Paraguay

1537 (August 15, Thursday): Spanish explorer Juan de Salazar y Espinosa establishes Asunción, the first permanent settlement in Paraguay

1811 (May 14, Tuesday): Paraguay declares independence from Spain

1864-1870 (March 1864 – March 1870): Paraguayan War (Triple Alliance War): Paraguay fights against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay; devastating loss of life and destruction

1920 (February 7, Saturday): First major economic growth following the end of the war and recovery efforts

1932-1935 (June 1932 – May 1935): Chaco War: Conflict with Bolivia over control of the Chaco region, leading to significant loss of life and resources

1950 (July 9, Sunday): Establishment of the Itaipú hydroelectric dam agreement with Brazil

1989 (February 3, Friday): 1989 Paraguay coup d’état: President Alfredo Stroessner overthrown after 35 years in power

1992 (June 22, Monday): New constitution adopted, establishing the modern political system

2004 (January 1, Thursday): Paraguay River Flooding: Caused by torrential rains, devastating large parts of the country

2009 (April 20, Monday): 2009 Paraguay Earthquake: A 6.0 magnitude earthquake shakes Paraguay, with mild tremors felt in Asunción

2015 (December 16, Wednesday): Cyclone Yasi: Strikes Paraguay, with strong winds and torrential rains causing flooding and destruction

2020 (March 10, Tuesday): COVID-19 Pandemic: Paraguay declares state of emergency in response to the coronavirus outbreak

Continent: South America
Location: Landlocked country bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest
Capital: Asunción
Language: Spanish, Guaraní (both official languages)
Currency: Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
Population: ~7.3 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Paraguay Time (PYT, UTC -4), during Daylight Saving Time: Paraguay Summer Time (PYST, UTC -3)

Borders: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia
Landscape: Mostly flat with some rolling hills and mountains; vast plains and river systems
Major Rivers: Paraguay River, Paraná River, Pilcomayo River
Major Mountains: Cordillera de los Altos, Cerro Peró, Cerro Koi
Deserts: No significant deserts
Lakes: Ypacaraí Lake, Lake Ñeembucú
Volcanoes: No active volcanoes
Highest Point: Cerro Peró (842 m / 2,762 ft)
Lowest Point: Paraguay River (sea level)
Climate: Subtropical to tropical, with a rainy season (October to March) and a dry season (April to September)
Geological Features: River valleys, hills, and the Gran Chaco plain (the country’s largest geographical region)

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Mestizo (mixed European and Indigenous), with smaller groups of Indigenous people, Germans, and others
Religion: Roman Catholic (approximately 90%), Protestant (approximately 6%), other (approximately 4%)
Urban Population: ~60% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~5% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Traditional music (polka, guarania), rich Indigenous heritage, and folklore
Cuisine: Sopa Paraguaya (cornbread), asado (grilled meat), tereré (herbal drink), mandioca (cassava)
Arts: Traditional crafts (weaving, ceramics), music, and dance; indigenous art and modern visual art
Sports: Football (soccer), volleyball, basketball, and traditional sports like “Piki” (a form of competitive dance)

Economy Type: Agricultural-based with manufacturing and service sectors
GDP: Approx. $13 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (soybeans, cotton, beef), hydroelectric power, manufacturing (food processing, textiles)
Key Exports: Soybeans, meat, cotton, electrical energy (from hydroelectric plants)
Unemployment Rate: ~5.1% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Agricultural center (Eastern Paraguay); industrial regions around Asunción and the Paraná River

Government Type: Constitutional republic with a president as both head of state and government
Head of State: President Santiago Peña (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Santiago Peña (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (Chamber of Deputies and Senate)
Constitution: In effect since 1992, with amendments

Asunción: Historical buildings, cultural museums, and vibrant markets
Itaipú Dam: One of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plants, on the border with Brazil
Encarnación: Beautiful beaches along the Paraná River, close to the famous Jesuit ruins of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná
Ciudad del Este: Popular for shopping and close to the Iguaçu Falls
Cerro Cora National Park: Scenic park with historical significance as the site of the last battle of the Paraguayan War
Ybycuí National Park: Natural beauty with waterfalls and rich biodiversity