10 fun and interesting Buenos Aires facts

1. A Vibrant Metropolis with Something for Everyone

Buenos Aires is a bustling metropolis, the second largest metropolitan area in South America and the third largest conurbation in Latin America. With a population of over 13 million people, it is a vibrant city full of culture, art, and history. From the iconic Obelisco to the colorful La Boca neighborhood, Buenos Aires is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a night out on the town or a relaxing day in the park, Buenos Aires has it all.

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2. In 1994, Buenos Aires became an autonomous city

In 1994, the city of Buenos Aires was granted a special status, becoming the Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, or Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. This new status gave the city greater autonomy from the national government, allowing it to make decisions and pass laws independently. This autonomy has allowed the city to develop its own unique culture and identity, making it one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in South America.

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3. 15.5 Million People Call Buenos Aires Home

Boasting a population of 15.5 million, Buenos Aires is one of the world's most populous cities, ranking among the top 20 largest cities in the world. Located in Argentina, the city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse architecture, and rich history. From the colorful streets of La Boca to the iconic Obelisco, Buenos Aires is a city that has something for everyone.

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4. A City of Literature

Buenos Aires is a city renowned for its love of literature, boasting a higher readership than the rest of Latin America. It is home to a number of libraries and reading centers, such as the Bookshop El Ateneo and the National Library of the Argentine Republic, both of which are popular destinations for book lovers. El Ateneo, in particular, is a must-see for any visitor to Buenos Aires, as it is housed in a former theatre and is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

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5. 2.5 million tourists visit Buenos Aires in 2008

Buenos Aires is a popular tourist destination, with an impressive 2.5 million visitors in 2008. This impressive number earned the city the second spot on Travel + Leisure Magazine's list of the most desirable cities to visit in 2008. With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and diverse attractions, it's no wonder Buenos Aires is such a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

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6. 5 Nobel Prize Winners from University of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a city of educational excellence, boasting a number of universities, including the renowned University of Buenos Aires. This esteemed institution has produced an impressive five Nobel Prize winners, making it one of the most successful universities in the world.

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7. The City of Cinema

Buenos Aires has a long and proud history with the cinema industry, with the first cinema opening in the city in 1896. Since then, the city has become the center for the Argentine cinema industry, with over 2,000 films being produced and directed within the city. This has made Buenos Aires a major hub for the film industry in South America, with many of the most iconic films of the region being created here.

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8. The Paris of South America?

Buenos Aires is a vibrant city located in South America that is heavily influenced by European culture. It is often referred to as the 'Paris of South America' due to its strong resemblance to the French capital. The city is renowned for its wide boulevards, grand architecture, and lively café culture, all of which are reminiscent of Paris. Buenos Aires is also home to a variety of cultural attractions, including world-class museums, galleries, and theatres. With its unique blend of Latin American and European influences, Buenos Aires is a truly captivating city.

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9. Largest Mosque in South America: Buenos Aires' King Fahd Center

The bustling city of Buenos Aires is home to the King Fahd Islamic Cultural Center, the largest mosque in all of South America. Spanning an impressive 5,000 square meters, the mosque features a library, a conference hall, a restaurant, and a prayer hall that can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers. The mosque is a symbol of the city's diverse culture and serves as a reminder of the importance of religious tolerance.

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10. The New Buenos Aires Police Force

The city of Buenos Aires underwent a major transformation in 2010 when the 'Guardia Urbana de Buenos Aires' was replaced by the 'Metropolitan Police'. This new police force was created with the intention of providing a more specialized and effective service to the citizens of Buenos Aires. Initially, the force was comprised of 1,850 officers, but the city has plans to expand the force to 16,000 officers in the near future. This expansion is expected to provide a greater level of security and protection to the people of Buenos Aires.