Argentina is a diverse country, both naturally and culturally, with geography ranges from northern deserts to humid jungles and culture, art and architectural influences from around the world. The name "Argentina" is derived from Latin argentum ("silver", plata in Spanish), a noun associated with the silver mountains legend, widespread among the first European explorers of the La Plata Basin. The country is best known for its tango, steak and football.

Brazil – the largest sovereign state in Latin America. A federal republic, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country, by both geographical area and total population. It is the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world, and the only one in the Americas. It is a country of great diversity, and is famous for its football (soccer) tradition and its annual Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife and Olinda. It is also a land of profound economic contradictions.