Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Argentina

As the birthplace of the famous Tango dance, home to many psychologists, and with a ban on naming children after Lionel Messi, Argentina is a fascinating country that recently reached the finals of the 2022 World Cup.

1. Radio broadcasting was invented here

Argentina is one of the first countries in the world to have a radio station. The first broadcast in the country took place in August 1920, with only 20 people having radio receivers at that time.

2. Argentina has had two female presidents

Former President and Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was the first officially elected female president in Argentina. However, she was not the first woman to govern Argentina. Isabel Perón, who served as vice president to her husband Juan Domingo Perón, held the title of the first female president of Argentina for two years following her husband’s sudden death in 1974.

3. Pato: The official national sport of Argentina

Another interesting fact about Argentina is that, while football is undoubtedly the favorite sport, a lesser-known sport called Pato is the official national sport. It is a game played on horseback, combining elements of basketball. The word “Pato” in Spanish means “duck,” as in the first matches (early 1610), a live duck inside a basket was used instead of a ball.

Pato has been banned several times due to its violent nature—not just towards the unfortunate ducks, but many players have been trampled as well. In 1953, Perón declared Pato the official national sport of Argentina, and it continues to be played today, though with much less violence and the use of ducks has been banned!

4. Argentinians eat Gnocchi on the 29th of each month

A tradition in Argentina is to eat gnocchi (potato dumplings known as “bánh đúc” in Vietnam) on the 29th of each month. This custom is likely influenced by Italian immigrants. Gnocchi—made from potatoes, flour, and salt—is an inexpensive meal, ideal for the end of the month when budgets are tight. Argentinians traditionally place money under their plate of gnocchi to attract luck and prosperity for the next month. As a tourist in Argentina, you will notice that many restaurants serve a special gnocchi dish on the 29th.

5. The first animated film

Not only pioneers in radio, Argentinians also created the first animated films! The first full-length animated film in the world was made and released in Argentina by a man named Quirino Cristiani in 1917. It is said that he inspired Walt Disney, as during a trip to Argentina, the founders of Walt Disney visited Quirino’s studio in the suburbs of Buenos Aires.

6. One of the largest film industries in the Spanish-speaking world

Even more than animation, Argentinians love cinema! Argentina has the highest movie attendance rates in the world. Furthermore, film production in Argentina has become one of the largest film industries in the Spanish-speaking world.

7. The highest rate of cosmetic surgeries

Many Argentine women seek cosmetic surgery more than anywhere else in the world. Argentina is perhaps one of the most appearance-conscious countries globally. (Sadly, over 30% of their women experience some form of eating disorder).

8. A high number of psychologists

Another unusual fact about Argentine culture is that they have the highest number of psychologists per capita in the world. Recent studies indicate there are 145 psychologists for every 100,000 residents.

9. The highest and lowest points in South America

Argentina is a land of diverse nature! It boasts the highest literacy rate in South America and has the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere – Aconcagua Mountain (6,962 meters high) located in Mendoza Province; and the lowest point – Laguna del Carbon (-105 meters) in Santa Cruz Province. Additionally, the highest and lowest temperatures ever recorded in South America both occurred in Argentina!

10. The first country to use fingerprints for identification

Argentina was the first country to use fingerprints as a method of identification. In 1892, the small town of Necochea, located in Buenos Aires Province, was shaken by a horrific massacre involving two children. With no witnesses to the crime, local police were unable to charge anyone specifically. Using a bloody fingerprint left on a doorknob, a local detective discovered that the murderer was actually the children’s mother (who soon confessed to the crime).

11. It’s illegal to name children Lionel Messi

In Argentina, authorities have prohibited parents from naming their children after Lionel Messi. According to Mundo Deportivo, this law was enacted in hopes of reducing confusion during official procedures due to too many children sharing the same name. This is one of the unique facts about Argentina.

12. Argentina is the homeland of the famous Tango dance

The dance originated in Buenos Aires in the 19th century, initially performed in impoverished areas around the docks. At that time, some people looked down on the dance, deeming it lowly and unattractive.

13. 97% of Argentinians have European ancestry

The majority of them are of Spanish or Italian descent. This is due to the mass immigration that occurred in the mid-19th century.

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