Trifter

    Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay, is a land-surrounded country in South America. It lies on both banks of the Paraguay River. It borders Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and is located at the heart of South America. The southeastern border is formed by the Paraná River, sharing the Itaipu dam with Brazil.

The Itaipu dam is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, generating nearly all of Paraguay’s demand for electricity. Another large hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River is the Yacryetá, shared with Argentina. Paraguay is currently the world’s largest exporter of hydroelectric power.

Official languages are Spanish and Guaraní. “Paraguay” is derived from the Guaraní word pararaguay meaning “from a great river”. The “great river” is the Paraná River, which produces the greatest amount of hydroelectric power in the world.

Paraguay’s politics is based on presidential representative democratic republic, where the President of Paraguay is both head of state and head of government and of a multi-partly system. Executive power is exercised by the government, legislative power is exercised by both the government and the two chambers of the National Congress. The Judiciary is independent of both the executive and legislature. The president of Paraguay is Nicanor Duarte Frutos, and the vice president is Luis Castigloni Joria.

Paraguay was declared independent from Spain in May 14, 1811. The area is 406,752 km2 and 2.3% of it is water. In 2005, the population estimate was 6,158,000. Paraguay is divided into 17 departments and one capital district.

The local climate ranges form subtropical to temperate, with substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, with more arid conditions in the far west.

The capital of Paraguay is Asunción. Most Paraguayans live near or in Asunción, also the largest city in Paraguay. The Chaco, which is more than 60% of the territory, is home to less than 2% of the population.

Paraguay is predominantly Roman Catholic, with some Mennonite and other Protestant minorities.

Paraguay, has one of the most structured populations ethnically, culturally, and socially throughout Latin America. Most Paraguayans are mestizos of mixed Spanish and Guaraní descent. The only trace of the original Guaraní culture is the language, spoken by most Paraguayans. There are Italians, German, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, Arabs, Brazilians, and Argentines settled in Paraguay who mostly retained there respective language.

Paraguayans express there culture in arts such as embroidery (aho poí) and lace making (ñandutí). Their music consists of lilting polkas, galopas, and guaranías played on the native harp. They also enjoy sopa paraguaya which is like thick corn bread. It is made of many cheeses, onions, bell peppers, cottage cheese, yellow cornmeal milk, seasonings, butter, eggs and fresh corn kernels.

There are not many levels of life in Paraguay, although there are the usual distinctions between the country dweller, employer and laborer, mental and manual worker. There is also a lot of mobility between classes, even the poorest demonstrate a high degree of pride.

Life greatly revolves a large family of parents, children, blood relations, and godparents. It is a center of unity and support. Anyone outside the family is indifferent, unless they are an old friend. Godparents have a special relationship with the family, and they are expected to protect the children.

Paraguay is about the size of California. Eastern Paraguay, between the Paraná and Paraguay Rivers, is upland country where the thickest population is settled. The greater part of the Chaco region is covered with marshes, lagoon, dense forests, and jungles.

The currency in Paraguay is Guaraní.

History

Indians speaking Guaraní were the country’s first inhabitants. In 1526 and 1529, Sebastian Cabot explored Paraguay when he sailed up the Paraná and Paraguay Rivers.