Literacy rate 97% – Education FREE but must buy own books and uniform (white lab coat that covers your clothes) – No buses (some ride horses) – 8-12 or 1-5 (your choice) – Many public universities are free but must pass test to gain entrance Culture • Soccer (football) is most popular sport • National team has won several FIFA World Cup titles and many of their players play on European professional teams Culture • Oktoberfest: Villa General Belgrano – German Immigrants • Carnival • Snow Festival: San Carlos de Barliloche – August – Town founded by Swiss immigrants Language and People • Spanish is official language but sounds more Italian than Spanish from Spain – Italian, German, English, French, and native languages • Culturally more European than Latin American white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo, Amerindian, or other non white groups 3%