Princeton University will be holding an information session for students interested in traveling to Argentina. The “Princeton in Argentina Info Session” will be held this week and all interested students are encouraged to attend.

Bordered by the neighboring countries of Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, Argentina is located in South America and its name means “land of silver.” It is the second largest country in South America after Brazil and the eighth largest country in the world. Visitors are immediately greeted by “the Pampas,” a wide, grassy plain that makes up much of the country’s heartland. The sight of gauchos (the Argentinian equivalent of a cowboy) rounding up cattle is a familiar site on the Pampas. Originally part of Spain, the country gained its independence in 1816, and its population remains over 95 percent European to this day. As of the 2091 census, Argentina had a population of 36,260,130 people.

One of the darkest spots in Argentina’s history was during the infamous Desaparecidos (or “dirty war”), during which the military junta eliminated around dissidents through abduction and illegal detainment. Around 30,000 political dissidents allegedly disappeared during this time.

For soccer of “futbol” fans, Argentina is known for its national team. Its national football team plays in Argentina’s home stadium, Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti, and is currently headed by coach Alejandro Sabella. Thus far, the team has made four appearances in the World Cup finals. Its 1978 won the World Cup, beating its Netherlands competitor; its most recent World Cup appearance was in 1990, when Argentina lost to Germany in a disputed penalty. The team’s greatest rivalries are with Brazil, Germany, England, and Uruguay.

For travelers, the city of Buenos Aires is a must-see destination. Parrillas (steak houses) abound throughout the city, and those who choose to do so can find opportunities to try tango, a uniquely Argentinian dance.

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