PARAGUAY
CLIMATE
According to the Geography of
Paraguay, climate of Paraguay varies a
great deal between Paranena region and in
the Gran Chaco region in Paraguay.
Paranena region has a subtropical climate
while the Chaco has a tropical climate.
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
The country is divided into two distinct regions by the Paraguay River.
The Chaco Boreal is a low, flat, infertile plain. It becomes progressively drier
and bleaker toward the west, with scrub forests giving way to meager
grasslands. Marshes occur in the east, especially along the major rivers.
East of the Paraguay River is a plateau-and-plains region crossed by
a sharp escarpment running north-south.
The major rivers are the Paraná, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean,
and the Paraguay and Pilcomayo. Rivers in the Chaco Boreal are sluggish
and are not navigable.
HISTORY
• 1537 Aug 15, Juan de Salazar, Spanish pioneer, founded Asuncion, the
capital of Paraguay.
• 1811 Aug 14, Paraguay declared independence from Spain
• 1862 Francisco Solano Lopez became president of Paraguay following
the death of his father, Carlos Antonio Lopez.
• 1869 Paraguay’s army surrendered to the Triple Alliance of Argentina,
Brazil and Uruguay. Pres. Lopez refused to surrender.
• 1947 The Colorado Party began its rule over Paraguay
• 1967 Aug 25, Paraguay accepted its constitution
GOVERNMENT
The government of
Paraguay is
constitutional,
presidential, and
republic.
ECONOMY
About half of Paraguay's workers are engaged in agriculture
and forestry; a much smaller percentage are employed in
industry and mining, and many work outside the formal
economy. The principal crops are cotton, sugarcane, soybeans,
corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava, fruits, and vegetables; cattle
and other livestock raising is also important. Meatpacking, sugar
processing, textile and wood-products manufacturing, and the
production of steel and consumer goods are the main industries. The
country also has a large underground economy that encompasses
smuggling, money laundering, and trafficking Andean cocaine.
CULTURE
Paraguay culture is highly influenced by various European countries,
particularly Spain, which are combined with indigenous culture. This
cultural blend is seen in Paraguay's forms of arts, crafts, music, festivals,
literature, cinema, fashion, languages. The two official languages of
Paraguay are Spanish as well as Guarani, the indigenous language of
Paraguay that is spoken by about 90 percent of the population.
Paraguayan embroidery, lace making, and local music are representations
of the cultural fusion. Food is an important part of the cultural ethos of any
country, and in Paraguay, cottage cheese, cornmeal, milk, butter, eggs and
fresh corn kernels are some of the major dishes. Sports are an important
cultural aspect of Paraguay, which excels in football (soccer), as well as
rugby, volleyball, and tennis.
RESOURCES