Since that time, at first every two years, then annually from 1988, a Guest of Honour has the opportunity at the international book world’s most important get-together to present its literature, culture and history.

The framework for events goes far beyond the five days of the Frankfurt Book Fair. Numerous events take place from September till the end of the year, both in Frankfurt itself and across the entire German-speaking region: readings, theatre performances, exhibitions, music, culinary occasions, special interest conferences and adult education courses.

The respective Guest of Honour presentation provides dynamic momentum to international publishing and to the translation situation for literature from the Guest of Honour country.

China was Guest of Honour in 2009, and Argentina will continue the series in 2010.