Paraguay tourist information

Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America. It lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, bordering Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. The name of the country means "water that goes to the water," derived from the Guarani words para ("ocean"), gua ("to/from"), and y ("water"). The expression in Guarani often refers solely to Asuncion, but in Spanish refers to the entire country.

Places to go in Paraguay ...

Asuncion Ciudad Del Este

The southeastern border is formed by the Parana River, containing the Itaipu dam shared with Brazil. It is currently the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, generating nearly all of Paraguay's electricity.

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History In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70), Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. It stagnated economically for the next half century. In the Chaco War of 1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from Bolivia. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER was overthrown in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in political infighting in recent years, relatively free and regular presidential elections have been held since then.

Terrain Grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere.

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Languages Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

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Culture ^*Paraguayans express their culture in arts such as embroidery (aho poi) and lace making (nanduti). Their music, which consists of lilting polkas, bouncy galopas, and languid guaranias played on the native harp.