Paraguay Geography, Culture, and Economy

Landlocked Paraguay is located in South America, surrounded by Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. Most of the population is of mixed Spanish and Guarani descent, known as mestizos, and speak the indigenous language Guarani as well as Spanish.

The terrain is mainly grassy plains and wooded hills in the east and low, marshy plains to the west. Winds play a major role in influencing Paraguay’s weather: between October and March, warm winds blow from the Amazon Basin in the north, while the period between May and August brings cold winds from the Andes.

Nearly 10% of its population lives in its capital and largest city, Asunción. Nearly 90% of its population practices Roman Catholicism. Paraguay’s cuisine includes several popular dishes influenced by its dual Spanish and indigenous cultures, such as manioc, a local staple crop similar to the yuca also known as Cassava root. Other dishes include sopa paraguaya, similar to thick cornbread. Another notable food is chipa, a bagel-like bread made from cornmeal, manioc, and cheese.