Paraguay might not be the first country on your South American travel list, but once you get to know it, you’ll be hooked. From the wild Chaco to the sounds of the Paraguayan harp, this landlocked country is full of quirks, natural beauty, and fun facts that’ll make you say, “Why didn’t I visit sooner?”
Discover Fun Facts About Paraguay
Two Languages, One Nation: Guaraní and Spanish
In Paraguay, being bilingual is the norm. Not only is Spanish spoken across the country, but Guaraní, an indigenous language, is also an official language. In fact, most Paraguayans switch seamlessly between the two in daily conversation. It’s kind of like having your own secret code! Bonus points if you can learn a few phrases in Guaraní—locals will love it.
A Landlocked Country with a Navy (Wait, What?)
Even though Paraguay is completely landlocked, they still have a navy. Yep, you read that right. Paraguay’s navy patrols the country’s rivers, which serve as important routes for trade and transportation. So, no ocean? No problem! They’ve got a whole fleet keeping those rivers in check.
Paraguayans Love Their Tereré (Cold Mate)
While Argentina has its hot mate tea, Paraguayans prefer it ice cold. Meet tereré, the national drink of Paraguay. Made from yerba mate leaves and cold water, tereré is not just a refreshing drink, it’s a social ritual. People share it from a single cup, passing it around in a circle—a sign of friendship and community. Just don’t be surprised when someone offers you a sip!
The Paraguayan Harp is a Big Deal
You might not know it, but Paraguay is home to some seriously talented harpists. The Paraguayan harp is the country’s national instrument, and its music can be heard at festivals, concerts, and even in everyday life. The harp’s soothing and melodic sound is a point of national pride. It’s basically like having a soundtrack to your day—who wouldn’t want that?
No Traffic Lights in the Entire Capital City
Asunción, Paraguay’s capital, has a unique claim to fame: it’s one of the few capital cities in the world with almost no traffic lights. Instead, the roads are ruled by roundabouts and the honking horns of drivers making their own rules. Driving in Asunción is not for the faint-hearted, but it definitely keeps things interesting!
The Wild Chaco: Paraguay’s Untamed Frontier
The Chaco region in western Paraguay is a vast, wild landscape that’s home to jaguars, armadillos, and the rare Chacoan peccary (an animal that was once thought to be extinct). This remote area makes up about 60% of the country’s landmass but is sparsely populated. If you’re up for an adventure, the Chaco’s rugged terrain and unique wildlife are well worth the journey.
Paraguay: The World’s Biggest Exporter of… Electricity?
Paraguay is a powerhouse—literally! Thanks to the Itaipú Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world, Paraguay produces more electricity than it needs. In fact, it exports most of its electricity to neighboring countries like Brazil and Argentina. So, while they might not be big in size, they’ve got plenty of energy to share.
Ñandutí Lace: Paraguay’s Artistic Masterpiece
Move over, France—Paraguay has its own lace legacy, and it’s called ñandutí. This intricate, spiderweb-like lace is handwoven in bright colors and delicate patterns, often inspired by nature. It’s a true art form, and you’ll find it decorating everything from tablecloths to clothing. Watching artisans craft ñandutí is mesmerizing—it’s like creating a rainbow out of thread!
Paraguay’s “Holy Trinity” of Food: Sopa Paraguaya, Chipa, and Mbejú
Paraguayan food is the ultimate comfort cuisine, and they’ve got a “holy trinity” of dishes to prove it. First up is sopa paraguaya, which despite its name, isn’t a soup at all. It’s more like a savory cornbread with cheese—perfect for any meal. Next is chipa, a cheesy bread roll that’s so delicious, you’ll find street vendors selling it everywhere. And finally, mbejú, a starchy, pancake-like dish made from cassava flour and cheese. Together, they’re the trifecta of Paraguayan goodness.
Paraguay’s National Passion: Football, of Course!
Like most of South America, Paraguayans are absolutely obsessed with football. The country may be small, but its passion for the game is enormous. Matches between the top teams, especially the national team, are a huge deal, and don’t be surprised if the whole country comes to a standstill during big games. Football here isn’t just a sport—it’s practically a way of life.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.
