Agriculture and food in Paraguay

Agriculture in Paraguay

Paraguay is a landlocked country in central South America, bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the country from north to south. Due to its central location in South America, it is sometimes referred to as Corazón de Sudamérica ("Heart of South America"). Paraguay is one of the two landlocked countries (the other being Bolivia) that lie outside Afro-Eurasia. Paraguay has a population of over 6.8 million people, with a density of just over 17 people per square kilometer (44 per sq. mi.). The capital, Asunción, is one of the oldest cities in South America and the seat of the National Government. The country's Guaraní name is Paraguái. Paraguay's indigenous people, the Guaraní, have been living in the region for over a millennium. Spanish explorer Juan Díaz de Solís arrived in 1537 and was the first European to settle in the area. The city of Asunción was founded two years later by Díaz de Solís' nephew, Pedro de Mendoza. Paraguay was colonized by Spain and ruled by a series of Spanish governors until 1811 when Paraguay revolted under the leadership of José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia. Francia established a totalitarian dictatorship that lasted until he died in 1840. He was succeeded by Carlos Antonio López, who oversaw considerable expansion and modernization during his years in office (1841–62). From 1862 to 1870, Paraguay was embroiled in the War of the Triple Alliance, also known as the Paraguayan War, against Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. This conflict ended with massive loss of life on all sides, and Paraguay's defeat and occupation by its neighbors. The country remained under military rule until 1887 when a new constitution was drafted and ratified. In 1890, Paraguay went to war again, this time against Argentina. The conflict was known as the Chaco War and lasted until 1935. The country emerged victorious but at a great cost; an estimated 280,000 Paraguayans died during the conflict. In 1932, Gen. Éligio Ayala led a short-lived revolution that deposed the sitting president, Federico Chaves. Ayala was succeeded by Chaves' vice president, Cecilio Báez. In September 1940, Báez was ousted in a military coup led by Gen. Higinio Morínigo. During his tenure (1940–48), Morínigo oversaw Paraguay's entry into World War II on the side of the allies. In 1954, Gen. Alfredo Stroessner came to power in a coup and ruled Paraguay for the next 35 years, longer than any other 20th-century leader. His dictatorship was characterized by widespread human rights violations, political repression, and state-sponsored terrorism. In 1989, Stroessner was deposed in a bloodless coup led by Gen. Andrés Rodríguez. Rodríguez (1989–93) allowed for the country's first free elections in more than five decades, which were won by Colorado Party candidate Juan Carlos Wasmosy. In May 1996, a new constitution was approved by a popular referendum. In April 2008, Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte Frutos announced he would not seek reelection in the upcoming August presidential elections. Instead, his former vice president, Nicanor Duarte, and former education minister, Blanca Ovelar, emerged as the leading candidates in the race. On June 22, 2009, Fernando Lugo, a former Roman Catholic bishop, became Paraguay's first leftist leader in 61 years, winning the presidential election with 41% of the vote. In 2012, Lugo was impeached by the Senate after being accused of mishandling a land-eviction case, and vice president Federico Franco became the new president. In 2013, Paraguay experienced a significant outbreak of dengue fever, with over 24,000 cases being reported. In 2014, Paraguay hosted the XIV South American Games. Paraguay's landscape is characterized by its many rivers, which flow through the country from north to south. The Paraguay River is the main river in the country, and it forms part of the border between Paraguay and Brazil. Other major rivers in Paraguay include the Pilcomayo River, which forms part of the border between Paraguay and Argentina, and the Paraguay River, which forms part of the border between Paraguay and Bolivia. The climate in Paraguay is tropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The country experiences a wet season from October to March and a dry season from April to September. Most of the population of Paraguay lives in the eastern part of the country, near the capital city of Asunción. The western part of Paraguay is sparsely populated and is mostly covered by forests. The terrain of Paraguay is mostly flat, with some rolling hills in the east. The country is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Bolivia to the northwest, and Brazil to the north and northeast. Paraguay has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 18-33 degrees Celsius. The rainy season runs from October to March. Paraguay's landscape is mostly made up of plains and lowlands, with some hills and mountains in the east. The country is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Some of the notable plants found in Paraguay include yerba mate (a type of herbal tea), soja beans, and tobacco. Animals that can be found in Paraguay include jaguars, pumas, ocelots, tapirs, and anacondas. The Paraguay economy is one of the fastest-growing in South America. It has a diversified economic base, with a large agricultural sector and a growing manufacturing and service sector. The country's main exports are soybeans, corn, wheat, livestock, and timber. The Paraguay government has been working to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. The country has a large number of free trade zones, which offer tax incentives and other benefits to businesses. The government is also working to improve infrastructure and create a more business-friendly environment. Paraguay is a member of the Mercosur trade bloc and is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Union. Paraguay's economy is expected to continue growing rapidly in the coming years, largely due to improvements in infrastructure and human capital as well as the country's strategic location and abundant natural resources. The investment will be a key driver of growth, and the government is working to create a more business-friendly environment and attract foreign investment. Paraguay is a member of the Mercosur trade bloc and is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Union. In Paraguay, agriculture is the main economic activity, accounting for about 25% of the country's GDP. The main crops grown in Paraguay are soybeans, maize, wheat, and cotton. Soybeans are by far the most important crop, with production increasing significantly in recent years. More than half of Paraguay's soybean crop is exported, primarily to China. Paraguay is also a major producer of stevia, a sweetener made from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana. In recent years, Paraguay has experienced strong economic growth, due in part to its growing agricultural sector. According to the World Bank, the country's economy is expected to grow by 4.5% in 2017. This growth is largely attributed to an increase in agricultural production, as well as strong performance in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Paraguay's agricultural sector is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as the country looks to increase its exports of soybeans and other crops. With a large agricultural sector and strong economic growth, Paraguay is an important player in the global economy. The country is a member of the Mercosur trade bloc, and has recently signed a free trade agreement with the European Union. Paraguay is also a member of the G-20, and will host the next summit in 2018. The Republic of Paraguay is a landlocked country in central South America, bordered by Bolivia to the northwest, Brazil to the north and northeast, Argentina to the east and south, and Uruguay to the southwest. The capital of Paraguay is Asunción. The population of Paraguay is 7 million as of 2020. Paraguay is ethnically and culturally diverse, with a mix of Spanish, Guaraní, and other influences. Indigenous peoples comprise about 95% of the country's population. The main language spoken in Paraguay is Spanish, although there are also many speakers of Paraguayan Guaraní. About 60% of the population is Roman Catholic, while almost 30% are Protestant. The average life expectancy in Paraguay is 76 years (73 years for men and 79 years for women). The literacy rate is 94%. The population of Paraguay is youthful, with a median age of 26.5 years. Almost 34% of the population is under the age of 15, while just 6% is over the age of 65. The country's population growth rate is 1.6%. The vast majority of Paraguayans are Roman Catholic, with a small minority of Protestants. There is also a small community of Muslims and Jews. Paraguay's Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and there is little religious discrimination in the country. However, the Catholic Church does enjoy a special status and receives some government funding. The majority of Paraguayans are Roman Catholics. In the 2010 census, 89.9% of the population identified as Catholic, 5.4% as Protestant, 1.1% as Muslim, and 0.6% as Jewish. Other religions accounted for 2%. Paraguay has a long history of Catholic faithful, dating back to the 16th century when the country was first colonized by the Spanish. Catholicism was brought to Paraguay by Jesuit missionaries, and the Church has played an important role in the country ever since. Today, the Catholic Church continues to be an important part of Paraguayan society. The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and there is little religious discrimination in the country. However, the Catholic Church does enjoy special status and receives some government funding. Protestants make up a small minority of the Paraguayan population. Protestantism was introduced to the country by German and Swiss immigrants in the 19th century. Today, most Protestants in Paraguay are members of Evangelical churches. There is also a small community of Muslims and Jews in Paraguay. Islam was brought to the country by Arab immigrants, while Judaism arrived with Jewish immigrants from Europe. Both communities have been able to maintain their religious traditions in Paraguay. Guarani is the official language of Paraguay and is spoken by around 90% of the population. Spanish is also widely spoken, as it is the native language of most Paraguayans of European descent. Other languages spoken in Paraguay include Portuguese, German, Italian, Arabic, English, and French. Paraguayan culture is a rich melting pot of indigenous, Spanish, and other European influences. Paraguayan music, dance, and art have all been influenced by these different cultures. Traditional Paraguayan music is very lively and upbeat and is often played on the national instrument, the harp. Popular dances include the polka and the mazurka. Paraguayan art is very diverse, with a wide range of styles and genres being represented. Some of the most popular Paraguayan artists include painters Carlos Colombino and Lino Enea Spilimbergo, and sculptor Miguel Perez.