Paraguay Facts

Paraguay is a landlocked country, located in the middle of the continent of South America, surrounded by Argentina on the south and south west, Bolivia on the northwest and Brazil on the east and north . The total area of this country is around 406,750 kilometer square, and its official name is Republic of Paraguay. It has the Paraguay river flowing across the country and thus dividing it into two different regions. The capital of this country is Asuncion. Want to know more about this country in South America? Here are some interesting Paraguay facts and information, which will help you get to know the country better.

Interesting Facts about Paraguay

Although the country is a small, there is no end to the number of interesting facts about Paraguay; the geographical information, information regarding the people of Paraguay, the currency, the flag, the culture etc. Given below are some facts for kids as well as for adults.

• Paraguay, before 1811, was a colony of Spain. But before the Europeans visited the country, Paraguay was inhabited by the native tribes called Guarani.
• During the 17th century, Jesuits missionaries entered Paraguay, in order to preach the natives the teachings of Jesus and to convert them to Christianity. They were successful. But the Spanish wanted control over the natives, as well as their trade. Hence they drove out the Jesuits and set up its colony. The country got its independence from Spain on 14th May, 1811.
• The river Paraguay (from which the country gets its name), runs through the country, dividing the country into two halves; the eastern side is more populated than the western side. This is because the western side is low, marshy area with dry forest areas, unlike the eastern side.
• The capital of Paraguay, Asuncion, was founded by the Spanish rulers in the year 1537. It is the biggest city in the whole country. Guarani and Spanish language are the official languages of this country and its national currency is Guarani.
• Paraguay is a homogeneous country where most of the population belongs to the mix breed of Spanish and Amerindians, called the Mestizo. The main religion practiced here in this country is Roman Catholic.
• The main economic activities here are agriculture and cattle ranching. This country is also the world's largest exporter of hydroelectric power as well as soy beans. It also exports cotton, edible oil as well as meat.
• The main industries in this country are that of sugar, beverages, textiles and cement.
• I am sure you must have seen the flag of Paraguay. Here are some interesting Paraguay flag facts. Besides the national flag of Moldova and Saudi Arabia, this is the only flag where the reverse and obverse sides have different emblem. The present flag was used in the year 1991.
• The legal system here is based on the Argentine codes, the French codes as well as the Roman law.
• Distribution of wealth in this country is not equal. A small group of elite people own most of the land and enjoy most of the benefits of economic development of the country.
• Here are some Paraguay culture facts. The basic diet of the people of Paraguay is corn, beef and cassava. Some of the most popular dishes that people enjoy here are Chipa guazu, which is a cross between sopa paraguaya and corn souffle, mbeju which is an unleavened fried bread, the mbaipy so'o, corn pudding with chunks of beef and many more.
• Did you know that Paraguay is in the Guinness Book of Records, and for what? For having hosted the world's biggest barbecue ever (30,000 eaters). That's HUGE!
• Cerro Pero which is located at an altitude of 842m, is the highest point in this country.
• The Britishers laid the first railway tracks in Paraguay between 1858 and 1861. Now the railway runs for a distance of 440 km. People navigate mainly by roads.
• According to the 2003 estimates, 94% of the population are literate.

There, you have some interesting facts. These facts are sure to help you learn more about this landlocked but beautiful South American country. If you ever get a chance to visit this country, you will love it, and also the people over there.