Paraguay is home to the world’s largest rodent called the Capybara, which is basically a giant guinea pig. History of Paraguay . 15. New parents in Paraguay view this as a custom protecting their children from financial ruin in the event of their death. Useful when you are learning about the country, or perhaps supporting Paraguay in a sporting occasion! Endangered animals include the jaguar, harpy eagle, red parrot, giant armadillo and anteater (jurumi). Paraguay is the world’s sixth-largest soybean producer, the second-largest tung oil producer, the second-largest stevia producer, sixth-largest corn exporter, seventh-largest beef exporter and fourteenth-largest wheat exporter. Today, 95 percent of Paraguay’s people are mestizos, descendants of those Spanish men and Guarana women. 2. While there’s not an official social caste in Paraguay, there’s a very defined line between the poorer farming class and the economically richer business class. As of 1 January 2016, the population of Paraguay was estimated to be 6,683,941 people. In 1811, Paraguay gained independence from Spain. This is one of the country’s unifying strengths. Paraguay’s citizens age 15 and older … Guarani is mostly spoken in smaller towns/communities, especially by the elderly people. According to former president Juan Natalicio Gonzalez, it means “river of the habitants of the sea.”. Paraguay is a country with long traditions, a passion for soccer, and fascinating natural wonders. Paraguay culture places special emphasis on being welcoming to tourists and visitors. Below are some interesting, funny and unusual facts about Paraguay’s history, culture, famous people, literacy rate, imports and exports, popular sports, animals, natural resources, wildlife and national parks, economy, tourism and much more. Family defines what employment their children will have and political views. Facts about the Paraguay’s people Roughly 90% of Paraguay’s population is of Mestizo descent. Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in Paraguay - culture, greetings, gestures, etiquette, taboos, negotiations, gift-giving, and more. Corporate Culture. Leryn Franco is a javelin thrower who participated in three different Olympic games and was also featured in the 2011 ‘Sports Illustrated’ “Swimsuit Edition.”. Due in large part to Paraguay’s first dictator, Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia, who only allowed colonial citizens to marry blacks, natives, and mulattoes, creating a predominately Mestizo race. The earliest inhabitants of Paraguay were semi-nomadic tribes that spoke Guarani. •Traditional clothing worn by Paraguayans are similar to the Latin American nations, though the women favor brighter colors. There are two languages most common in Paraguay, one is spanish and one is an Indian language called Guarani. Paraguay’s people make some of the world’s finest lacework. An ancient cure, it was one of the primary medicines of the Incas. Culture. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. As a result, 93% of Paraguay’s population is a mix of European and Guarani background. 7. Local favorites in Paraguay include sopa paraguaya and chipa. These can often be seen in the clothes that people wear. In some jungle areas, they walk long distances, especially during hunting expeditions. A big part of the Paraguay culture is occupied by fine laces and embroidery. Though Paraguay is a land-locked country with no border on the ocean, it has a well-trained navy. The name "Paraguay" derives from the river that divides the eastern half of the nation from the western Chaco region. Lapacho (or Taheebo) comes from the inner bark of Purple or Red Lapacho trees and is used in herbal medicines and as tea. Paraguay still honors Hayes, and there is a local soccer club named after him, Club Presidente Hayes. The native Guarana people were living in Paraguay long before the arrival of the Spanish in the early 1600s. 11. Paraguay is just a little smaller than the state of California. Instead, people announce their arrival by clapping their hands. Yerba mate, which is related to common holly, is cultivated on plantations. Newborns in Paraguay are given godparents who are in favorable social positions and often wealthier than the biological parents. 8. 19. For example, men in rural areas wear traditional loose-fitting trousers called bombachas, though they may pair them with a Western work shirt for practical reasons. Family traditions define a Paraguayan’s social standing in society. Paraguay has a rich and vibrant culture that is a blend of native Amerindian and Spanish cultures. It is imbibed through a metal drinking straw called a bombilla. As many as 210 football stadiums could be built with the same amount of concrete as was used to build the Itaipu Dam. Paraguay is the only country worldwide whose national flag has different emblems on each side. Business appointments often begin 10 to 20 minutes late. The name refers to Paraguay’s location in the center of the South American continent. Paraguay is known to have a history of ‘blood and tears’, yet through it all Paraguayans remain incredibly proud people, displaying strong signs of unity throughout their culture. As a result, 93% of Paraguay’s population is a mix of European and Guarani background. Paraguay’s nickname is the “Corazón de América” (the Heart of America). Many people in Paraguay blend traditional clothing styles with Western styles, according to Safari the Globe. Fresh fish is also available in southern Paraguay from the Parana River and tends to be non-seasoned. – Source. Legal Dueling. Paraguay’s national beverage is mate. The lovely nanduti lace is known across the world. Paraguay’s cultures and traditions are mixture of European and Guarani. Their navy is the largest of any land-locked country in the world. Exploring Paraguayan Culture. The South American country of Paraguay, one of the two landlocked nations in the continent, is home to a population of 7,025,763 individuals. This makes Paraguay’s population the most homogenous in South America. All Rights Reserved. 80% of people in Paraguay are bilingual, speaking Spanish and the native Guarani language. In Paraguay, pistol duelling is still legal as long as both parties are registered blood donors. It’s not uncommon for a tourist to be offered room and a meal for a very modest price. Paraguay also has many boa constrictors and crocodiles, and even some piranha, as well. How to Plan Your Trip, Folk Medicine and Medicinal Plants in Paraguay, The Myths, Legends and Folklore of Paraguay, The Jesus and Trinidad Jesuit Missions of Paraguay. Over half of Paraguayans work in agriculture and forestry. Nanduti (meaning “spiderweb”) is beautiful lace created in circular designs and found in a rainbow of various colors. Paraguay’s flag is one of the world’s oldest national flags. 17. 9. Shortly thereafter, the area became a Spanish colonial province, of … The Guirani language, spoken widely in Paraguay, is one of the largest spoken indigenous languages in South America. 3. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Family is the center of the Paraguay culture. The majority of Paraguay's seven million people are mestizo, and Guarani culture remains widely influential; more than 90% of the population speak various dialects of the Guarani language alongside Spanish. History of Paraguay Like much of South America, the territory of present day Paraguay was once a stomping ground for semi-nomadic indigenous tribes, who jostled for space and resources in the region for thousands of years. And then came the Spanish, who built Asunción in 1537 and established an overseas province called Paraguay. Christian holidays are major events in Paraguay, especially Christmas. Two staples of the Paraguayan diet are corn and cassava, a starchy root vegetable. However, three dictators governed it during the first 60 years of independence. We've pulled together a few interesting facts about Paraguay's geography, history and culture, and have a complete set of flag printables - including jigsaw, notebooking pages, colouring page and bookmarks - for you to enjoy. There is a significant difference in terms of the wealth of the population in different countries on the … Naturally, this is one of my favourite interesting facts about Paraguay. In the 1600s, most Spaniards who arrived from Europe inter-married with the native women. Young Paraguay adults tend to have more Westernized views as the Internet and television make an impact on Paraguay’s cultural evolution. – Source. 4. In 1537, Asuncion, Paraguay's modern capital, was founded by Juan de Salazar, a Spanish explorer. Mate (pronounced “mahtay”) is often served hot. In the 1600s, most Spaniards who arrived from Europe inter-married with the native women. Nowhere else in South America can tourists find a hardier and well-lived people. Iguacu Falls, spanning the Iguacu River, is made up of more than 275 individual waterfall cascades, is taller than Niagara Falls, and is twice its width. There are learned societies concerned with Paraguayan and Guaraní history and culture as well as various other societies and research institutes. The skill and craft is passed down through the generations. Follow Us A community … The … 5. Other traditional folk arts are embroidered cloth, black clay work and ceramics, and gorgeous silver jewelry in filigree designs. Men and women wear the poncho, and women wear shawls called rebozos. The Guaraní culture is strongly represented through folk art and festivals, and Guaraní was designated an official language of … 16. 3. Paraguay is full of culture. 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