Argentina means silver in Latin, Argentum. It is in fact a great source of valuable minerals. It once was deemed one of the world’s wealthiest nations thanks to the production of livestock and cereal. 

Argentina covers most of the south part of the continent. It is the second largest country in South America, after Brazil, and the eighth in the world. Part of Alaska and several islands in the south Atlantic are property of Argentina. It includes plains, deserts, tundra, forests, mountains, rivers, and thousands of miles of ocean shoreline. This country has always played an important part in the continent’s history, due to the Spanish conquerors which had the power for three centuries. In 1816 Argentina declared independence. 

The country is shaped like a triangle and stretches from the subtropical north to the subantarctic south. It borders Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay. There are four regions: the Andes, the North, the Pampas, and Patagonia.

The Andes cover an area of 3,700 km along the western edge of the country, forming most of the natural boundary with Chile. It is the longest mountain range in the world. Apart from the Himalayas it also has the highest peaks in the world. This is one of the most striking scenery in the continent. There are different climate zones allowing many different outdoor activities, like skiing on the western slopes in sub-zero conditions, and trekking through the tropical rainforest, even on the same day. We can also find alpine forests.

The North region as the name suggests is found in the north part of the country. It is the second largest after Patagonia and the most populated between the four regions. It is divided in two parts, the Gran Chaco comprising the dry lowlands between the Andes and the Parana river, and Mesopotamia, an area between Parana and Uruguay rivers.

The Pampas are the lush and fertile flatlands surrounding Buenos Aires, and are the reason why the country is so prosperous and has a diverse culture. It is found next to Patagonia. With rich grass and fertile soil, it has provided for the rest of the country and still does today. This region is interesting for tourists to understand the history of the country. Here is where the famous gauchos are from, the nomadic, brave and colorful horsemen.

Patagonia is located in the southern part of the country, it includes the southern section of the Andes mountain range, some islands of the Argentiniean Antarctica and south Atlantic, also the territory of Tierra del Fuego found in the far most tip of the continent. The distinct scenery of this region is the consequence of major glaciological and geological transformations that took place millions of years ago. The transformations created Mountains, many valleys, glaciers, lakes and rivers. This is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife, of which many are native. On the other hand it is one of the least populated places in the world.

With all of it’s different settings this country has to be seen and experienced at least once in everyone’s lives!!!