Argentina is located on the eastern coast of South America. It is the eighth largest country in the world and the second largest in South America after Brazil. The country is bordered by Chile to the west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Drake Passage to the south. The country has a diverse landscape that includes the Andes Mountains in the west, the flat Pampas grasslands in the center, and subtropical forests in the northeast.
The climate in Argentina is mainly temperate and arid, but it can vary from tropical in the north to subpolar in the south. The population of Argentina is over 44 million people. Spanish is the official language, although many people also speak Italian and German.
The capital city is Buenos Aires. Other important cities include Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, and Mar del Plata. The currency used in Argentina is the Argentine peso. Argentine cuisine is known for its beef and wine, and is also influenced by Italian and Spanish cuisine. Music is an important part of Argentine culture and includes genres such as tango, folk, and rock.
Tourist attractions in Argentina include the Iguazu Falls, the Andes Mountains, the Perito Moreno glacier, and the city of Buenos Aires itself.
Argentina was a major destination for immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Political and economic instability during the 20th century led to periods of military dictatorship and economic crisis. In recent years, the government has taken steps to improve the economy and restore stability, leading to a resurgence of hope for a bright future.
Place names
Andes Mountains
Argentina
Atlantic Ocean
Bolivia
Brazil
Buenos Aires
Chile
Cordoba
Drake Passage
Iguazu Falls
Mar del Plata
Mendoza
Pampas
Paraguay
Perito Moreno Glacier
Rosario
South America
Uruguay
Questions
1. Which countries border Argentina?
2. What are the different types of landscapes found in Argentina?
3. What is the official language of Argentina?
4. What is the population of Argentina?
5. What is the capital city of Argentina?
6. What is the currency used in Argentina?
7. What are some famous tourist attractions in Argentina?
Exercises
Read the definitions of words and phrases. Then complete each sentence with one of the bold words or phrases.
a. resurgence: a revival or increase of something that had been weak or inactive
b. subtropical: relating to the regions between the tropics and the temperate zones
c. economic crisis: a situation where a country or region faces serious problems with its economy, such as high inflation, unemployment, or debt
d. military dictatorship: a form of government where the political power is held by the armed forces and their leader
e. political instability: a situation where the government or the political system is weak, uncertain, or unpredictable
f. tango: a type of dance and music that originated in Argentina and Uruguay
g. folk: relating to the traditional culture and customs of a group of people
h. arid: very dry, having little or no rain
i. immigrant: a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country
j. subpolar: relating to the regions near the North or South Pole
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