ARGENTINE

DID YOU KNOW………………………….. 
Language and Ethnic Make-up
Argentina’s official language is Spanish. However, it is different from the spanish spoken in Spain; it sounds more like Italian.  Other languages spoken in Argentina include Italian, German, English and French. Indigenous languages spoken today include Tehuelche, Guarani, and Quechua.
Most Argentines are primarily of European descent (Spanish and Italian), which separates them from other Latin American countries where European and Indian cultures are more mixed.

Spiritual Affiliation
A majority of the population is Roman Catholic; however, there are also other Christian denominations, as well as Muslims and Jewish communities.

Cultural Considerations 
Cafes are the heart and soul of urban culture in Argentina. People meet there to discuss politics and sports, make new acquaintances, study and socialize. 
Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first. 
Modern medicine coexists with traditional medical beliefs. Herbal medicine is used extensively in some regions of the country. 
Coronary heart disease, stroke, influenza and pneumonia, lung cancers and diabetes are leading causes of death. Life expectancy for men is 73 years; for women, 80. 

Food Preferences 
Argentine restaurants offer a wide assortment of meat dishes and pasta. Spanish and Italian cuisine inspires everyday cooking, while French- influenced  cuisine is reserved for special occasions.  Dinner is the largest meal of the day and almost always include beef.