Going to start taking notes in my Global Learning of countries. Geography Now! is the best source for this so far. I'm taking down only very interesting facts. After learning their global locations.
Only Americas Country never has a coast (Bolivia once had a coast).
Capital & largest city =Nuestra Senora Santa Maria De La Asuncion = Asuncion
17 "Departments" instead of states.
Population mainly in the East. West half has only one #9 Highway...all the way to Bolivia.
Del Chaco National Park's Cerro Leon - strange (mysterious) brain shape ridges.
rectangular shapes from satellite view are not farms, but lumber holding sections = deforestation
Produces Soy, Beef, stevia (sweetener).
Common drink: Terere (but possibly not healthy - cancer causing link)
95% Mestizo = European (mostly Spanish) & Native Amerindian
Once, dictator Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia made SAME RACE marriage ILLEGAL for White people! Only country in the world.
Language: Guarani, Spanish, Jopara (mix of Guarani & Spanish)
89% Roman Catholics.
Gun duels allowed as long as they are blood donors.
Good at playing harp (tradition from Spain)
Women dance with up to 10 bottles stacked up on their heads.
Paraguay War (1864 - 1870): Against Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay, and lost 70% of their male population.
Soccer heroes
Currently largest country in the world to officially recognize Republic of China (Taiwan). Meaning they treat Taiwan as the ONLY legal government of China! This is interesting as there will be political tensions between Paraguay and mainland China as well as their own internal political debates.
German & Russian Mennonites from 1920s.
Closest to Brazil & Argentina in relationship. Move to Argentina for jobs.
Drive on right side of the road.