Paraguay Facts – 36 Interesting Facts About Paraguay

Interesting Facts About Paraguay

The major part of northwest Paraguay is made up of a vast and uninhabited plain called Chaco and it was a bone of contention between Paraguay and Bolivia in the war of 1930’s. The war claimed the lives of 100,000 people.

Hydro-electricity accounts for 99.9% of the electricity produced by the country and 75% of that coming from the Itaipu Dam.

Itaipu Dam has been built on the Paraná River and the world’s second-largest hydroelectric power plant second only to the ‘Three Gorges Dam’ and was built in 1984. It is run by both Brazil and Paraguay.

The country has been run for a major part of its existence by dictators. No wonder numerous wanted Nazi criminals who afraid of the consequences of their inhuman deeds fled and lived in incognito in Paraguay.

The country is known for its raw and unadulterated natural beauty and very friendly population. However few tourists visit this country in South America.

Guarani language is spoken by almost all the population regardless of the social status and is one of the unifying factors of the country.

The heritage of the country is rich with 38-string harp music and the traditional bottle dance, performed with dancers twirling bottles around their heads

The country is famous for its lacework Nanduti meaning “spider web”. It is made with beautiful lace inn intricate circular designs and is found in a rainbow of colors. Other traditional handicrafts include embroidered cloth, black clay work and ceramics, and gorgeous silver jewelry in filigree designs.

The national beverage of Paraguay is Mate which is pronounced as ‘Mahtay’ and is usually served hot. When the same is served ice cold it is known as tereré. The drink is consumed through a metal straw

The main meal consumed at noon is usually composed of corn and cassava, a starchy root vegetable.