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Nestled away in the heart of South America, Paraguay is a country full of natural wonders, tranquil living and friendly people. It is an exotic place because of its unique blends of cultures and races---and being with the locals is easy as they also enjoy the company of foreigners. The country is completely landlocked, and shares borders with Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. The Rio Paraguay divides the land into two. Paraguay had been out of bounds for a long time because of its involvement in the drug trade. Things have improved considerably and the country is now geared up for tourist visits.

Paraguay means "water that goes to the water".

Did you know that duelling between two people is legal in Paraguay, but both parties have to be enrolled as blood donors and medical staff has to be at hand!

Historically Speaking

Simple Indians who lived by fishing, trapping and a little planting greeted the Spaniards when they arrived in 1524. They belonged to the Tupi-Guraini linguistic group who shocked the invaders with their occasional cannibalism, plural wives and love for bathing. The Guarani gave the Spaniards their women and land (as women were the farmers in Gurani society). Soon a Spanish- Gurani society emerged and ‘Mestizo’ children took on Spanish values. Later the Jesuit missionaries civilized the Guarani teaching them European culture for years. Paraguay became independent in 1811 and under Carlos Antonio Lopez the country saw modernization. Argentine and European immigrants trickled in. After the Chaco war (1928) with Bolivia over sovereignty of Chaco Boreal, Paraguay saw instability and unrest. World War II brought new demand for Paraguayan products, and the country prospered. The political situation in Paraguay has improved considerably since General Alfredo Stroessner was overthrown in 1989. President Juan Carlos Wasmosy is the current President.

Habitat

The land of Paraguay is locked by Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. The only accessible water route is by the Parana to the Plata estuary, and Buenos Aires. The river route is tough. 40% of Paraguay is a well-watered plateau with rich grasslands breaking at places into subtropical forest. Most of this area lies east of the Rio Paraguay and the grassland extends all the way to the Rio Parana. The Chaco (western Paruguay) forms 61% of the country’s area and it is infertile, flat land. Rio Pilcomayo is marshland.

Vegetation decreases from east to west. Subtropical forests are dense in eastern Paraguay valleys. Savanna grasslands dominate as one moves towards Rio Paraguay. Wildlife is diverse and bird life is abundant. Reptiles like the caiman, anaconda and the boa constrictor live in the riverine lowlands.