Paraguays

Paraguays, usually referred to as Paraguay, is a landlocked country in south-central South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the west and south, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. The capital and largest city is Asunción. The country has a population of about 7 million and a mixed cultural inheritance from Indigenous Guarani and Spanish colonial influences.

Geography and environment: Paraguay lies between the Paraná and Paraguay rivers. The eastern region is humid and agriculturally productive, while the western Chaco is drier and sparsely populated. The two regions have distinct ecosystems, economies, and development patterns. The climate ranges from subtropical in the east to semi-arid in the west.

History and government: The area was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Guarani, before Spanish colonization. Paraguay won independence in 1811 and experienced periods of strong centralized rule, notably under Francia in the early 19th century and the Stroessner dictatorship from 1954 to 1989. A new constitution in 1992 established a presidential representative democratic republic, with a president as both head of state and government and a bicameral National Congress (Senate and Chamber of Deputies).

Economy: Paraguay has a largely agrarian economy, with soybeans, beef, and other agro-industrial products. The country benefits from hydroelectric power generated at the Itaipu Dam on the Paraná River, shared with Brazil, making energy a major export and economic factor. The guaraní (PYG) is the national currency.

Society and culture: Spanish and Guarani are official languages and widely spoken. Guarani culture remains influential in everyday life, alongside Catholic and Protestant traditions. Football is popular, and national cuisine blends Indigenous, Spanish, and regional influences.