Argentina

• Geography
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

What do you know about Argentina?

In which continent is Argentina?

1. Africa
2. Asia
3. South America
4. Oceania

Location and Basic Facts:

Argentina is a country located in South America, bordered by Chile to the west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

The official language of Argentina is Spanish.

Argentina: geography and landscape

Argentina is a vast country located in the southern part of South America. It is the second largest country in South America after Brazil, and the eighth largest country in the world.

To the west, the towering Andes mountains create a natural 5,142km high border with Chile, and the eastern border of the country is the Atlantic Ocean. In the northern region, the country shares borders with Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay, and the eastern border is the Atlantic Ocean.

Argentina: geography and landscape

To the east of the Andes, the interior of the country is flat, fertile grassland. This area, called the Pampas, is the agricultural heartland of Argentina.

  

Northeast Argentina features rainforests and Iguazu Falls. Located on Argentina’s border with Brazil, this spectacular waterfall descends along a 2.7km front in a horseshoe shape. Sadly, as the country develops it is being affected by deforestation and pollution.

Altogether, the country is divided into four regions – the Andes, the Pampas, the north and Patagonia, which covers the southern part of the country.

The capital city of Argentina is Buenos Aires, which is also the largest city in the country.

Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world by land area.

What are the three largest countries by population?

Nature and wildlife in Argentina

Argentina is super-rich in animal species. The coast of Patagonia is home to elephant seals, fur seals, penguins and sea lions. Sharks, orcas, dolphins and salmon swim in the waters off the Atlantic coast.

  

The north of Argentina is home to flamingos, toucans, turtles, tortoises, and crocodiles and caimans, too! There are also many large cat species such as the cougar, jaguar and the ocelot.

Nature and wildlife in Argentina

Patagonia is a sparsely populated area rich in natural resources and wildlife, including herons, condors, pumas, tortoises and guanacos – elegant animals closely related to llamas and alpacas.

Which bird can be found in northern Argentina?

1. Eagles
2. Flamingos
3. Toucans

What large cat species is found in Argentina?

1. Ocelot
2. Jaguar
3. Cougar
4. Lynx

Landforms

The Andes Mountains:

 The western border of Argentina is formed by the Andes, which is the longest mountain range in the world. The Andes Mountains are known for their stunning peaks, including Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas.

How high is Aconcagua?

Pampas

The central part of Argentina consists of vast grassy plains called the Pampas. The Pampas are known for their fertile soil, which makes them ideal for agriculture. They are famous for cattle ranching and grain production.

Patagonia

In the southern part of Argentina, you'll find a region called Patagonia. It is characterized by diverse landscapes, including deserts, grasslands, forests, and mountains. Patagonia is known for its unique wildlife, such as penguins, seals, and whales.

Iguazu Falls

Located in the northeast, on the border with Brazil, the Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. It is a series of massive waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest.

Paraná River

Questions:

1. How long is the Paraná River

2. Into which ocean does the river empty?

Paraná River answers

Lake Argentino

Rio de la Plata

Find two facts about Lake Argentino and two facts about the Rio de la Plata

The history of Argentina

The Spanish arrived in 1516 and ruled the country for 300 years. In 1806, a British force overpowered Spanish military in Buenos Aires (Argentina’s capital city) and attacked the Falkland Islands, also called the Malvinas Islands. Local residents later recaptured the capital, but never regained control of the Falklands. These events led to the loosening of Spain’s grip on the country, and in 1816 Argentina claimed its independence.

The history of Argentina

In 1946, Juan Peron became president due to his popularity with the working class. His wife, Eva (known as Evita), formed a foundation and gave out money and benefits to the poor. She became a symbol of hope to all the poor people of Argentina, and her death in 1952 was considered a great tragedy. Three years later, Juan Peron was forced out of office after he tried to increase his powers.

The history of Argentina

Following many violent years and near civil war, Peron was re-elected president in 1973 and his new wife, Isabel, became vice president. Peron’s sudden death in 1974 meant Isabel became president, and soon after, the country’s economy fell apart.

  

The military took control of the country in 1976, triggering what’s known as the “dirty war“. Between 1976-1983, one of the most violent and devastating periods in Argentina’s history, 20,000-30,000 revolutionaries or sympathisers (those who opposed Argentina’s military rule) were killed.

The history of Argentina

In 1982, the president of Argentina, General Leopoldo Galtieri invaded the Falkland Islands off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean thinking the British wouldn’t put up a fight. But Galtieri miscalculated, and British forces won an easy victory. After the defeat, the country moved toward democracy and civilian rule.

Climate

Argentina has a diverse climate due to its large size and varying geographical features.

Questions:

1. What is the climate like in the North?

2. What is the climate like in the south?

3. Why are they so different?
 

North

In the north, near the border with Brazil, the climate is tropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters.

Central

In the central region, including Buenos Aires, the climate is temperate, with hot summers and cool winters.

South

Patagonia in the south has a cold and windy climate, with snowy winters and cool summers.

Which climatic region in Argentina would you want to live and why? North, Central or South.

Biodiversity

- Argentina is home to a wide range of plant and animal species due to its diverse ecosystems.

- The country has several national parks and reserves to protect its biodiversity. For example, the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Patagonia is known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Capybara

Condor

Jaguar

Argentine people & culture

Unlike many other South American countries, such as Peru and Ecuador, Argentina has fewer native people and a large population of people who came from Europe. In fact, around 95% of Argentina’s population are of European descent, mostly from Italy, Spain and Germany. Much of the native population died from diseases brought in by Europeans in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Nearly half of the population live in the area around Buenos Aires. This beautiful city is sometimes referred to as the “Paris of South America” because of its European influences.

Argentine people & culture

Football is the favourite sport in Argentina, and the country has produced some of the world’s most famous players, such as Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

  

Gauchos, like American cowboys, have become a symbol of the open plains of the Pampas region. Historically they were brave – and often unruly! – country people devoted to lassoing and raising cattle and horses.

Research either the Condor or the Jaguar and share your discoveries here:

Tell me three things you learned about Argentina...

Ask one question you have about Argentina...

Quiz time!

    https://b.socrative.com/teacher/#import-quiz/72023186

Homework!

This week completed homework will earn you 5 house points!

Argentine Tango!

Please send a video of you dancing to Margo