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About Argentina

About

Argentina

Capital Buenos Aires

Area 2,780,400 sq km (1,073,518 sq miles)

Population 40.7 million (2008)

Language Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken with some French and German.

Time GMT ‑3

Electricity 220 volts AC, 60Hz. Plug fittings in older buildings are of the two‑pin round type, but some new buildings use the three‑pin flat type.

If any country deserves the label 'land of extremes' then Argentina does. This vast country occupying a large chunk of southern South America is topographically diverse and infinitely enchanting. From the snow‑capped peaks and glaciers of the Andes to the dusty plains of Patagonia, Argentina never fails to amaze. Whether exploring the lush rainforest of Missiones, horse riding in the scorched red mountains of Salta, trekking the turquoise lakes and evergreen forests of the Lake District or playing the gaucho in the fertile Pampas, the country is one of ceaseless wonder and boundless adventure. At the heart of all this is the capital city Buenos Aires. Unfairly described as a grimy Paris, Buenos Aires is a smart, contemporary city that is full of life and bursting with energy. While the spirit of the tango is alive and well and the gaucho heritage is celebrated, modern Argentina is more cosmopolitan in its outlook than many South American countries. The people of Argentina are warm, friendly and open to visitors. Despite a dark period of military dictatorship and a series of economic crises, the Argentines have a tenacious spirit and lust for life that is infectious. This passion shines through in the nation's great loves of football, food and partying.

Climate

Argentina is a huge country with a wide ranging climate. The north is subtropical with rain throughout the year, while the Tierra del Fuego in the south has a sub‑arctic climate. The main central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer (December to February) and cool in winter.

Geography

Argentina is situated in South America, east of the Andes, and is bordered by Chile to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil to the north and northeast. There are four main geographical areas: the Andes, the North and Mesopotamia, the Pampas and Patagonia. The climate and geography of Argentina vary considerably, ranging from the great heat of the Chaco (El Chaco), through the pleasant climate of the central Pampas to the sub‑Antarctic cold of the Patagonian Sea. Mount Aconcagua soars almost 7,000m/23,000ft and waterfalls at Iguazú stretch around a massive semi‑circle, thundering 70m/230ft to the bed of the Paraná River. In the southwest is the Argentine Lake District with a string of beautiful glacial lakes framed by mountains.

Money
Currency

Peso (ARS; symbol AR$)

Credit Cards

Most major credit cards are widely accepted, but not as widely as in the US or Europe, and even some large hotels do not have credit card facilities. ATMs are available in most cities but it is still best to carry alternative forms of payment.

Travelers Checks

These can be exchanged at banks, cambios and some hotels. It is often difficult to exchange these in the smaller towns. Travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Mon‑Fri 10AM‑3PM

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