Think you know Argentina beyond steak, tango, and Buenos Aires? Let's see! Get ready to be surprised and intrigued with 10 things you may not know about Argentina.

1. Argentina is home to both the highest and lowest points in South America

The highest, Aconcagua, is a mountain that soars a staggering 6,962 metres high above the clouds in the Andes, while the Laguna del Carbón salt lake plummets to 105 metres below sea level.

Mount Aconcagua

2. The tango, the iconic Argentinian dance of love, was originally danced in all-male couples

The tango dates back to the late 19th century, in Buenos Aires and Montevideo, where it was danced between pairs of men – often in lower-class neighbourhoods and brothels. It wasn't accepted by the Argentinian middle classes until well into the 20th century, when it was popularised by musicians such as the legendary Carlos Gardel.

Tango danced by pairs of men

7. The Buenos Aires underworld has its own dialect: Lunfardo

Hundreds of words that were originally used among criminals have made there way into regular Argentinian speech. Some of the more common ones that many speakers don't even realise have their origins in Lunfardo include pibe (kid), mina (woman), guita (money), laburo (job), morfar (to eat), malandra (delincuent), quía (person) and many, many more. There are even poems and tango lyrics composed in Lunfardo.

8. Argentina was the first country to have broadcast radio

The Sociedad Radio Argentina first broadcast a program in 1920. While there had been a number of experiments with the new technology of radio around the world, this is considered the first programmed broadcast, directed to the public. What did they play? A recording of Richard Wagner's 1882 opera 'Parsifal'.

Early radio technology in Argentina

9. Argentina is home to one of Latin America's largest film industries and rock music scenes

Argentinians watch some of the highest numbers of movies per capita, while rock music has been extremely popular in the country since the 1970s. Above, pop rock pioneers Soda Stereo, fronted by the late, great Gustavo Cerati.

10. The pope used to work as a nightclub bouncer in Buenos Aires!

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, also known as Pope Francis, is not only the first Argentinian pope but the first from outside Europe since Gregory III - back in the 8th century. Aside from his time as a bouncer, Bergoglio also worked in a chemical laboratory as a teenager, and is an avid supporter of San Lorenzo in the Argentinian Primera División - his image has even adorned their playing shirts since 2013.

Pope Francis

Want to prepare for a future trip to Argentina? Take a look at our enrolment page to find the right course for you, and get practicing!