12 Fun Facts About Argentina

2. Most of Buenos Aires population has routine psychologist sessions

Argentina has the highest number of psychologists per capita in the world, according to data from the World Health Organization. There are about 222 psychologists per 100,000 people (the same number in the US 30 per 100,000).

This reflects a culture where therapy, especially psychoanalysis, is widely accepted. Most of Buenos Aires population reportedly seek routine sessions.

Top 10 countries with the most psychologists

3. Gauchos come from Argentina

Gauchos are skilled horsemen who care for livestock in the vast plains or pampas. They are still an important part of Argentine culture and agriculture in the region and preserve their unique cultural traditions. The influence of guachos on national identity can be seen because…

4. Argentina’s national sport is a gaucho sport called pato

Pato is Argentina’s national sport and combines elements of polo and basketball. Pato is played on horseback. Even though we might often think soccer first in Argentina, pato has been the official national sport of Argentina since 1953.

5. Argentina goes from the hand of God to the church of Diego Maradona

I loved cheering on La Albiceleste (the blue and whites) to their World Cup championship in 2022, but soccer legend Diego Maradona still has something that Messi doesn’t have. There is a parody religion dedicated to him called ‘La Iglesia Maradoniana’ (the Church of Maradona), with around 120,000 followers worldwide.

A couple exchanges vows, celebrating their love and unity.

6. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Argentina first

Argentina became the first South American country to legalize same-sex marriage when it passed a law on July 15, 2010. Argentina became a trailblazer among South American countries, setting an important precedent for LGBTQ+ rights in South America and Latin America.

7. The highest mountain in the western hemisphere is in Argentina

Argentina is home to the highest mountain in the western hemisphere—Mount Aconcagua (22,837 feet), according to National Geographic Maps.

Mount Aconcagua also has a place in the Seven Summits, where brave individuals challenge to climb the highest summits on each continent. In order of height these are:

8. Argentina has the highest and lowest points in the western hemispheres

Laguna del Carbón (-344 feet) is the lowest point in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Mount Aconcagua (22,837 feet) is the highest point in the Western Hemisphere.

Mount Aconcagua stands majestically against the sky with its rugged peaks partly covered in snow.

9. You can ski in the summer in the Southern Hemisphere

You can ski in the summer in Argentina. Argentina’s seasonal cycles opposite to those in North America and Europe. Argentina’s ski resorts, like Cerro Catedral and Las Leñas, offer skiing during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer.

10. The country’s economy fell after Eva Perón’s passed away

Eva Perón inspired a musical, but also marked the end of a period of prosperity in Argentina. Perón played a pivotal role in her husband Juan Perón’s government in improving social welfare and women’s suffrage.

She passed away in 1952 soon after her husband began a second term as president. Argentina then entered a period of political turmoil for several decades marked by dictatorships where the country’s economy fell apart and freedoms were severely limited.

11. European influences and cafe culture are strong in Argentina

Up to 97% of Argentines are of European descent, primarily Italian and Spanish. Much of the native population died during Argentina’s colonial history.

Buenos Aires has a large number of cafes. Locals love to stop and enjoy a coffee any time of the day. Cafe culture also has a long history in the city. Café La Biela in Buenos Aires opened in 1848 and is a cultural landmark where artists and intellectuals gathered in the past and today.

Iguazú Falls flows through dense, green jungle.

12. Iguazú Falls is actually 275 different waterfalls

Iguazú Falls is a UNESCO site on the Argentina-Brazil border that features 275 cascading waterfalls amidst lush rainforest. There are 11 UNESCO Heritage sites in Argentina. Here are a few of the impressive UNESCO Heritage sites in Argentina:

• Los Glaciares National Park – Located in the Santa Cruz province, this park is famous for its impressive glaciers, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, rugged mountains, ice fields, and diverse wildlife.
• Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks – These two contiguous parks are known for their exceptional fossil records, which provide valuable insights into the Triassic Period. They feature unique geological formations, including the Valley of the Moon and the Talampaya Canyon.
• Península Valdés – This coastal wildlife reserve is famous for diverse marine species, including southern right whales, elephant seals, sea lions and Magellanic penguins. It is recognized for its importance as a breeding and feeding ground for marine mammals.
• Cueva de las Manos – This archaeological site features ancient cave paintings dating back over 9,000 years. The paintings depict human hands and hunting scenes, providing insights into the beliefs and lifestyle of the early inhabitants of Patagonia.