10 interesting facts you didn’t know about Argentina

When you think of Argentina, images of couples passionately tangoing along cobbled streets come to mind, or grown men in tears at football matches; maybe a glass of delicious Malbec red wine, a chunk of mouth-watering beef stewing on a barbecue? In short, Argentina is a country that very much stays true to its famous cliches. However if you're planning to travel to Argentina you need to know that this beautiful country is so much more than that! So we thought we'd dig up 10 interesting facts you didn’t know about Argentina, curious bits of information that don't usually get a mention in your average Argentina travel guide:

1.  Invented Radio Broadcasting

Argentina was one of the first countries in the world to have radio broadcasting. The country’s first broadcast was made in August 1920. At that time only 20 people had a receiver!

One of the first radio ads.

2.  Two female presidents

The Ex President, and actual Argentinian vice President, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, was the first woman President to be officially elected in Argentina. However she isn’t the first female president to ever rule over Argentina. Isabél Perón - who was the vice president to her husband Juan Domingo Perón – stood in as Argentina’s first female president for two years, after her husband’s sudden death in 1974.

Isabel Peron - Argentina's first female president in 1974 / Source

3.  Pato: Official National Sport in Argentina

Another interesting fact about Argentina and although football without a doubt is Argentina’s favorite sport, a much lesser known sport called Pato is the official national sport in Argentina. It is a game played on horseback, combining elements of polo and basketball. Pato is Spanish for “duck", as in the game’s early versions (as early as 1610!) a live duck inside of a basket was used instead of a ball. To play Pato was a very Gaucho pastime, and was often played in between neighbouring Estancias, where the first team to reach its own ranch with the duck would be declared the winner.

Pato was banned various times, as it was deemed too violent – not only for the poor ducks, but many players were trampled underfoot.  In 1953, Perón declared Pato to be Argentina’s official national sport and it’s still played today, however a much less violent version, and the use of ducks is strictly forbidden!

Modern version of the Pato ball - luckily no feathers! / source

4.  Eat Gnocchi on the 29th of each month

It is an Argentinian tradition to eat gnocchi (potato dumplings called ñoquis in Argentina) on the 29th of each month, a habit probably introduced by Italian immigrants. Gnocchi – made of potato, flour and salt- were a cheap meal, ideal for the last days of the month when money was tight. Argentinians have the custom of placing money under their plate of gnocchi, to attract good luck and fortune for the coming month. As a tourist in Argentina, you’ll notice that many restaurants serve a special gnocchi menu on the 29th.

If you eat Gnocchi on 29th of each month, maybe you will attract good luck! / source

5.  Created first animated feature film

As well as being radio pioneers, Argentinians also created the first animated feature films! The world’s first full length cartoon was made and released in Argentina, by a man named Quirino Cristiani in 1917. And it is said he was an inspiration to Walt Disney, who during his trip to Argentina visited Quirino’s studio in the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Walt Disney got his idea for the famous animation Bambi, visiting the forests of Patagonia. / Source

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

Even more than Animation, Argentina loves cinema! Argentinians have one of the highest rates of movie watching in the world. Also, film production in Argentina has become one of the biggest film industries in the Spanish speaking world.

7.  The highest number of plastic surgeries

Incredibly Argentine women go through the highest number of plastic surgeries - per person - in the world. Argentina is perhaps one of the world's most looks-conscious countries. (sadly also more than 30% of its women undergo some form of eating disorder).

Plastic surgery is extremely popular in Argentina - Source

8.  The most psychologists per capita

Another unusual fact about Argentine culture is that, Argentina is the nation with the most Psychologists per capita in the world. Recent studies show that there are 145 psychologists per 100.000 residents.

9.  The highest and lowest points in South America

Argentina is a land of extremes! It boasts the highest literacy rate in South America and the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere - Mount Aconcagua (6,962 metres) which lies in Argentina’s Province of Mendoza; and the lowest point, - Laguna del Carbon (-105 metres) - in the Province of Santa Cruz. Also, the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in South America, both occurred in Argentina!

Mount Aconcagua in Mendoza / source

10.  First country to use fingerprints for identification

Argentina was the first country to use fingerprinting as a method of identification. In 1892, the small Argentinian town of Necochea in the Province of Buenos Aires, was rocked by the gruesome stabbing of two children. With no witnesses to the crime, local police were unable to tie the murder to any particular suspect. Utilizing a bloody fingerprint left on a door handle, a local detective discovered the murderer to be the kids’ mother (who not long after, eventually confessed to the crime.)

These were 10 interesting facts you didn't know about Argentina, read more about this incredible country on our travel blog

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If you’re planning on travelling to Argentina, have a look at our website for a selection of the best tours and activities in Argentina; also explore our blog, with tips about travel and culture in Argentina!