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 Aug 14, Paraguay declared independence from Spain 1862 Francisco Solano Lopez became president of Paraguay following the death of his father, Carlos Antonio Lopez Paraguay’s army surrendered to the Triple Alliance of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Pres. Lopez refused to surrender 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