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Scandinavian Diaspora to the Americas
Chapter: Danes in Argentina
In the 1930s, Argentina was the third most chosen destination by the Danes to live. The vast majority opted for rural areas such as Tandil, Tres Arroyos, Necochea and San Cayetano, but several decided to stay in the city. Thanks to that, Buenos Aires had its first sanatorium that was created by a doctor from this community.
Relations between Argentina and Denmark date back much earlier. Already in 1820 the exchange of textile products, glassware, furniture, ropes, woods and alcoholic beverages was relatively consolidated; and around 1840 diplomatic relations were established between the government of King Christian VIII of Denmark and the Argentine Confederation.
In addition, during the same decade, Danish doctors Carlos Furst and Juan Guillermo Saxild arrived. The first of them worked at the University of Buenos Aires and the British Hospital, he is remembered for being the creator of the first sanitarium in Buenos Aires and having battled a great cholera outbreak. He died in 1867, a victim of that disease. Today, a room and a memorial plaque located at the Hospital Muñiz pay homage to him.
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