Republic of Paraguay

Republic of Paraguay is situated almost in the center of South America. Its territory is spread over 407 thousand square kilometers and its population is 1.7 million people. Paraguay is the country with the least population in South America. In the second half of the 16-th century the territory of today Paraguay was populated by the Spanish settlers, with who also came the members of the catholic order of the Jesuits, whose rule lasted 150 years. In 1811 Paraguay declared its independence. Soon in power was the dictator Fransisa, who ruled for 26 years and was one of the warriors for independence. In 1865 Argentina, Brazil and Uruguai declared war to Paraguay. This war took many casualties in the country and most of its population was killed.

During the 20th century in the country were fighting for power the governing groups and the dictators. The reactionary governments pursued the interest of the American monopolists. People were fighting against this politics, but its actions were crushed with radical measures. In 1954 into power came gen. Alfredo Stresner. In 1989 gen. Andres Rodriges conducted a politic for caring out the country from the isolation, in which she was put thanks to many reforms. Democratic elections were taken in 1993. In 1992 was submitted a Constitution. Paraguay is constitutional republic. Head of state is the president, who is chosen for five years.

Paraguay is a plane country with tropical climate and high yearly temperatures. Almost 60 % of its territory is taken by evergreen forests and bushes. In Paraguay, Uruguai, Argentina and other countries "mate" is a national drink. You drink it with a special metal tube "bombilas". The main river in Paraguay is Parana. Between Brazil and Argentina flows the river Parana, there is also the famous waterfall Iguas, which waters hide great reserve of energy, but it is not used because there is no road in the area. The valley of river Paraguay is swampy. Often in summer it is flooded by the underground waters. The name of the country itself - Paraguay - means "waters towards sea" - in the language of the Indian Guarani. The friendliest area for farming and stock - breeding is the region of river Paraguay and the hilly area between the city Encarnasion of river Parana and the capital of the country Asunsion. Other big cities are Vilqrica, Consepsion and others. In the capital live 1/8 of the population of the country. It is build in 1536y and is also a main industrial center. In the south part of the city is build one of the greatest buildings in the capital - the city prison. On the harbor and on the airport you can always see many poor people, awaiting the tourists to bag them for something small to eat. A big part of the population is sick of leprosy. Local authorities do not set aside funds for medical care and the sick people are walking among the healthy one.

The population of Paraguay consists of Indians and metis, Indian Guarani, descendents of the Spanish settlers - creols and Brazilians. The Christian religion is the most spread, most of the people are catholic. Paraguay is a bilingual country. Official language is Spanish, but most of the population is speaking the language of Indian Guarani. The language Guarani is used by writers and poets in Paraguay, in this language is thought in schools and in it newspapers are written.

Nowadays Guarani live mainly in villages, commune. Their main occupation is farming and stock-breeding. The land belongs to the big landowners. In the field the peasants sow maize.

In Paraguay rules poverty, lawlessness and terror. But even so people do not loose faith and do not stop fighting for their happiness and for a free country.