Interesting Paraguay Facts
Paraguay is a landlocked country located in central South America where it shares its borders with three other countries. It is the fifth smallest country on the continent of South America and it encompasses a total area of 406,750 km sq. The overall population of Paraguay is estimated at more than 6,854,500 people.
Check out interesting Paraguay facts and information about this central South American country with our fact file for kids. Uncover important facts about the exact location, border countries, population, size, official languages, main religion, landscape, geography, history, landmarks and culture of Paraguay.
Journey through South America with our interesting country facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Paraguay in? What is the currency of Paraguay like? What is the main religion of this South American country? What is the capital city? What is Paraguay famous for? What color is the Paraguayan flag?
Paraguay Fact File: Continent: South America *** Country Name(s): Republic of Paraguay, El Corazon de America *** Location: Central South America *** Bordering Countries: Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia *** Capital City: Asuncion *** Size: 406,750 km sq *** Estimated Population: over 6,854,500 *** Currency: Paraguayan Guarani *** Main Languages: Spanish and Guarani *** Country Code for Paraguay: +595 *** Largest Cities / Towns: Asuncion, Ciudad del Este, San Lorenzo, Luque, Capiata, Lambare and Fernando de la Mora *** Geography of Paraguay: Gran Chaco; a natural arid subtropical area comprising lowland forest, swamps, marshes, scrubland, savanna grasslands, rivers and salt flats *** Main Religion: Roman Catholic *** Famous Landmarks of Paraguay: Friendship Bridge from Brazil to Paraguay, museums, churches, cathedrals, palaces, monuments and interesting historical sites
Interesting Paraguay Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Where is Paraguay located?
Paraguay is located on the continent of South America. It is situated in central South America, right at the heart of the continent hence its nickname 'El corazon de Sudamerica'. Paraguay is landlocked by three countries with which it shares its borders: Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia.
Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Paraguay population and size
The overall area size of this landlocked central South American country is 406,750 km sq. It is predicted that Paraguay has a population of about 6,854,500 inhabitants with the country’s most populous region being the capital city of Asuncion.
Interesting Facts for Kids 3: The capital of Paraguay
The capital city of Paraguay is Asuncion which is positioned in the west of the country. Asuncion is the region with the largest population in Paraguay and has an approximated population of 2,356,000 inhabitants. It is known for being a very important city as there are many interesting landmarks including the Arts Museum (Bellas Artes), Godoy Museum, La Encarnacion Church, Metropolitan Cathedral, Lop Lopez Palace, National Pantheon of the Heroes, Casa de la Independencia Museum, and Cerro Lambare (monument). The city of Asuncion is home to a large percentage of the overall population as the majority of Paraguay is dominated by the Gran Chaco region which is sparsely populated. Asuncion is important because the city is core to the economy of Paraguay and it is home to the country's main port, national government, major businesses and industries, commercial shopping centres, schools and universities.
Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Paraguay major cities
There are a number of major cities in Paraguay, the names of the largest and most important cities and towns include the country’s capital Asuncion, and Ciudad del Este, San Lorenzo, Luque, Capiata, Lambare and Fernando de la Mora. The second most populous city in Paraguay is called Ciudad del Este. Located in the eastern region of Paraguay, close to the border with Brazil, Ciudad del Este attracts tourists from across the world. The Friendship Bridge is an important arch bridge that connects the city of Foz do Iguacu in Brazil to the Ciudad del Este in Paraguay.
Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Paraguay flag facts
The national flag of Paraguay, a triband design, was first used in 1842, and features three horizontal bands of equal size running the colors of red, white and blue from top to bottom. The Paraguayan flag is unusual because its obverse and reverse sides feature different designs. The obverse shows the Coat of Arms of Paraguay and the reverse shows the Golden Lion (the seal of treasury). Both symbols hold great meaning as they are highly representative of this South American country. The Paraguayan Coat of Arms represents the country's fight for independence and the Golden Lion symbol, which features the words Paz y Justicia meaning Peace and Justice, represents liberty.
Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Language of Paraguay
Heavily influenced by various cultures and ethnic groups found living among the population here, most people are able to speak the two main, official languages of Paraguay which are Spanish and Paraguayan Guarani.
Interesting Facts for Kids 7: Paraguay climate facts
The climate of Paraguay ranges from subtropical to temperate. Western areas are typically more arid as they receive less rainfall than eastern regions. Unlike many other South America countries, the climate in Paraguay doesn't benefit from the presence of mountainous regions that prevent high speed winds from occurring. In fact, the temperatures and overall climatic conditions in Paraguay are influenced by the warm winds that occur from October to March and the cold winds that prevail from May to August.
Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Paraguay geography facts
The geography of Paraguay is very interesting and diverse. This South American country is divided by the Paraguay River into Eastern Paraguay and Western Paraguay, also known as Parana. Western Paraguay, or El Chaco, is home to some of the most diverse species of flora and fauna in the world. Around 60% of Paraguay is dominated by Gran Chaco; a natural arid subtropical region that is sparsely populated and consists of lowland forest areas, marshes, swamps, scrubland, savanna grasslands and two main rivers. In addition to the Gran Chaco region that the country is renown for, the geography is also made up of savannah grasslands, marshes, swamps, scrublands, and salt flats.
Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Paraguay famous landmarks
There are many impressive landmarks, monuments and buildings in Paraguay including the Friendship Bridge from Brazil to Paraguay. There are many points of interests, particularly in the capital city of Asuncion, including museums, churches, cathedrals, palaces, monuments and interesting historical sites. Some of the countries most popular attractions include the Arts Museum (Bellas Artes), Godoy Museum, La Encarnacion Church, Metropolitan Cathedral, Lop Lopez Palace, National Pantheon of the Heroes, Casa de la Independencia Museum, and Cerro Lambare (monument). There are also many interesting geographical features and natural landmarks in Paraguay including national parks, waterfalls, dams and nature reserves.
Interesting Facts for Kids 10: What is Paraguay famous for?
Paraguay is famous for for its long-standing history and battle for independence from Spain which was achieved in 1811. Paraguay has faced disastrous wars throughout history including the War of the Triple Alliance which occurred between the countries of Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay from 1865 to 1870 and resulted in the loss of around two thirds of Paraguayan males. Paraguay is famous for being the heart of South America due to its central location on the continent.
Interesting Facts for Kids 11: Paraguay culture facts
The culture of Paraguay has been strongly influenced by European, namely Spanish, and Guarani traditions due the historical connections between these regions. Much of Paraguay's population is of European and Amerindian descent, hence the official languages of Spanish and Guarani that are spoken in this part of the world. The people in this region of South America enjoy many interesting activities including art, cuisine, music and sport; all of which play an important part in the country's culture and heritage. The most popular sport in Paraguay is football and the country boasts a national football team that has played in numerous World Cups and Olympic Games.
Interesting Facts for Kids 12: Gran Chaco Facts
The Gran Chaco region accounts for around 60 percent of the Paraguay's territory and is home to less than 2 percent of the country's entire population. The Gran Chaco can be described as a natural arid region that is sparsely populated and ranges from tropical to subtropical. Gran Chaco consists of lowland forest areas, marshes, swamps, scrubland, savanna grasslands and two main rivers. It comprises of a rich ecosystem of animal and plant species, some of the most remarkable wildlife can be found living in this part of the world such as jaguar, crocodile, puma, giant anteater, more than 500 species of birds, and over 200 species of reptile and amphibians. The geography of this region is very diverse and encompasses the largest dry forest in South America.