Paraguay |
|
| OVERVIEW |
| |
| Background |
In the disastrous
War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70), Paraguay lost two-thirds
of all adult males and much of its territory. It stagnated
economically for the next half century. In the Chaco War of
1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from
Bolivia. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER
was overthrown in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in
political infighting in recent years, relatively free and
regular presidential elections have been held since then.
|
| Natural
resources |
hydropower, timber, iron
ore, manganese, limestone |
| Land
use |
arable land: 5.54%
permanent crops: 0.21%
other: 94.25% (1998 est.) |
| Population |
6,036,900 (July 2003 est.)
|
| Ethnic
groups |
mestizo (mixed Spanish
and Amerindian) 95% |
| Religions |
Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite,
and other Protestant |
| Languages |
Spanish (official), Guarani
(official) |
| Literacy |
definition: age 15 and
over can read and write
total population: 94%
male: 94.9%
female: 93% (2003 est.) |
| Capital |
Asuncion |
| Government
type |
constitutional republic
|
| Independence |
14 May 1811 (from Spain)
|
| National
holiday |
Independence Day, 14 May
(1811) |
|
|
