Portal:Paraguay

Paraguay Paraguay /ˈpɛərəɡweɪ/ (listen), officially the Republic of Paraguay (Spanish: República del Paraguay, pronounced [reˈpuβlika ðel paɾaˈɣwai]; Guaraní: Tetã Paraguái [teˈtã paɾaˈɣʷaj]), is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the country from north to south. Due to its central location in South America, it is sometimes referred to as Corazón de América, or the Heart of America. As of 2009 the population was estimated at 6.3 million. The capital and largest city is Asunción. The official languages are Spanish and Guaraní, both being widely spoken in the country. Most of the population are mestizos. The Guaraní have been living in Paraguay since prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century, when Paraguay became part of the Spanish colonial empire. Paraguay gained independence from Spain in 1811. Selected article The Chaco War (1932–1935) was fought between Bolivia and Paraguay over control of the northern part of the Gran Chaco region (the Chaco Boreal) of South America, which was incorrectly thought to be rich in oil. It is also known as La Guerra de la Sed (Spanish for "War of Thirst") for being fought in the semi-arid Chaco. It was the bloodiest military conflict fought in South America during the 20th century. The war pitted two of South America's poorest countries both having previously lost territories to neighbors in 19th century wars. During the war both countries faced difficulties in obtaining arms and other supplies since their landlocked situation made their foreign trade and arms purchases dependent on the willingness of neighboring countries to let them pass by. In Particular Bolivia faced external trade problems coupled with poor internal communications. While Bolivia had income from lucrative mining and a better equipped and larger army than Paraguay, a series of factors turned the tide in favour of Paraguay which came by the end of the war to control most of the disputed zone, and was finally also granted the largest portion of the disputed territories in the peace treaties. More selected articles... Read more... Selected biography Francisco Solano López B. (1826-07-24)July 24, 1826 – d. March 1, 1870(1870-03-01) (aged 43) Francisco Solano López Carrillo (24 July 1826 – 1 March 1870) was president of Paraguay from 1862 until his death in 1870. He was the eldest son of president Carlos Antonio López, whom he succeeded. Solano López is widely regarded as being responsible for the Paraguayan War, which led to his death. More selected biographies… Read more… Did you know? Categories Select [►] to view subcategories ▼ Paraguay ► Paraguay-related lists ► Buildings and structures in Paraguay ► Paraguayan culture ► Economy of Paraguay ► Education in Paraguay ► Environment of Paraguay ► Geography of Paraguay ► Government of Paraguay ► Health in Paraguay ► History of Paraguay ► Paraguayan people ► Politics of Paraguay ► Paraguayan society ► Images of Paraguay ► Paraguay stubs ► Paraguay templates Topics Selected picture Sunset at Villa Florida WikiProjects WikiProject Paraguay Things to do Cleanup listing Related portals The following areas of Latin America have their own portal: Latin America Argentina Caribbean Colombia Cuba Ecuador Haiti Mexico Panama Peru Puerto Rico Venezuela Wikimedia