Paraguay
Where is Paraguay located? Paraguay is located on the continent of South America. It is situated in central South America, right at the heart of the continent hence its nickname 'El corazon de Sudamerica'. Paraguay is landlocked by three countries with which it shares its borders: Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia.
Paraguay population and size The overall area size of this landlocked central South American country is 406,750 km sq. It is predicted that Paraguay has a population of approx. 6,854,500 inhabitants with the country’s most populous region being the capital city of Asuncion.
The capital of Paraguay The capital city of Paraguay is Asuncion which is positioned in the west of the country. Asuncion is the region with the largest population in Paraguay and has an approximated population of 2,356,000 inhabitants. It is known for being a very important city as there are many interesting landmarks including the Arts Museum (Bellas Artes), Godoy Museum, La Encarnacion Church, Metropolitan Cathedral, Lop Lopez Palace, National Pantheon of the Heroes, Casa de la Independencia Museum, and Cerro Lambare (monument). The city of Asuncion is home to a large percentage of the overall population as the majority of Paraguay is dominated by the Gran Chaco region which is sparsely populated. Asuncion is important because the city is core to the economy of Paraguay and it is home to the country's main port, national government, major businesses and industries, commercial shopping centres, schools and universities.
Paraguay major cities There are a number of major cities in Paraguay, the names of the largest and most important cities and towns include the country’s capital Asuncion, and Ciudad del Este, San Lorenzo, Luque, Capiata, Lambare and Fernando de la Mora. The second most populous city in Paraguay is called Ciudad del Este. Located in the eastern region of Paraguay, close to the border with Brazil, Ciudad del Este attracts tourists from across the world. The Friendship Bridge is an important arch bridge that connects the city of Foz do Iguacu in Brazil to the Ciudad del Este in Paraguay.
Gran Chaco Facts The Gran Chaco region accounts for around 60 percent of the Paraguay's territory and is home to less than 2 percent of the country's entire population. The Gran Chaco can be described as a natural arid region that is sparsely populated and ranges from tropical to subtropical. Gran Chaco consists of lowland forest areas, marshes, swamps, scrubland, savanna grasslands and two main rivers. It comprises of a rich ecosystem of animal and plant species, some of the most remarkable wildlife can be found living in this part of the world such as jaguar, crocodile, puma, giant anteater, more than 500 species of birds, and over 200 species of reptile and amphibians. The geography of this region is very diverse and encompasses the largest dry forest in South America.
Paraguay Flag The National Flag of Paraguay was adopted in 1842 and can be described as a triband flag design composed of three equally sized horizontal bands that run the colors of red, white, and blue from top to bottom.
Paraguay Flag The colors used on the design of the flag of Paraguay are similar to those used on the flag of France, and the purpose behind the colors chosen came from the French Revolution and the sacrifices that were made for liberty, freedom and independence.
Paraguay Flag One of the most interesting facts about the flag of Paraguay is that it features different designs on either side. The obverse side features Paraguay’s national coat of arms representing this South American country’s fight for independence, and the reverse side of the flag features the seal of the treasury which is representative of liberty, peace and justice
Paraguay Flag Inspired by the French National Flag, the horizontal tricolour flag of Paraguay is one of the only three flags to feature different designs on its obverse and reverse sides
Paraguay flag The coat of arms of Paraguay symbolizes the long-lasting independence of this South American country. Before the current national flag was finalized, the previous national flag from 1811, was colored navy blue and featured a six-pointed star on the top left corner of its design. The second provisional flag was introduced in 1811 and can be described as having a tricolor design consisting of three horizontal stripes running green, white, and blue from top to bottom. The third provisional flag, also a tricolor design, was initiated from 1811 to 1812 and used the colors maroon, golden, and navy blue.
The Coat of Arms of Paraguay (Obverse Design of Flag) The design of the Coat of Arms of Paraguay, on the observe, composes a white circular background featuring a five pointed golden/yellow star at its center. Two olive branches appear on the Coat of Arms; one on the left of the star, and one on its right. The name of the country, 'Repulica del Paraguay' is written in capital letters, and surrounds the central emblem which depicts the star and olive branches.
The Coat of Arms of Paraguay (Reverse Design of Flag) The Coat of Arms of Paraguay, on the reverse, is formed by a white circular background with a golden lion central to its design. The lion is positioned in front of the staff and a red Phrygian cap. The Phrygian cap, also known as a liberty cap, has symbolized liberty and freedom throughout history, and features on various coats of arms of Republics, normally in place of a crown. The national motto of Paraguay, 'Paz y Justicia', which means 'Peace and Justice', surrounds the emblem of the golden lion. The use of capitalization enhances the letters of the words on the design of the coat of arms, making them stand out prominently.
Map of Paraguay
Geography
The geography of Paraguay is very interesting and diverse. This South American country is divided by the Paraguay River into Eastern Paraguay and Western Paraguay, also known as Parana. Western Paraguay, or El Chaco, is home to some of the most diverse species of flora and fauna in the world. Around 60% of Paraguay is dominated by Gran Chaco; a natural arid subtropical region that is sparsely populated and consists of lowland forest areas, marshes, swamps, scrubland, savanna grasslands and two main rivers. In addition to the Gran Chaco region that the country is renown for, the geography is also made up of savannah grasslands, marshes, swamps, scrublands, and salt flats.
Climate
The climate of Paraguay ranges from subtropical to temperate. Western areas are typically more arid as they receive less rainfall than eastern regions. Unlike many other South America countries, the climate in Paraguay doesn't benefit from the presence of mountainous regions that prevent high speed winds from occurring. In fact, the temperatures and overall climatic conditions in Paraguay are influenced by the warm winds that occur from October to March and the cold winds that prevail from May to August.
Famous landmarks
There are many impressive landmarks, monuments and buildings in Paraguay including the Friendship Bridge from Brazil to Paraguay. There are many points of interests, particularly in the capital city of Asuncion, including museums, churches, cathedrals, palaces, monuments and interesting historical sites. Some of the countries most popular attractions include the Arts Museum (Bellas Artes), Godoy Museum, La Encarnacion Church, Metropolitan Cathedral, Lop Lopez Palace, National Pantheon of the Heroes, Casa de la Independencia Museum, and Cerro Lambare (monument). There are also many interesting geographical features and natural landmarks in Paraguay including national parks, waterfalls, dams and nature reserves.
Paraguay is famous for for its long-standing history and battle for independence from Spain which was achieved in 1811. Paraguay has faced disastrous wars throughout history including the War of the Triple Alliance which occurred between the countries of Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay from 1865 to 1870 and resulted in the loss of around two thirds of Paraguayan males. Paraguay is famous for being the heart of South America due to its central location on the continent.
Culture
Heavily influenced by various cultures and ethnic groups found living among the population here, most people are able to speak the two main, official languages of Paraguay which are Spanish and Paraguayan Guarani.
The culture of Paraguay has been strongly influenced by European, namely Spanish, and Guarani traditions due the historical connections between these regions. Much of Paraguay's population is of European and Amerindian descent, hence the official languages of Spanish and Guarani that are spoken in this part of the world. The people in this region of South America enjoy many interesting activities including art, cuisine, music and sport; all of which play an important part in the country's culture and heritage. The most popular sport in Paraguay is football and the country boasts a national football team that has played in numerous World Cups and Olympic Games.
The flag
The national flag of Paraguay, a triband design, was first used in 1842, and features three horizontal bands of equal size running the colors of red, white and blue from top to bottom. The Paraguayan flag is unusual because its obverse and reverse sides feature different designs. The obverse shows the Coat of Arms of Paraguay and the reverse shows the Golden Lion (the seal of treasury). Both symbols hold great meaning as they are highly representative of this South American country. The Paraguayan Coat of Arms represents the country's fight for independence and the Golden Lion symbol, which features the words Paz y Justicia meaning Peace and Justice, represents liberty.
