Paraguay

The Republic of Paraguay is a landlocked republic in South America. Lying on both banks of the Paraguay River, it borders Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the northeast and Bolivia to the northwest. The name "Paraguay" is derived from the Guarani words "pará", meaning "ocean", "gua" meaning to or from and "y" meaning "water"; in other words "water that goes to the ocean". The expression in Guarani is thought to refer solely to Asunción, but in Spanish refers to the entire country.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Paraguay

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Ethnically, culturally, and socially, Paraguay has one of the most homogeneous populations in Latin America. About 95% of the people are mestizos of mixed Spanish and Guarani Indian descent. Little trace is left of the original Guarani culture except the language, which is understood by 90% of the population. About 75% of all Paraguayans speak Spanish. Guarani and Spanish are official languages. Germans, Japanese, Koreans, ethnic Chinese, Arabs, Brazilians, and Argentines are among those who have settled in Paraguay and they have to an extent retained their respective languages.

Related Topics:
Latin America - Mestizo - Guarani - Spanish - Germans - Japan - Korea - Chinese - Arabs - Brazil - Argentines

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Paraguay's population is distributed unevenly throughout the country. The vast majority of the people live in the eastern region, most within 160 kilometers of Asunción, the capital and largest city. The Chaco, which accounts for about 60% of the territory, is home to less than 2% of the population. The country is predominantly Roman Catholic, with some Mennonite and other Protestant minorities.

Related Topics:
Asunción - Roman Catholic - Mennonite - Protestant

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