The culture of Argentina is as varied as the country's geography or its ethnic mix. It is quite a diverse one - be it arts, crafts or music, every section will have traces of European touches mixed with British, Spanish, German cultures.

• Literature

In the field of literature there has been a cross-cultural transaction, with Argentina acquiring writers of international height such as Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, Ernesto Sábasto, Manuel Puig and Osvaldo Soriano.

• Music

There are Amerindian influences, especially in the arenas of music and art. Museums, cinemas and galleries are ample in all the major urban centers, as well as traditional establishments such as literary bars, or bars extending live music of a variety of genres. One of the most famous cultures is the tango, a form of dance and music which is believed to be one of the most amorous ways of expressing love. Theatres also reign the interests of most of the people here. Folk music is another form of amusement in which the people of Argentina indulge in. There is an assortment of architectural flairs imported from Europe in Buenos Aires and other cities. The older settlements have a modern styles mixed with colonial characteristics, and relics from the Spanish-ruled past.

• Cinema and theater

Argentine cinema has accomplished international standard and has been used as a vehicle to manifest the horrors of the Dirty War. With films such as The Official Story and 9 Queens, cinemas of Argentina has achieved international acknowledgement even though it has failed to compete with Hollywood-type movies. Even low-budget productions, however, have obtained prizes in cinema festivals (such as Cannes). The city of Mar del Plata organizes its own festival dedicated to this art.

On the other hand theater is equally popular among the Argentineans. Theatre is taken to be the elitist cup of tea.

• Sport

Sport has an extreme value in the lives of the Argentineans. But soccer rests in their souls and minds. Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 and Diego Maradona has become a legend in the history of soccer.

• Religion

Roman Catholicism is the official state religion of Argentine. But screened with popular feelings it has deviated from official doctrine. Spiritualism and devotion of the dead are deep-seated, while pilgrimages to the graveyard of relations and of the famous dead a common sight.

• Language

Spanish is the official language. Some immigrant communities continue using their language as a characteristic of identity. Italian is widely understood, and the Anglo communities uphold the BBC English. There are 17 native languages, including Quechua, Mapuche, Guaraní, Tobas and Matacos.

• Gastronomy

'Meat' .i.e. beef dominates Argentina's menus; and. Mixed grills (parrillada) are also common. For vegetarian's Italian favorites, such as gnocchi (ñoquis), is a welcome. While exquisite Argentine ice cream (helado) merits a special mention - again reflecting Italian influences.

Paraguayan tea is offered as a special expression of acceptance. The leaves, a relation to holly, are elaborately prepared and the mixture is drunk from a shared gourd.