Kids Guide to Argentina

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Argentina

Gauchos in 1 the Andes Mountains

Welcome to Argentina Argentina occupies most of southern South America and has extensive coastline along the southern Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Let’s learn about Argentina from kids like you.

Sofia lives in Córdoba, in the central part of the country.

She is 12 years old.

Her name means “wisdom.”

Sofia likes to dress stylishly.

Her mom and aunt are very fashionable, and Sofia likes to go shopping with them.

Sofia would like to be a fashion designer one day. She is learning to sew and design her own clothing. She likes to dress up whenever she can.

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Matias is Sofia’s brother.

His name means “gift of God.” Matias is in secondary school.

Matias wants to be an architect someday. He is also on his school’s football team, known in other countries as soccer.

Football is the most popular sport in Matias’s country. Some of the game’s best players come from Argentina.

Sofia and Matias love their country and hope you will, too. Let’s learn some more about Argentina.

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Where in the World?

Argentina’s diverse geography includes vast central plains known as the Pampas, as well as desert, tundra, forests, and lowlands. Additional regions include the Andes Mountains along the country’s western border with Chile and the southern Patagonia region that reaches to the tip of the South American continent.

Argentina shares borders with Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. The country claims part of Antarctica and several South Atlantic islands.

Julieta lives in Mendoza, in the west-central part of the country. There are many vineyards in Mendoza, which is in the heart of Argentina’s wine country.

ARGENTINA

Tomas lives in Buenos Aires, on the country’s eastern coast. Buenos Aires is Argentina’s capital and largest city.

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Pa r a g u a

o

y

om

ay

Salta

a

BRAZIL

Rio

San Salvado De Jujuy

o

Pa

Pi

lc

n

PARAGUAY

Ri

ra

BOLIVIA

ASUNCION

Formosa San Miguel De TucumanResistencia Santiago Posadas Del Estero Corrientes

U

u

r ay

gu

Catamarca

La Rioja 30º S

Cordoba

San Juan

Santa Fe

P A C I F I C

Parana

Rosario

Mendoza

U R U G U AY

San Luis

SANTIAGO

BUENOS AIRES La Plata Santa Rosa

MONTEVIDEO Rio de la Plata

O C E A N

Neuquen Ri

o

Ne

40º S

gro

Viedma

Golfo San Matias

ARGENTINA

Isla de Chiloe

Rawson

Archipielago de los Chonos

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

Golfo San Jorge

CHILE Ri

o

Ch

ic o

Isla Wellington

50º S

ARGENT I NA

Bahia Grande

POLITICAL W I T H P ROV I N C E S

West Falkland

STANLEY

Rio Gallegos Archipielago de la Reina Adelaida

Strait of Magellan

Isla Santa Ines

Ushuaia

Islas Grafton

80ºW

Islas Londonderr y

70ºW

East Falkland

FALKLAND ISLANDS (U.K.) Isla de los Estados

C o u n tr y c a p i ta l Provi n c e c a p i ta l Ma j o r c i ty 0 0

60ºW

300 km 50ºW300 mi

Can You Find It? Buenos Aires

Rosario

Mendoza

Mar del Plata

Córdoba

Tucumán

Río Gallegos

Salta 5

Argentina is large and geographically diverse, with a varied climate from north to south and four distinct seasons.

Southern Argentina sees a dry, cool climate while the extreme south has long cold winters and cool summers.

Valentina lives in Santa Rosa, in the east-central region known as the Pampas.

This fertile lowland region sees the most agricultural production.

Argentina’s desert areas include cactus species, with grasslands and gallery forests—those found along rivers and wetlands—also part of the varied geography.

Mountainous regions are home to members of the camel family including llamas, while tropical regions include big cat species and howler monkeys.

A plethora of butterflies and birds, including toucans flamingoes, flourish there as well. Southern Argentinian species include the pudù—the smallest deer in the world— with coastal areas populated by sea lions, penguins, and elephant and fur seals.

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Andes Mountains Andes Mountains The Andes are the Iguazú Falls world’s longest mountain range, running for 7,242 kilometers (4,500 miles) along South America’s western side.

Stretching through seven countries, some of the world’s tallest peaks are here, with features including glaciers Perito Moreno Glacier and volcanoes.

Iguazú Falls Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls are the world’s largest waterfall system.

The semicircular falls divide the Iguazú River into upper and lower portions, and extend about 3 kilometers (1.85 miles).

Perito Moreno Glacier Located in Argentine Patagonia, a region at the southernmost tip of South America, this glacier is the world’s third-largest reserve of fresh water. Unlike most of the world’s glaciers, Perito Moreno is growing rather than receding.

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History 4000 BCE Advanced hunter-gatherers inhabit the Pampa and Patagonia regions. Various groups of native inhabitants establish farming communities and develop pottery.

1572 CE Spanish soldiers conquer the last Inca stronghold. From this point forward, Argentina is increasingly dominated

by Europeans.

1776 After King Charles III grants Argentina higher status and lifts trade restrictions, Buenos Aires quickly develops as a maritime hub and thriving economic center.

1812 General José de San Martín leads the effort to free Argentina and much of South America from Spanish rule. He prevails and is considered the great liberator of South America and is revered as a national hero of Argentina.

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1928 Civil unrest, fueled by radicals who emigrate from post-war Europe, continues to rock Argentina. Reforms grant more rights to workers even as the military expands its crackdown on dissent.

1976 The military’s brutal crackdown becomes known as the Dirty War, when at least 11,000 leftists, intellectuals, and others are “disappeared”—almost certainly murdered.

1992 Argentina introduces a new currency, the peso, to replace the austral.

2007 Sitting president Nestor Kirchner is succeeded by his wife, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. She is the first female president to be re-elected.

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People Most of Argentina’s population comes from Europe, particularly Italy and Spain.

A small group includes indigenous Indians and mestizos, who have a mixed ethnicity generally Spanish and Indian.

Quidel has Indian ancestry called Qom, or Toba. His lessons at school are taught in Spanish, but he speaks Toba Qom with his family at home.

A large number of Polish immigrants also came to Argentina during the late 19th century, as well as smaller numbers from France, Germany, Russia, and Britain.

Argentina’s official language is Spanish, though with a strong Italian influence. Called Castellano it includes slang and wordborrowing from other languages.

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The majority of Argentinians claim Catholicism as their religion though only a small percentage actually practice the faith.

The country’s Jewish population is the largest in South America. Other groups represented include Protestants and Muslims.

Indigenous groups, such as the Mapuche, Guaraní, and Qom, have their own religion and customs.

Gabriel’s family practices Judaism. His family shares a special meal on Shabbat, the Jewish Day of Rest, with challah bread a traditional food.

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Names Hector

Alicia

The name Hector comes from a Greek word meaning “to hold fast.”

Alicia is a Spanish name that means “noble.”

Jorge The name Jorge comes from a Greek word that means “farmer.”

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Silvia Silvia is a Latin name that means “woods” or “forest.”

e (Male) Nam

Carlos

Origin

M e aning

Spanish

free man

Hebrew

“God is my judge”

Jose

Hebrew

“God increases”

Juan

Hebrew

“God is gracious”

Luis

Spanish

famous warrior

Mario

Latin

dedicated to Mars

Miguel Oscar Ramon

Hebrew Irish Spanish

“Who is like God?” spear of the gods wise protector

Roberto

German

bright fame

Daniel

e (Female) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Ana

Hebrew

grace, favor

Claudia

Latin

lame

Graciela Maria

Latin Latin

grace star of the sea

Marta

Aramaic

lady of the house

Mirta

Spanish

crown of thorns

Monica Norma

Latin English

advisor from the North

Rosa

Latin

rose

Susana

Hebrew

lily 13

Learn Spanish Spanish, the official language of Argentina, is spoken by almost all of the population. Argentinian Spanish has a strong Italian influence. Regional accents color the lanuage, which blends slang and words from other languages.

Hola

OH-lah (Hello)

Buenos dias

BWEH-noss DEE-uss (Good morning)

Mi nombre es

mee NOHM-breh ehs_____ (My name is ___)

¿Cómo estás?

KOH-moh ehs-tahs (How are you?)

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Tengo hambre

TEHNG-goh ahm-bre (I’m hungry)

Tengo sed

TEHNG-goh sed (I’m thirsty) Gracias

GRAH-see-ahss (Thank you)

Por favor

pohr fah-VOR (Please)

Si

see (Yes)

No

no (No)

Adiós ah-dee-OHSS (Goodbye) 15

Holidays and Festivals Argentina has a rich and dynamic culture, and Argentinians celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year.

Here are a few:

Memorial Day for Truth and Justice Recognized on March 24, this day honors the memory of los desaparecidos, “disappeared ones” who were victims of a military campaign of abduction and murder between 1976 and 1983. Argentinians keep the memory of the desaparecidos alive through commemorative events and school programs.

Carnaval The nine-day celebration, one of the largest and most colorful in Argentina, is defined by celebrations and parades, with music and dancing in the streets.

Carnaval evolved as a last hurrah in the days preceding Lent, once a time of strict fasting. Celebrations are a blend of Christian and pagan traditions, and each region has unique traditions.

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Independence Day Recognized on July 9, this day celebrates the signing of the declaration of Argentina’s independence from Spain in 1816. Independence Day celebrations include great displays of patriotism, parades, marches, music, and food festivals.

St. Martin’s Day Held on the third Monday of August, the holiday commemorates the death of General José de San Martín, one of the central figures in Argentina’s history and liberation. National pride pervades celebrations, which include military and public parades.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) The week begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter.

Christians celebrate this period by commemorating Christ’s arrest, trial, suffering, and death. Religious processions take place in some towns and many Argentines take vacation.

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Food Argentine cooking is strongly influenced by European cuisines, most notably Spanish and Italian. Hearty soups and stews are popular as is barbecue. A favorite main course is parrillada, a mixed grill of various cuts of beef. Argentina’s most common dishes showcase an abundant variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Beef, wheat, and tomatoes are staple ingredients as well as bread, pasta, and pizza. Squash, melons, corn, and sweet potatoes are the major native crops along with quinoa and different types of chilies.

Empanadas These small, savory turnovers filled with meat, fish, or cheese. They may be that may be baked or fried.

Carbonada en Zapallo This popular soup is thick, slightly sweet and served in a pre-baked pumpkin shell.

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Parrillada This simply prepared mixed grill is eaten almost everywhere in Argentina. Usually made with beef, pork or chicken may also be added.

Chimichurri This parsley-based sauce is used as a marinade or accompaniment for many of Argentina’s grilled meat dishes.

Alfajores de Maicena This dessert is usually made of dulce de leche (a caramelized milk confection) sandwiched between two dry cookies or shortbread.

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Mate

Mate is a drink made from steeping the leaves and twigs of yerba mate in hot water. Mate may be sweetened with sugar or honey.

Zapallitos Rellenos Stuffed vegetables of Spanish or Italian origin are a common side dish in Argentina. Zucchini is a popular choice.

Matambre Arrollado This dish is made of a thin steak rolled with vegetables and herbs. It is served either hot or cold.

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Ensalada Rusa (Russian Salad)

This simple salad is made with cooked vegetables and is popular in Europe and the Middle East. Due to immigration, the dish is also common in Argentina, often served as a side dish to meat.

Total Time

50 min

Ingredients 3 large potatoes, peeled 3 medium carrots, peeled 2 cups (480 ml) green peas, canned or fresh Olive oil, to taste Mayonnaise, to taste Salt, to taste

Directions Boil potatoes, carrots, and fresh peas separately until tender.

Drain and let cool.

Dice carrots and potatoes, and toss with a little olive oil.

Add peas, mayonnaise, and salt.

Mix well and then refrigerate until well chilled.

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National Symbols National Bird Rufous Hornero (common name) Furnarius rufus (scientific name)

National Day Independence Day July 9

National Flower Ceibo (common name) Erythrina crista-galli (scientific name)

National Animal Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus) is both the national bird and the national animal of Argentina.

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National Flag First used – February 27, 1812 Nickname(s) – Bandera Oficial de Ceremonia (“Official Ceremonial Flag,” referring to the flag with emblem)

National Currency Argentina’s official currency is the Argentine Peso and the centavo.

1 peso = 100 centavos

National Anthem “Himno Nacional Argentino”

Lyrics by: Vicente López y Planes

Spanish Lyrics

English Translation

Oíd, mortales, el grito sagrado: “¡Libertad, libertad, libertad!”

Oíd el ruido de rotas cadenas, ved en trono a la noble igualdad.

Ya su trono dignísimo abrieron las Provincias Unidas del Sud y los libres del mundo responden: “Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡Salud!”

“Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡Salud!”

Y los libres del mundo responden: “Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡Salud!”

Y los libres del mundo responden: “Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡Salud!”

Hear, mortals, the sacred cry: “Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!”

Hear the noise of broken chains, see the noble Equality enthroned.

Their most honorable throne have opened the United Provinces of the South.

And the free ones of the world “To the Argentine people, Hail!”

“To the Argentine people, Hail!”

And the free ones of the world “To the Argentine people, Hail!”

And the free ones of the world “To the Argentine people, Hail!”

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Things to See and Do Metropolitan Cathedral This cathedral contains the remains of General José de San Martín and is one of the most visited sites in Argentina. It includes Venetian mosaic floors, gilded columns, and a silver-plated altar.

Iguazú National Park This park is home to the spectacular Iguazú Falls, one of Argentina’s most beautiful natural attractions. Includes a subtropical jungle that is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, insects, and fish, along with trails and a train for sightseeing.

La Boca This colorful Buenos Aires neighborhood is a lively area and includes murals adorning the buildings. El Caminito is the most famous street, full of buskers playing music and vendors selling handicrafts. See tango dancers put on impromptu performances.

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Paseo de las Artes (Walk of the Arts) Try regional foods, pop into the cultural center for a music or dance performance or artist workshop, or just stroll the colorful assortment of arts, crafts, and antiques.

Alta Gracia Ranch Alta Gracia Ranch features a church and residences dating from the year 1643. Explore the National Museum of Jesuit Estancia de Alta Gracia and Casa del Virrey Liniers to see artifacts from the past three centuries.

Kempes Park A popular park in northwestern Córdoba, it includes large animal sculptures and paved and dirt trails for running and biking.

Includes a playground and green spaces with native and exotic plants, along with a Sports Park with tracks for skateboards and scooters.

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Los Glaciares National Park Argentina’s second-largest park, it includes a giant ice cap, 47 large and 200 small glaciers, and numerous snow-capped mountains, making it a favorite with trekkers and climbers.

MALBA The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) contains one of the world’s finest Latin American art collections.

Buenos Aires Eco-Park This park has paths, sculptures, and fountains, and free-roaming peacocks, ducks, and other species.

National Museum of Decorative Arts This museum contains over 4,000 European and Oriental art pieces. Objects on display include rare paintings, sculptures, ivory, porcelain, silverware, tapestries, furnishings, and European miniature pieces.

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Jujuy Misiones Tucumán

Salta

Catamarca

Formosa Chaco

Santiago del Estero

La Rioja Córdoba

Corrientes Santa Fe

San Juan San Luis

Entre Ríos Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires

Mendoza Buenos Aires La Pampa Neuguén

Río Negro

Location Guid e

Chubut

Santa Cruz

Tierra del Fuego

Metropolitan Cathedral Iguazú National Park La Boca Paseo de las Artes Alta Gracia Ranch Kempes Park Los Glaciares National Park MALBA (Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires) Buenos Aires Eco-Park National Museum of Decorative Arts 27

Fun Facts Do the Dance The tango is a world-famous dance associated with Argentina, though it was once looked down upon.

The dance evolved in about 1880, performed in poor dockland areas of Buenos Aires. The tango blends Spanish tango, a variety of flamenco, with the fast-paced milonga dance.

Highs and Lows Argentina is home to both the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere. Mount Aconcagua is in Mendoza, with a peak of 6,962 meters (22,841 feet). Laguna del Carbon is a salt lake in the southern Santa Cruz province that sits 105 m (344 ft) below sea level.

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Named for Silver The Latin word for silver is argentum, which gave Argentina its name. This resulted from the fact that the country’s European conquerors came to the region to mine silver, a precious metal.

Animation Nation An Argentinian named Quirino Cristiani created the first animated film in 1917.

El Apóstol was a 70-minute cartoon about Argentine corruption and may have inspired Walt Disney, who visited Quirino’s studio while on a trip to Buenos Aires.

Breathe the Air Buenos Aires translates to “good airs” or “fair winds,” and was named by Pedro de Mendoza, a Spanish explorer. Mendoza was responsible for establishing and naming the port town and was a devotee of Santa Maria del Buen Ayre, the Virgin Mary of Good Air. 29

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Argentina Patagonia

Andes Mountains

Balvanera

Obelisk of Buenos Aires

Puerto Madero

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