A culturally significant practice surrounding family is the Paraguay concept of godparents. The earliest inhabitants of Paraguay were semi-nomadic tribes that spoke Guarani. 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. Nanduti (meaning “spiderweb”) is beautiful lace created in circular designs and found in a rainbow of various colors. 1. Historically, these people have been referred to as “mestizos,” though this term has fallen into disuse. Paraguay’s principal cultural institutions are located in Asunción. In the 1600s, most Spaniards who arrived from Europe inter-married with the native women. In some jungle areas, they walk long distances, especially during hunting expeditions. The vast majority of the population (95 percent) shares a Paraguayan identity, but several other cultural identities exist. Fishing is as popular as football. Paraguay is the only country worldwide whose national flag has different emblems on each side. Paraguay is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. An ancient cure, it was one of the primary medicines of the Incas. 3. In larger cities, the markets are stocked with fresh bell peppers, onions and corn crops every day. 4. William E. Barrett wrote: "Paraguay is the country of prophecy. According to former president Juan Natalicio Gonzalez, it means “river of the habitants of the sea.”. Mate (pronounced “mahtay”) is often served hot. However, three dictators governed it during the first 60 years of independence. History of Paraguay . Cassava (or mandioca) is baked with cheeses to make the thick bread known as Chipa. The … Paraguay is just a little smaller than the state of California. © 2020 TheFactFile.Org. 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. Paraguay has a more-homogeneous population than most other countries in South America; most Paraguayans are of European and Guaraní ancestry. Situated on the border with Brazil, the dam is owned by both countries. Men and women wear the poncho, and women wear shawls called rebozos. Paraguay still honors Hayes, and there is a local soccer club named after him, Club Presidente Hayes. Paraguay is a country with great natural beauty and friendly people, but is one of the least visited in South America. Paraguay also has many boa constrictors and crocodiles, and even some piranha, as well. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. The name "Paraguay" derives from the river that divides the eastern half of the nation from the western Chaco region. Paraguay’s literacy rate is higher than that of the United States. Paraguay’s literacy rate is higher than that of the United States. Despite a history of poverty and political repression, Paraguay often ranks as the "world's happiest place" based on global polling data. As a result of the intermarriages between the male Spanish settlers with the indigenous Guarani females, over 90% of the country’s population is mestizos. Ruling political families often pass down their power to their children and marry within each other. •Traditional clothing worn by Paraguayans are similar to the Latin American nations, though the women favor brighter colors. 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. It even defines marriage. The Itaipu Dam on the Parana River produces almost all of Paraguay’s electricity. Fresh fish is also available in southern Paraguay from the Parana River and tends to be non-seasoned. Paraguay’s main culture is derived from its Spanish colonial roots and traditional Guarani native customs. In 1526 and again in 1529, Sebastian Cabot explored Paraguay when he sailed up the Paraná and Paraguay rivers. The indigenous population is composed of seventeen ethnic groups from five linguistic families. 80% of people in Paraguay are bilingual, speaking Spanish and the native Guarani language. Paraguayans may be late, but visitors are expected to be punctual for business meetings. Culture. 5. Paraguay has a rich and vibrant culture that is a blend of native Amerindian and Spanish cultures.