O Paraguay, whose official name is Republic of Paraguay, is a country located in South America.
Along with Bolivia, it is one of the two countries on the continent that has no access to the sea.
It borders Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. Mato Grosso is the Brazilian state that borders Paraguay.
The name Paraguay, of Guaraní origin, refers to the river in the region.
General data
- Capital: Assumption
- Territorial extension: 406 752 km²
- Population: 6 854 536
- Climate: subtropical
- Languages: guaraní and spanish
- Religion: Catholicism and indigenous beliefs.
- Coin: Paraguayan guaraní
- Government system: Presidential republic
Flag
THE Paraguay flag it has blue, white and red colors in horizontal bands with a shield in the center.
Unlike most flags, the two sides are not identical. Therefore, on the back we have a shield with a star, olive branches and the inscription “República del Paraguay”. On the reverse, the shield bears the figure of a lion.
There are several explanations for the origin of the colors of the Paraguayan flag. One of them would be that they were the same ones used in the uniforms of the Paraguayan soldiers who defended the Rio da Prata against the English invasions in 1806.
Another accepted theory is the reference to the French revolutionary flag whose Enlightenment ideals influenced the country's independence process.
Shields also have a symbolism linked to independence. The Estrela de Maio is a reminder of the country's independence date: May 14, 1811. For its part, the symbol of the lion guarding the cap of liberty represents the defense of national sovereignty.
We find the same star on the flags of Argentina and Uruguay. This is no coincidence, as these countries were part of the Viceroyalty of Silver and began the process of independence from Spain at the same time.
territorial division
The country is divided into 17 departments and the Capital District.
- Upper Paraguay
- Upper Paraná
- Amambay
- Capital District
- Boquerón
- Caaguazu
- Kaazapa
- Canindeyu
- Central
- Conception
- Mountain range
- Guaira
- Itapua
- Missions
- eembucu
- Paraguay
- President Hayes
- San Pedro
Economy
The Paraguayan economy is based on livestock and agriculture, especially soy.
The country is also sadly known for the number of companies specialized in counterfeiting products. So many Brazilians go to Paraguay especially to buy and resell them in Brazil.
Culture
Paraguay still proudly guards its indigenous past. The Guarani language is spoken by a large part of the population together with Spanish. In this way we see marks of the Guarani culture in all artistic areas mixed with the customs brought by the Spanish colonizers.
The country conserves folk dances such as yuki, pericón, Paraguayan polka and Chiperita, among others. Several are mixtures of European and indigenous rhythms that are performed with traditional clothes.
In musical terms, the Paraguayan harp stands out. The instrument was introduced by the Jesuits and accompanies chants in Guarani, Spanish and some typical dances.
In Paraguayan literature there are poets and writers who used Guarani and Spanish to express themselves. Authors such as Augusto Roa Bastos, Gloria del Paraguay and Ignacio E. Crash.
The cuisine is rich in vegetables and meat, combining indigenous traditions with Spanish and Italian influences. One of the typical dishes is "vorí vorí" or "borí borí" which is basically a thick broth accompanied by small balls of corn flour and cheese.
Like Argentina and Uruguay, the most popular typical drink is mate.
attractions
The capital Asunción concentrates much of the cultural offer such as theaters and museums. We can mention the House of Independence, the Museum of Clay, the National Pantheon and the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Assunção.
In the department of Encarnación it is possible to visit the Jesuit Ruins of Tavarangue and the Holy Trinity. There are also river beaches there, such as the one in San Juan.
For those who enjoy nature, Paraguay has spectacular landscapes such as Cerro Akati and Cerro Tres Kandu or Peró.
