30+ Interesting Facts About Paraguay

  1. Paraguay, a country in south-central South America, is one of the two (along with Bolivia) landlocked countries in the continent.
  2. The Paraguay-Parana waterway system links Paraguay to the Atlantic Ocean. This system carries 80% of the Paraguayan trade. (Source)
  3. Paraguay is the largest producer and a major supplier of cannabis in South America. It was one of the initial countries to legalize cannabis. (Source)
  4. Guarani people inhabited modern-day Paraguay from earlier than 1000 BC. It became a Spanish colony during the 16th Century. 
  5. Paraguay was the center of Jesuit missions for around 160 years (1609 to 1768). These missionaries were responsible for introducing and spreading Roman Catholicism in Paraguay. (Source)
  6. Paraguay declared independence from Spain on 14th May 1811. The country remained under the dictatorship of Jose Gaspar Rodriguez from 1814 to 1840. 
  7. The Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, is the bloodiest conflict in Latin America. Paraguay fought this war (1864-70) against the combined forces of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Paraguay lost more than 50% of its population (reduced from 525,000 to 221,000 with just 28,000 men) and 55,000 sq. miles of the area after this conflict. (Source)
    Paraguayan marines
    Paraguay has fought two deadly wars in South America

  8. Paraguay fought another bloody war against Bolivia during the 1930s. Chaco War (1932-35) was fought over the disputed territory of Chaco Boreal. The war caused the loss of around 100,000 men from both sides and ended with a Paraguayan victory. (Source) 
  9. Despite being a landlocked country, Paraguay has a naval force larger than a few maritime countries. The purpose of this navy is to protect the Paraguayan river system. (Source)
  10. Colorado Party in Paraguay is the longest-ruling political party in the world. It ruled the country continuously for 61 years before its defeat in the 2008 elections. (Source)
  11. Alfredo Stroessner remained president of Paraguay for more than 34 years (1954-89). He is known as the longest-ruling dictator in Latin America. He lost his power as a result of a coup against his government. (Source)
  12. More than 85% of the inhabitants of Paraguay are mestizos (mixed European and Indian ancestry). The remaining are white and Amerindians. 
  13. More than 90% of people in Paraguay are adherents of Roman Catholicism. There is no official religion in this country.
  14. Spanish and Guarani are two official languages in Paraguay. Nearly 90% of the population speaks Guarani, while more than 50% of people are bilingual (can speak both Spanish and Guarani).   
  15. Tri-Border Area (TBA) is the meeting place of the national boundaries of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. This area is a haven for smugglers and terrorists. Every year, $6 billion worth of money laundering takes place in this area, which is equal to half of Paraguayan GDP. (Source)
  16. In 2019, Paraguay was ranked the “Most Positive Country” in the world. It has achieved this position several times in the past also. (Source)
  17. Paraguay is one of two countries in the world (along with Albania) with 100% electricity production by hydroelectricity. (Source)
  18. The emblem in the middle of the Paraguayan flag is different from the front and behind. This flag was adopted in 2013.
  19. Paraguay, Parana, and Uruguay rivers form the 2nd most vital drainage system in South America. Paraguay and Parana rivers mainly flow through Paraguay. (Source)
  20. Paraguayan soup is different from soups all over the world. It is a thick cornbread made with cheese and onions and served as one of the national dishes of Paraguay.
  21. Stevia is a zero-calorie, diabetic-friendly natural sweetener. Paraguay is the world’s 2nd largest producer of stevia, native to South America. (Source)
    Tea in a cup and kettle
    Paraguay has the highest consumption of tea in the world

  22. Paraguay has the highest tea consumption per capita in the world. The tea consumption rate in Paraguay is 12.22 kg per capita per year. (Source)
  23. The world's longest hotdog was made in Paraguay on 15th July 2011. It was 203.8 m (over 668 ft.) long and distributed to 2,000 people. The purpose of this record was to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Paraguay. (Source)
  24. In 1961, Paraguay became the last country in the Americas to allow voting right for women.
  25. Itaipu is the world’s 2nd largest hydroelectric power plant. It is located at the border between Paraguay and Brazil and provides 90% of the energy in Paraguay.
  26. Paraguay is the 6th largest electricity exporter in the world and the largest exporter in South America. (Source)
  27. A fire in a supermarket in 2004 killed 327 people and injured more than 400 in Paraguay. It is the country’s worst disaster during peacetime. (Source)
  28. Three civil wars have been fought in Paraguay. All these wars occurred during the 20th Century in 1911, 1922, and 1947.
  29. Paraguay is located almost in the center of South America. It is the reason that the country is known as the “Heart of South America.”
  30. Few houses in Paraguay are without doorbells. In this situation, the visitors usually have to clap outside the home to announce their arrival.
  31. Tung oil is used in the manufacture of paint and varnish. Paraguay is one of the largest tung oil producer in the world. (Source)
  32. There is vast income inequality in Paraguay. More than 50% of the country’s wealth is owned by the wealthiest 20% of the population. (Source)

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