| About Argentina |
| Within Latin America the Nation of Argentina is 2nd in area only to Brazil and 4th in population only to Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. |
This large land covers more than one millon square miles (2.7 millons sq. kilometers), in the southern part of South America east of the Andes mountains. It extends from the Tropic of Capricorn South to the tip of the Continent - within about 700 miles (1100 kilometers) of Antartica. The lenght of Argentina's official territory from North to South is around 2300 miles (3800 km). Its gratest width is 880 miles (1350 km). The country is bounded by Chile on the West and South, Bolivia and Paraguay on the North, and Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean on the East.
The official language of Argentina is Spanish, and more than 90% of the population is Roman Catholic. The country was settled from the 16th through the 18th centuries, by colonists from Spain. The rapid population growth at the end of the 19th centurie and beginning of the 20th, is mostly the result of European inmigration. The major influx of inmigration was from Italy (44%) and Spain (31%). Large numbers come too from: France, Turkey, Syria, Poland, Russia and Germany. Today only 3% of the people of Argentina are Indians and mestizos, and over 88% of the population is urban.
Education has always been a high priority by Argentine society, as revealed in a literacy rate of 95.3%. Nine years of education are compulsory and free. There are 29.1 scientists and technicians per 1000 persons and 370 inhabitants for each physician. There are 33 National Public Free Universities in Argentina. The first University in the country was established in Córdoba in 1613.
French, Spanish and Italian influences have been strong in Art, Music and Literature. Argentina has about 100 Art museums, many with schools. There are symphony orchestras in many of the country's cities.
| Mar del Plata: |
| Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata is a city famous for its magnificent beaches. Its population of 450,000 inhabitants grows up to 2,000,000 during the summer season. It offers a wide variety of restaurants, movie theatres, shops and entretainment. |
| Weather |
Please bear in mind that July is WINTER in the Southern Hemisphere. The average temperature we expect to have at the time of the Competition is between 42oF and 46oF (6oC to 8oC), but occasionally the temperature might go lower. The area is windy.
Weather Forecast for La Plata, Argentina
La Plata is a city 300km north of Mar del Plata
| How to get there |
International flights normally arrive to the airport of Ezeiza (in Buenos Aires).
Upon arrival you must transfer to the Domestic Airport (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery), 45 minutes away, so as to take a flight to Mar del Plata. We will be assisting you at both Airports.
Please check with your Airline whether they will provide you with a transfer between both Airports.
For those participants who need a VISA to enter to Argentina, we suggest you inform the Argentinean Embassy that you are coming to participate in the 38th IMO, in order to expedite the procedures.