Argentina is a beautiful and diverse country. Most people associate Argentina with first class beef, excellent yet inexpensive wines, delicious asado (barbecue), romantic tango, Evita Peron, soccer and its world-famous soccer player Diego Armando Maradona. However, there is more to Argentina than meets the eye. In this article we will talk about things you may not have previously known about the country.

1. Big, Bigger, Biggest

Argentina is home to the widest river on the planet. Rio de la Plata (River Plate), a river near Buenos Aires is some 140 miles wide at its widest point and covers an area of 14,000 sq mi. On top of that, the Avenida Rivadavia, an avenue in Buenos Aires, is considered to be the widest and longest avenue in the world, extending some 22 miles from downtown to the suburbs.

2. Demographics

Almost half of the country’s population lives in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, a vast number around 14 million people. Although the country covers a large area, rural areas outside of Buenos Aires are scarcely populated. Buenos Aires is home to the second largest Jewish community in both Americas. Over 300,000 Jews live in Buenos Aires. The majority of the population own their homes (60%) and prefer to build additional rooms other than moving to larger living quarters.

3. Economy

Argentinians eat more red meat than any other nation in the world. The country is currently the third largest beef exporter worldwide. Most people are unaware that Argentina has as a longer tradition of cattle ranches and cowboys than the US. On top of that, the province of Mendoza in the Cuyo region is one of the eight ‘wine capitals’ in the world. Argentina is also home to a finest Malbec wine in the world.

4. Curiosities

If you ever visit Argentina and notice a pack of 15 dogs walked by a single person, don’t be surprised – they’re dog walkers. These people are paid around 100 pesos per month to go door-to-door, pick up individual dogs from their owners, and walk them in large packs.

5. Trends

Plastic surgery is extremely popular in Argentina. It’s considered a routine procedure. Women of all ages visit clinics all year around to improve their looks. Women who undergo plastic surgeries in Argentina are on average 25 years old.

6. Mental health

Argentina has the greatest number of psychoanalysts per capita of all the countries in the world around one psychoanalyst to 650 people. Argentina was founded by European immigrants. Identity crisis and nostalgia for homeland caused by immigration are the leading causes of such great number.

7. Tango

Millions around the world dance tango every day, yet only a few of them question its origins. Argentina. Tango is a blend of various immigrant dance styles which culminate in sensual and romantic rituals danced in ballrooms and bars all across the country.

8. Love Motels

If you ever visit Argentina, don’t be surprised by a large selection of motels that charge their services by the hour. These hotels are made for lovers who want no “strings attached”.

9. People’s USA

Argentina is what USA should be. A blend of many different nations and cultures, yet a country directed by its people, not by private corporations.

10. Soccer

Soccer is not a sport in Argentina. It’s a way of life. Diego Armando Maradona is regarded as a deity.

Author: This blogger is one who talks about interesting facts about Argentina all the time. He also covers Mendoza Tours for Unicotrip.