Argentina is a republic in southern South America, and the second largest country in South America. Argentina was a region where the people from all over the world came to live in, so it came to be known as the nation of immigrants. The existing culture of Argentines is an amalgam of African and European cultures.

The mixed culture is reflected in several facets of modern Argentina, mainly in the literature, lifestyle, architecture and music. One of the chief cultural markers of Argentina the tango dance that originated around 100 years ago. This beautiful, romantic dance appears very complex, and it has been highlighted in many movies attaining high recognition all over the world. The music played in the clubs is also a mix of European and local Argentine melodies and strong African beats.

Like the folk music, sport is also an important cultural symbol for the Argentines. In Argentina, soccer is treated more as a national obsession than a game. Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city of Argentina, mostly reflects European culture. The city has many art museums and galleries and houses a vigorous theater community. Nowadays, Argentine cinema has reached international status.

Argentina is home to many nomadic groups, including the Diaguita of the northwest and the Guarani of the south and east. The main cultivation of these two groups is maize. The official religion is Argentine Roman Catholic. Spiritualism has a deep impact among the Argentines.

Argentina is home to a number of international writers, including Jorge Luis Borges, Manuel Puig, Julio Cortazar and Osvaldo Soriano. Spanish is the official language, and some immigrant communities retain their mother tongue as a symbol of identity. In addition, Italian and 17 other native languages are spoken in many parts of Argentina. The restaurants and hotels serve mixed foods including almost all international cuisines.

Max Bellamy
http://www.z-argentina.com/