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Argentina- The Government and the Economy
The Argentine Republic has 23 provinces and one federal district (Buenos Aires). The executive branch consists of a president, vice president, and cabinet. The president is both chief of state and head of government. The national congress has two houses: a 2-seat Chamber of Deputies. Members of the independent Supreme Court are appointed by the president. The voting age is 18. Agriculture has always been the mainstay of the Argentine economy. Argentina is famous for its livestock and is one of the world's largest exporters of beef, hides, and wool. The country also exports large amounts of wheat, corn, and flaxseed, as well as soybean and cotton. Important industries include food processing, meat packing, motor vehicles, consumer goods, textiles, chemicals, printing, and metallurgy.
The People, Population:
The Population of Argentina is nearly 39 million (the second largest in South America) and is growing annually at about 1 percent. About 90 percent of the residents live in urban areas. With more than 13 million people in its metropolitan area, the capital city of Buenos Aires is one of the most populated cities in the world. 90 to 97 percent of the population descends from European immigrants (Italian, Spanish, German, Welsh, English, French, and Russia). Mestizos (people of mixed Spanish and indigenous heritage), indigenous people, and others compromise the remaining percentage.
Language:
While spanish is the official language of Argentina, accents vary by region. Perhaps the most distinctive is the porteno (buenos Aires) accent, which has been influenced by Italian. The porteno pronunciation of y and ll as "sh" is particularly distinctive. For example, llamar (to call) is pronounced more like "shar-Mahr" than the typical "hay-mahr." People throughout Argentina also commonly use vos rather than the "tu" or "usted" forms of address. Italian, German, French, and English are spoken by member of the older generation and by some of their descendants. Quenchua, Guarani, and Mapuche are languages spoken by indigenous peoples.
Food:
Argentines typically eat three meals each day. The main meal traditionally is served midday. However, because of work schedules, urban families may be able to gather together only for supper, which often is served after 9 p.m. Many argentines also enjoy an afternoon teatime, which includes a cup of tea and a snack. Argentina is famous for their beef, being one of the world's largest beef producing countries. Common beef cuisines are asados (grilled mean on an open fire), milanesas, and empanandas. Other meats common in Argentina are chorizos (pork sausage), lamb, and goat. It is not uncommon to see whole lambs or goats grilled on an open fire as an asado. Argentina also has a strong italian influence on its food. Pizzas, pastas, and Italian ice cream are very common.
Music:
Argentina is well konw for their tang. Tango arose in Buenos Aires in Bars and port areas. Decendants from Europe, Africa, and South America mixed culturally at the port areas as they danced. Tango now has influences from cuban music, Nordic music, Spanish music, African Music, flamenco, and Italian folk art.
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