¿Cuánto sabes de…?

ARGENTINA

¿Dónde está Argentina?

¿Dónde está Argentina?

How large is Argentina compared to Illinois?

Argentina is more than 18 time larger than Illinois, making it the largest

Spanish-speaking country in the world.

How large is Argentina’s population compared to that of Illinois?

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35

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Argentina’s population is more than three times larger.

40.738.000 12.482.000 (2001 estimate)

What languages are spoken in Argentina?

Spanish – ~95%

(I knew that!!)

Other languages – 5% Guaraní -- “Aguije!” English Italian German French

What is the capital city?

Buenos Aires (population 12.8 million)

home to about 40% of all Argentinians!!

Reading tasks

Now scan the cultural reading on pp. 264-265 for the answers to the following questions: What is the unit of currency? Who was Evita Perón? What is the history of the tango? Why is Argentina considered the “most European”

country in South America? What is Iguazú known for?

What is the unit of currency?

El Peso Argentino

Economic instability brought on by high unemployment (20%), long-term recession (4 years), reductions in social programs (Asia Times, Jan 2002)

a 70% fall in the value of the currency since 1992 (BBC News, May 2002)

Hyperinflation is a major concern: “Many on the street said their greatest nightmare was a return to an era like that of 1989, when hyperinflation reached 5,000 percent and prices were so volatile that grocery stores would read out rapid changes over the intercom” http://ca.news.yahoo.com/ 020326/5/l9d6.html).

Who was Evita Perón?

Evita Perón

First Lady of Argentina, 1946-52Wielded considerable political influence – “she became the most powerful woman her country had ever seen.” Secretary of Labor Proponent of teaching religion in

schools Controlled three prominent

newspapers Founder of a major social welfare

organization Impetus behind women getting the

right to vote

What is the history of the tango?

El Tango

Influences from Africa, Italy, and SpainBegan in the 1880s and became popular among the upper classhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9s6AqUqQW0

Why is Argentina considered “the most European” country in South

America?

Immigration

What is Iguazú known for?

Iguazú

Iguazú

70 m (230 ft) high

Taller than and four times as wide as Niagara Falls

Major tourist attraction

UNESCO World Heritage site

Religion in Argentina

93% Catholic: Official State Religion, but there is complete religious freedom2.5% Protestant2% Jewish1.5 Ukrainian Catholic1% Armenian Orthodox

http://www.intersites.co.uk/90323/

http://www.argentour.com/gente/religion.html

http://www.argentinaturistica.com/2datosargen.htm

Cathedral of La Plata

Buenos Aires Mosque

Equipos Solidarios del Sur (ESUR)

The Reformed Church in America has established ESUR, a mission in Argentina to serve the impoverished – as many as “45% of all Argentinian families live below the poverty line.”

Mission: “ESUR gives priority to the powerless and defenseless: children, adolescents, mothers, the unemployed, and the marginalized” in urban as well as rural and semi-rural areas.

Services include day care, meals, vocational training, justice issues, workshops, and community gardens.

http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=291&srcid=594