Argentina

History… Argentina is not “just another South American country” Stereotypes common in the US don’t apply Argentina is a blend of many cultures Not only Spanish, but Italian, British, indigenous peoples, and many more

Population… 39.5 Million 3rd Most populated country in Latin America Young – 29.2 Men/30.1 Women (average age) 89% live in Buenos Ares

Population… 97% White, Spanish/Italian - only 3% Mestiz 97.1% Literacy rate - Which is .1% higher than then U.S. Life expectancy is 75.7 Years, general population

Religion… 92% Roman Catholic Strong ties between Church & State Only 20% are Practicing 2% Protestant 2% Jewish 4% Other Strong ties between Church & State Constitution 1853 required President to be Catholic …before that no separation between church & state

Work & Economy… Divisions of Economy: 11.1% Agriculture 34.8% Industrial 54.1% Service Turn of 20th Century, known as one of the top 10 wealthiest nations in the world

Work & Economy… By end of 1990’s inflation was less than 1% Leaders effected economy Juan Peron took office in 1946 – Destroyed the economy Carlos Menem – 1989 Inflation was at 3,000% per year By end of 1990’s inflation was less than 1% Still recovering from economic problems 51.7% of population below poverty line

National & Popular Culture… Most culture brought over from Europe Buenos Ares is molded after Paris Teatime every afternoon Fútbol is the primary sport Tango is the most popular style of dance/music

Customs… Everyday life Clothing Holidays Leisure Time Death, Weddings, Relationships Clothing Urged to be well dressed Some traditional Holidays Secular Holidays most celebrated

Customs… Music Tango/ Opera House Religion Beliefs Superstitious

Food & Material Life… 3 Meals a day plus teatime All meals usually consist of meat, primarily beef Dinner at 9 pm so all family can be present BEEF & PASTA Yerba Mate American food introduced…

Food & Material Life… Material life Meat Packing & Other food processing Industry Forest – hard wood, nuts, coconuts Climate and available resources both effect what is available

Language… Spanish is main language Argentines say that it is more appropriate to call their language Castilian Spanish slang called “lunfardo” = Spanish/Italian Mix Still a few indigenous languages that are barely hanging around Quechua Guaraní very rare, Mapuche

Government & Social Order… Last 15 years they’ve had a stable government Achieved independence in 1816 Military Rule 1829 – Juan Manuel De Rosas was governor of Buenos Ares from 1829-1852 Overthrown by other providences in 1853

Government & Social Order… Took almost 40 years to create constitution Twisted by a series of military and civilian rulers Modeled after the U.S. constitution Military coups in 1930, 1943, 1955, 1962, 1966 and 1976 Resulting in a series of Military rulers, however Democratic leaders where also mixed in. Constitution revised in mid 1990’s

Government & Social Order… Despite the fact that population is 97% white Spanish Italian – 3 seats per providence, and one is required to be minority Got rid of electoral college, and instituted popular vote for president 4 year One change for re-election

Conclusion… Argentina has a rich cultural history Can’t be understood through common US stereotypes of Latin America Long history of cultural integration and change Changes still continue today as the people try to create the country they want to live in