Argentina: Post-Europeans

Spain established Buenos Aires around 1580. Buenos Aires remians the capitol of Argentina and is also the largest city.

Buenos Aires Planning Map 1880

Buenos Aires Today

The descendants of Spanish immigrants/colonists in Argentina are called criollo. The Spanish brought in slaves from Africa to help make their new colony fruitful.


In 1806 the British tried and failed to overtake Argentina from Spanish rule. The people of Buenos Aires took the opportunity to fight for their independence from Spain. Independence was officially declared on July 9th, 1816.

More on modern Argentina to come....please stay tuned!!!

Pre-Argentina

Before the Europeans came along in the 1500's, Argentina was inhabited by indigenous tribes like the Diaguita, the Mapuche and the Guaraní.

The MapucheThe Diaguita

Diaguita woman today

The Inca Empire invaded Northwest Argentina in 1480, under the guidance of Pachacutec, whose name means "He who remakes the world". (He is believed to have been a contemporary during the rise of Manchu Picchu in Peru.)

Battle against the Incas

The native peoples of the land were able to resist Spanish settlement n Buenos Aires until 1580, even then Argentina remained rugged for 200 year.


This delay is due to the unification of indigenous people. They avoided being used for European labor by developing large cattle ranches in Pantagonia, know as Haciendas, where they lived and worked together.

Modern ranchers in Pantagonia

Gauchos, a South American version of the North American cowboy, came to be as these ranchlands needed protection and workers to thrive.

Gaucho- 1800s

Don't cry for me, Argentina!

The truth is I was not quite sure exactly where you were located!!!!!

I know Evita and all the lyrics, but those were the limits
of my knowledge

Very embarrassing.


Argentina: the second biggest country in South America, eighth largest country in the world!

The span of Argentina includes the mainland land and also portions of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Islands and the South Sandwich Islands.

And I did not know exactly where it was on a globe-OUCH.....hence this blog!

Oh San Marino

The Three Towers of San Marino are three towers perched on 3 peaks overlooking Monte Titano, the capitol of San Marino.

Cesta

Montale

Guaita

You can find them depicted on the national flag and the coat of arms.


A famous cake from San Marino, La Torta Di Tre Monti, is named for the towers, it is traditional cake made of layers of wafers cemented together by chocolate or hazelnut creme. The final product is covered in chocolate fondant.



There are six state run museums in San Marino centering on art and history. There is also of Museum of Torture!


Love Orchestra is a new-age music project from San Marino, led by native son Gian Luca "Luke" Mazza.

Photo updated, thanks PEO!

More San Marino!

In San Marino they use the Euro, though they are not a member of the European Union.


The San Marino Lira, which was the previous currency, is rare and is valuable to coin collectors.


50% of the economy is based on tourism, other industries include banking, pottery, and electronics. They also make wine and cheese there.
Postage stamps from San Marino are only valid for shipping within San Marino. Itallian postage is used for shipping elsewhere.

Apparently they have Boy Scouts too!

San Marino

There are no railways or airports in San Marino.

No train.

No planes

There is limited public transportation and public cab services.


There IS an aerial tramway!!!

And cars!

220 KM of roadways in the country.


And there are fast cars:

San Marino

San Marino is an old place- the official date of independence from the Roman Empire is September 3rd, 301.


San Marino is a constitutional republic. The constitution was put in place in 1600 and modified in 1926.

In the early 19th Century, Giuseppe Garibaldi allowed San Marino to remain independent during the unification of Italy.
They have a strong military tradition and one of the smallest military forces in the world.

The military is actually mainly ceremonial. The Italian army is actually charged with protecting San Marino.

During WWII, San Marino initially declared was on Britain, then when Italy declared surrender San Marino declared neutrality. In September 1944 San Marino declared war on Germany.


FYI: San Marino does not have a US Embassy nor does the US have a San Marino Embassy.

Secretary Rice meets with The Honorable Fiorenzo Stolfi, Secretary for Foreign and Political Affairs and
for Economic Planning of the Republic of San Marino and President of the Council of Europe.

The Roman Catholic Church is the main religion.