13 Lesser-Known Historical Facts about Paraguay:
1 The indigenous Guarani people have inhabited Paraguay for thousands of years, and their language remains widely spoken.
2 The first Spanish explorers arrived in Paraguay in the early 16th century, establishing Asunción in 1537.
3 Paraguay was part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata during Spanish colonial rule.
4 Paraguay declared independence from Spain on May 14, 1811.
5 The Paraguayan War (1864-1870), also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, was one of the deadliest conflicts in South American history.
6 Paraguay lost a significant portion of its territory to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay after the Paraguayan War.
7 The Chaco War (1932-1935) was fought between Paraguay and Bolivia over control of the Gran Chaco region.
8 Paraguay experienced a long period of military dictatorships in the 20th century, most notably under Alfredo Stroessner from 1954 to 1989.
9 The Itaipu Dam, shared with Brazil, is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world.
10 The Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
11 Paraguay is a landlocked country, bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia.
12 The Paraguayan harp is a traditional musical instrument and an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
13 Paraguay transitioned to a democratic government in 1989, following the overthrow of Stroessner.
