ARGENTINA
There is an abundance of travel guides available, offering recommendations on where to go and what to do in every corner of the world. However, I aim to provide a fresh perspective and use travel as a way to connect with other cultures by focusing on what sets each place apart, without comparing them or labeling them as superior or inferior. In this particular instance, I can offer insights from someone who was born in a certain location but grew up elsewhere. To add a touch of excitement, I’d love to sprinkle this post with fascinating and enjoyable tidbits.
ARGENTINA BASICS: It is the second largest nation in South America after gigantic beautiful Brazil! and it is the 8th largest country in the world. It has over 45 million people and the largest concentration lives in and around the capital city of Buenos Aires.
There are 23 provinces in the country and 1 Autonomous city of Buenos Aires which is the capital city of the country.
Argentina has long been a melting pot of cultures, with a significant number of people of European descent. In fact, it ranked second only to the USA in terms of European immigration. However, the demographics of the country have been evolving over time, as there has been a notable increase in the number of individuals migrating from other Latin American nations. This shift can be attributed to the government’s more lenient immigration policies, which were implemented in 2003. In addition, regional agreements such as the Mercosur (Southern Common Market) allow intra-regional migration.
Mercosur Map – South American Common Market
There are 35 native communities in Argentina, with the majority residing in rural areas. Despite the legal provision granting land ownership to indigenous people, this is not always upheld. Over time, these indigenous groups, who were predominantly nomadic, have been assimilated due to the genocide and animosity perpetrated by Spanish colonizers in Argentina. Many have suffered mistreatment and displacement, despite being the rightful owners of their ancestral lands. Presently, there is a gradual resurgence of local indigenous influences. Regrettably, numerous indigenous groups in the country continue to endure injustices, including inadequate access to essential healthcare and education.
Argentina consists of 23 provinces and one federal district which is the city of Buenos Aires. The city of Buenos Aires is located within the province of the same name, thus some folks get confused and make mistakes when making travel arrangements without proper research. One thing is the city of Buenos Aires that happen to be in the province of the same name, another is the province of Buenos Aires which has plenty of things to explore.
THE CITY OF BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires‘ metro area population has around 16 million people (metro area includes smaller towns around the city).
Buenos Aires is one of the largest cities in the world and the third-largest in Latin America being the largest urban center in the country.
BA (short for Buenos Aires) is considered a mega city, mega cities are urban areas of over 10 million people.
Buenos Aires is truly an amazing city, growing up there until my middle teens was an incredible experience full of culture, theaters, vernissages, and lots of things to do always!!!
IMPORTANT: the affluence and urbanization of Buenos Aires are very different from other places in the country. In my teachings I always considered Argentina of two regions; the city of Buenos Aires and the rest of the country.
Living part-time in Argentina has been an incredible and peculiar experience for me. The city’s continuous growth and the cultural shifts that mirror those in other parts of the world are fascinating. However, there are still aspects that remain distinct from my hometown, while others are specific to this region. It’s intriguing to feel like a foreigner in my own country, but on the bright side, it allows me to observe and appreciate my own culture from an outsider’s perspective!
As I mentioned, it is very easy to find many blogs and posts out there about Argentina letting you know where you find the best beaches, restaurants, and bars, My focus is not only on the fun but rather on facts, events off-grid information, and some insights that you might not see that much out there. I believe I can give the information as a local and a foreigner – the beauty of being in many cultures.
PLACES IN ARGENTINA
It is a very large country but if you look at its size, most people are concentrated in the Eastern part of the country mostly in the city of Buenos Aires and the Greater Buenos Aires in the province of Buenos Aires (I know too much about Buenos Aires confuses me).
Argentina is large! In order to give an idea of how large the country is, it is 33 plus times bigger than Switzerland and over 11 times larger than the UK. yet, it is only over 30% smaller than the USA but with such a small population that makes it feel way much larger.
Argentina is divided politically into 23 provinces plus 1 Federal District which is the city of Buenos Aires (called BA or CABA between other names….)
Mendoza Province, Western Argentina Coming Up soon!!
