Discover Paraguay: 11 Amazing Fun Facts You Never Knew About This Hidden Gem!

1. H2O Highway: The Paraguay River

Rollin' on the river like Ike and Tina, Paraguay's got the groove with a H2O highway of epic proportions: The Paraguay River, stretching 2,600 kilometers, is the second-longest in South America, acting as a lifeblood for transportation, sustenance, and a whopping 99.9% of the nation's carbon-dioxide-emission-free energy production.
Source => nationaltoday.com

2. Language Shoutout: Guaraní

When the world was deciding on which languages to speak, Paraguay yelled "Guaraní" so loudly that it echoed all the way to Bolivia: Guaraní, one of Paraguay's official languages, is spoken as a mother tongue not only by around 40 percent of Paraguay's population, but also by a portion of Bolivians, amounting to a whopping 2.8 million people worldwide championing this indigenous language from the Tupian family.
Source => worlddata.info

Did you know Argentina has one of the highest rates of psychologists per capita in the world? Discover more about their love for psychoanalysis!

=> Fun Facts about Argentina

3. Wallet's Paradise: Unique Tax System

If you're looking for a place where your wallet can breathe easy and your bank account can sunbathe in peace, pack your bags for Paraguay, amigo! This South American gem is attracting everyone from retirees to remote workers looking for a sweet tax deal: Known for its unique tax system, Paraguay offers tax exemption on foreign income for residents, though a recent 10% personal income tax targets the upper class. Other taxes like property and capital gains taxes exist, but they're still rather cute compared to other countries. So while it's not exactly a tax haven, Paraguay definitely plays hard to get when it comes to teasing your taxable dollars!
Source => liveandinvestoverseas.com

4. Double Agent Flag: Paraguay's Flag

Who would've thought that Paraguay's flag was secretly practicing its 'double agent' skills, James Bond-style? Well, not exactly, but: Paraguay's national flag is the only one in the world featuring different emblems on each side, with the front showcasing the national coat of arms and a yellow independence star, while the back stealthily sports the treasury's coat of arms guarded by a lion that champions liberty. Cue the theme music!
Source => fotw.info

5. Kardashian of Beverages: Tereré

Here's a sippin' secret from the landlocked land of Paraguay: there's an ice-cold beverage so cool, you'll want to sign up for your own "Tereré Squad" in no time! Behold, the "Kardashians of South America": Tereré, the national drink of Paraguay, is a refreshing blend of yerba mate and ice-cold water, often infused with medicinal herbs, leaves, and roots for some extra zing. Drunk socially with friends and family, this beverage unites Paraguayans in a ritualistic circle where they all sip from the same filtered straw. Sharing is caring, after all, and turns out they even have a special day dedicated to it – the last Saturday of February is the much-celebrated "Día Nacional del Tereré."
Source => ratherbtraveling.com

6. Giant Spider Alert: Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater

In Paraguay, you'll find plenty of "Itsy Bitsy Spiders" - although these behemoths would probably eat old Mother Goose for breakfast: This South American country is home to the awe-inspiring Brazilian salmon pink birdeater spider, boasting a leg span of up to 10 inches, and easily claiming a spot as one of the largest spiders on the planet.
Source => a-z-animals.com

7. Recipe for Happiness: Chipa and Mbejú

In a land where corn reigns supreme and casseroles are a divine intervention, Paraguay has concocted a recipe for happiness, spicing up religious festivities with a tasty one-two punch: Enter chipa, a mouthwatering corn casserole, and mbejú, a delectable sweet treat made from a union of corn flour and manioc starch, dishing up edible ecstasy to the masses.
Source => food.com

8. Bovine Dairy Queen: Mennonite Community

In a utopian world where cows and Mennonites roam free, churning out milk like a bovine Dairy Queen and making technocrats shake in their boots: Paraguay's Mennonite community, founded by German and Soviet immigrants, contributes massively to the country's economy, with 80% of agricultural production covered by their farming cooperatives. These Mennonite marvels not only corral two million cattle (a fifth of Paraguay's total) but also dominate fuel distribution and technology markets, all the while furthering social, educational, and cultural growth in the region.
Source => sg.news.yahoo.com

9. Celeb Animal Hangout: Paraguayan Pantanal

Roll out the red carpet and put on your nature-spotting goggles, for we’re about to enter the celebrity-laden Paraguayan Pantanal: a wild wetland teeming with exotic animal superstars and unique forest specimens. Hold your applause: Home to 90 species of mammals, 386 bird species, 37 amphibians, 55 reptiles, and 173 fish, this wetland dubs as a luxurious habitat for unique and endangered VIPs such as Giant Anteater, Jaguar, Tatu cart/Giant Armadillo, Marsh Deer, Giant Otter, Puma, and Maned Wolf. Wood you believe it - the forests here also host the White Quebracho, Samu'û, Red Quebracho, Yvyra Ita, Palo Blanco, and Labón trees, playing a key role in diffusing nutrients during flooding and maintaining thriving populations of fish and birds.
Source => whc.unesco.org

10. Paraguay's Party Animals: Wildlife Protection

Where the wild things actually are: Paraguay boasts a unique congregation of party animals like jaguars, armadillos, toucans, and howler monkeys, all mingling within several protected areas and national parks such as Defensores del Chaco National Park, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the country's stunningly diverse and abundant natural beauty.
Source => worldometers.info

11. Nightlight Adventures: Camping Opportunities

In Paraguay, you can trade nightlife for "nightlight"—as in flashlight during a serene camping adventure: This peaceful country is ripe with opportunities to connect with nature, from Cerro Cora National Park's campgrounds to the calming shores of Laguna Blanca, and even boasts Cerro Tres Kandu, the highest peak with breathtaking views of vast crop fields.
Source => czickontheroad.com