First Published: 28th of August, 2020 by Patrick Carpen
Last updated: August 28, 2020 at 19:46 pmParaguay is a country in the continent of South America. It is a landlocked country bordered by Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. However, the country does have a few beaches formed by rivers which flow through it en route to the ocean.
Wealth is very unevenly distributed in Paraguay. As a result, most of the population are poor and illiterate. There is widespread use of mind altering substances which is legalized in the country. Residents of Paraguay who commit crimes in neighboring countries cannot be extradited for trial once they escape back home. There are laws protecting citizens of Paraguay from prosecution by foreign states.
100% of electricity in Paraguay is generated by hydro power. Surplus energy is sold via the grid to Brazil and Argentina – making Paraguay the largest exporter of electricity in the world. Even so, about 10% of the population of Paraguay do not have access to electricity.
The people of Paraguay are mixed with Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian and Indigenous. The predominant genetic makeup is Spanish. About 1% of the population is African descent. Slavery was practiced for a short period and on a small scale in Paraguay.
The official languages of Paraguay are Spanish and the indigenous Guarani. About 90% of the population speak both.
Paraguay underwent a series of wars and was ruled by a series of dictators. At one point, Paraguay lost about 50% of its population in a war against Brazil and Argentina. To this day, there is perceived bitterness between the peoples of Brazil and Paraguay.
Some reports suggest that the people of Paraguay are one of the happiest in the world, although this is somewhat debatable.