Argentina.

Argentina is the second largest country in South America, and one of the longest in the world. The map location to the Argentine Republic is between latitude 22º and 55º. Just a bit over the Tropic of Capricorn, La Quiaca is the northernmost point of this country that extends all the way to the southernmost point of the World, Land of Fire.

It?s a beautiful country with a broad variety of climates and geographies that present themselves in a rainbow of regions throughout 2.8 million sq. meters. By means of description, a fine imagination and a brief insight we can picture those contrasts. The northwest plateaus, the lake region, the forests and glaciers in the Patagonia somehow blend in through means of distance with Argentine Mesopotamia (provinces of Entre Rios, Corrientes and Misiones) formed by low hills, pools and marshlands that are the main gate to a bushy subtropical rain forest home to the wonderful and spectacular phenomena of the Iguazu Falls. Further south: the ?typical? Pampas, in the center-heart of Argentina, miles and miles of plains for agricultural and livestock activities ?main income provider to the National Brut product-. Towards the southern region of our country, from the Andes to the sea, the stony plateaus of Patagonia; to one side the Atlantic coast, lined with high cliffs, and a spectacular and unique colonies of sea animals; to the other, the imponent Andes Mountains.

Argentina consists of 23 provinces plus a federal district, the City Buenos Aires house to the national government institutions. There are over 37 million Argentines; the greatest proportion lives in urban districts and almost 15 million ?nearly half the entire population of our country- resides in the city of Buenos Aires.

In terms of cultural identity, the Argentine is ?no question about it- a South American strongly bonded to its Hispanic roots, sometimes looking across the Atlantic to Europe, some others facing its Latino background. However, it?s true that being a country built with the combined effort of European immigrants, criollos (Spaniards born in Colonial America) and indigenous population, Argentina is a melting pot type of society. The European look of the country?s capital and the fact that statistics show that nearly 95% of the Argentine population has received elementary education might appear as signs of differentiation with the rest of Latin America. But the northwest provinces ?for example- express through the blend of the colonial fine architecture and the inputs of modernity a tighter bond with the neighboring countries of Bolivia and Peru.

The official language in the Argentine Republic is Castellano Spanish, the language brought by the Spanish conqueror to the Americas during Colonial times. However, by means of use, history and customs, this Spanish has evolved into a specific tone and style, differing in accent and pronunciation between regions. The most evident trademark difference is between the Castellano Spanish spoken in the country?s capital Buenos Aires, and the rest of the country. Buenos Aires, home to Porteños ?port side citizens- features a very much Italian influenced version of Spanish, while the rest of the country has a ?tune? and pronunciation that could be set much more accordingly to the rest of the Latin American Spanish speaking countries. However, the basic language is Spanish and from a Spaniard to a Paraguayan, all Spanish speakers would have no problem in communicating and understanding the Argentine Castellano. For the key is that there?s a pronunciation and emphasis difference. 

In terms of culture and religion, the Argentine society is open and varied. Freedom of cult is the norm in Argentina; however the official religion is Roman Catholic. Statistics present that around 92% of the Argentine population is nominally Roman Catholic however a bit less than 20% is indeed a practicing Catholic, as to Protestants , around 2% of the population and an other 2% is Jewish, the remaining other 4% practices other religions or is non religious and atheistic.

The Argentine people are very well cultivated, take much pleasure in music, reading, theatre, the movies and many other cultural expressions. Borges, his short stories and poetry, Ernesto Sabato, Julio Cortazar, Roberto Arlt, Osvaldo Soriano and Mauel Puig are some of Argentina?s wordl known writers. Carlos Gardel, Astor Piazzolla and Julio Sosa were Tango exponents around the world, and in these modern times, not only the superb Traditional Orchestra Fernandez Fierro but also electronic tango versions are kicking in. But Argentina is not all about tango ?though we love it and are very proud of it- Folk northern music is outstandingly well represented by Tomas Lipan, Ricardo Vilca, Peteco Carabajal and Rally Barrionuevo.  Rock n? Roll is also an unquestioable trade mark of our youth and their passion for music, Los Redonditos de Ricota, Charly García, Bersuit Vergarabat, Divididos, Las Pelotas, La Renga, etc are just examples of a rich style. From traditional Ballet with Julio Bocca to DE la Guarda and the clown type of dance and theatre? From Xul Solar to Antonio Berni in the ArtScene. Argentina?s cultural world is rich and powerful, and it?s very much worth to explore and discover.

An other interesting side to the Argentine culture is the great pleasure taken in food and the social ritual of sharing a meal, a bite, a snack, a moment? From a mate session with a group of friend (Mate is a herbal sort of tea that is drank with a straw from a small pumpkin or wooden cup) or a Sunday asado (barbeque) or home made past lunch, to sophisticated gourmandize experiences, Argentines love good food and quality time.

Tango, great steaks and? Maradona, football ?soccer- are the three passions that might summarize the ?Argentinianity? or better said, the sense of being Argentine.

Bob Frassinetti, Art Collector and Antique Dealer, San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina