1. CSLS No-Gaffe Mondays Argentina

2. Basic facts about Argentina - 8 th largest country in the world -Largest country in Latin America after Brazil -Largest country where Spanish is the primary language -Population: over 40 million people (4 th largest population in Latin America)

3. Argentina has a very diverse geography: mountains, deserts, rainforests, plains, lakes, rivers, and glaciers. The country’s largest cities are Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, and Mendoza.

4. Famous Argentines include Pope Francis (Jorge Bergoglio), Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Juan and Eva Perón, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, Jorge Luis Borges, and Julio Cortázar.

5. Like the rest of Latin America, Argentina is characterized by a mixture of peoples: indigenous, Africans, and Europeans. Argentina is often thought of (incorrectly) as a “white” or “European” nation because descendants of Europeans have played a central role in understandings of national identity. This happened, in large part, as a result of the millions of European immigrants, primarily Italian and Spanish, who arrived in the Southeast of Argentina at the end of the 19 th century.

6. Important recent political events in Argentina 1976-1983: Military dictatorship. Tens of thousands of “disappeared” and victims of state terror. 1982: Argentina loses Falkland Islands war with Britain. 2001-2002: Economic crisis and political instability. 2003-2016: Presidencies of Néstor and Cristina Kirchner

7. Sports in Argentina Men’s soccer Women’s field hockey Men’s rugby Men’s basketball

8. Most common flight connections in the US Miami Atlanta Houston Dallas New York Washington, D.C.

9. Food and drink Alfajores (cookies) Dulce de leche (sweet caramel-like spread) Asado (grilled meat) Yerba mate (a cousin of tea) Ñoquis (gnocchis) Milanesa (thin strip of breaded beef or chicken)

10. Social interaction that may surprise Americans Greetings involve a hug and touching cheeks and kissing the air Especially in the Southeast, gesturing is very common Especially in the Southeast, raised voices are common in conversation Everyday interaction in the street may seem aggressive

11. Health care system Public hospitals are free but not always of the highest quality: wait times can be considerable Private hospitals are a good option for tourists Locals will speak of their “obra social,” a type of insurance plan

12. Crime Petty theft is very common, so it is important to be aware of one’s surroundings and one’s possessions.