History of Paraguay

The white Presidential Palace in Asuncion

The history of Paraguay can be roughly devided into 4 phases: The early time before the arrival of the europeans in south America, the colonial time in which the territory of todays Paraguay belonged to the spanish kingdom, the dawn, in which the country developed, became independent and integretated into the sate system, and finally, the recent history, which talks about the end of the military dictatorship to the present.

The population of Paraguay

The population of Paraguay

Girls in traditional costumes at a festival in Centro Educatiivo Nandejara

More than 90% of paraguay's population are mestizos. Nowadays, only 2 percent of the population are natives and belong to 17 different ethnic groups (part of that are the Maká, the Aché and the Angaité), the rest are european and asian immigrants. With almost 2,5%, per year, the population growth is extremely high. The anticipated average life adds up to 72 years for men and 77 years for women.

The Paraguayan Climate

The Paraguayan Climate

Tree in front of overcast sky with clouds

The Paraguayan climate is subtropical and with more than 300 sunny days a year, which can be compared to the climate in California or Florida. During the winter on the northern hemisphere from December till March is summer in Paraguay, but the change of season is not that noticeable. The rainy seasons of the year are in January and October.

Economy and Industry in Paraguay

Economy and Industry in Paraguay

Paraguay is mainly an agricultural country. About 80 % of the useable land for agriculture is property of only 1 % of the population. Therefor large land holdings hold great yields for the benefit of a very small group of people. The land is cultivated or used as grassland for cattle breeding or dairy farming. The underground economy is very strong. All in all the economically level is extremely low in comparison with the global economy. The per capita income stagnates on the level of 1980.

The Paraguayan Flora and Fauna

The Paraguayan Flora and Fauna

Paraguay is parted into two zones relating to flora and fauna as well as to the climate. The north-western part, the “Gran Chaco” covers 61 % of the country, but only 4 % of the population lives there.

Facts and numbers about Paraguay