REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE

UNIVERSITY
R.T LIM BLVD, ZAMBOANGA CITY
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

PROJECT
FOR
GE 113
(COUNTRY- PARAGUAY)

SUBMITTED TO:
PROF. AL-NASHRA A. JAANI

SUBMITTED BY:
LEADER:
LEON, NURHAIDA I.
MEMBERS:
BANDING, RADSMA A.
DAKULA, ARMINA J.
TANDAH, NIHADA A.
QUILIBAN, NARISA A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
● INTRODUCTION _________________________________________________2
● LIFE IN PARAGUAY_______________________________________________3
● POPULATION____________________________________________________4
● LANGUAGE_____________________________________________________6
● RELIGION______________________________________________________7
● PEOPLE IN
PARAGUAY____________________________________________8
● TRADITIONS(CUSTOMS,FOODS, CLOTHINg, ETC.)____________________9
● CULTURE______________________________________________________13
● TOURIST SPOTS________________________________________________15
● REFERENCES__________________________________________________17

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 INTRODUCTION

The Country that we’ve chosen is PARAGUAY. So, paraguay is a country of

fascinating contrast. It’s rustic and sophisticated. It’s extremely poor and obscenely
wealthy. It boasts exotic natural reserves and massive man made dams. It is a place
where horses and carts pull up by Mercedes Benz cars, artisan’s workshop about glitzy
shopping centers and jesuit ruins in a rural village near Encarnacion are just a few
kilometers from sophisticated colonial towns like Asuncion. Steamy subtrapical
rainforests with metallic butterflies contrast with the dry and wild frontier of Northern
Paraguay and Chaco. Here, many Mennonites have created their haven, living
alongside some of the country’s many indigenous groups, while the European influence
is particularly strong in the laid-back towns like Filadelfia and the more chaotic capital.

Several Indigenous groups, principally belonging to the Guarani language family,

inhabited the area of modern Paraguay before the arrival of the Spanish in the early
16th century, when the territory was incorporated into the Viceroyalty of Peru. Paraguay
achieved its independence from Spain in 1811 with the help of neighboring states. In
the aftermath of independence, a series of military dictators ruled the country until 1870.
During the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1864-70) - fought against Argentina,
Brazil, and Uruguay - Paraguay lost two thirds of its adult males and much of its
territory. The country stagnated economically for the next half century and experienced
a tumultuous series of political regimes. Following the Chaco War of 1932-35 with
Bolivia, Paraguay gained a large part of the Chaco lowland region. The 35-year military
dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER ended in 1989, and Paraguay has held relatively
free and regular presidential elections since the country's return to democracy.

Paraguay is a Country of Fishing, Golf and other Sports. Tourists can enjoy five
internationally recognized and regulated golf courses, while the mighty Paraguay,
Paraná, Tebicuary and others rivers provide a variety and quantity of fish for sport
fishermen.

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 LIFE IN PARAGUAY

Traditionally, gender-based roles defined life in Paraguayan society. Men were

regarded as the breadwinners while women concentrated on maintaining the household
and engaged in childcare. In rural areas, Paraguayan women have always participated
in agricultural work, either in the family-owned farms or as laborers in other farms.
Today, however, the gender-based differences are gradually disappearing. A significant
section of the Paraguayan women participates in the rural and urban workforce. Many
are employed in skilled labor jobs. Women are also represented in government and
politics. However, gender-based disparities in earning still exist. The gap is slowly
narrowing.

Marriages in Paraguay are by the choice of the couple. Consensual unions without
marriage are also common. Divorces in legal marriages are rare but the unions are
often unstable, especially among the lower classes. Women are expected to be loyal to
their partners while men with extramarital affairs are not judged too harshly. Domestic
units in the country are usually small in size and extended family households are rare.
About 20% of the households are headed by a female and are usually the poorest ones.

Although nuclear families are the norm, the extended kin plays an important role in the
life of an individual in Paraguay. The kin may be called on to provide support during
times of need. Godparents are often chosen by the parents and thus fictive kin ties are
established.

Infants are adored by Paraguayans. Both men and women showed infants with
attention and affection. In the poorer communities, children are expected to start
assisting their parents in work since an early age. Primary education is free and
compulsory but the literacy levels are low among the country’s poor.

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 POPULATION

Paraguay, landlocked country in south-central South America. Paraguay’s recent

history has been characterized by turbulence and authoritarian rule. It was involved in
two of the three major wars on the continent—the War of the Triple Alliance (1864/65–
70), against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, and the Chaco War (1932–35), against
Bolivia. Moreover, a civil war in 1947 and the long dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner
(1954–89) left a deep legacy of fear and self-censorship among Paraguayans, who
began to overcome those impediments only in the early 21st century. Since 1989 the
democratization process has been rocky, and Paraguay has experienced bouts of
instability in its military, the assassination of a vice president in 1999, and the indictment
of former presidents Juan Carlos Wasmosy (1993–98) and Luis González Macchi
(1999–2003) on corruption charges. In 2008 Paraguay’s Colorado Party, one of the
longest continuously ruling political parties in the world, lost power for the first time since
1947, though it returned to power in 2013. The national capital is Asunción.

Paraguay has a more-homogeneous population than most other countries in South

America; most Paraguayans are of European and Guaraní ancestry. Guaraní culture is
strongly represented through folk art and festivals, and Guaraní was designated an
official language of Paraguay in the country’s 1992 constitution. Paraguayans are
intensely nationalistic and are proud to converse in Guaraní, which acts as a strong
marker of their identity. That indigenous language is much more widely spoken in
Paraguay than is Spanish, which is unique in Latin America.

Rivers play an extremely important role in the economic life of Paraguay. Indeed, the
name of the country is said to derive from the Guaraní word meaning “river that gives
birth to the sea.” Rivers provide access to the Atlantic Ocean and serve as sites for the
hydroelectric power plants that have made Paraguay one of the world’s largest
exporters of hydropower. The country is also a major world producer of soybeans, and

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Paraguayans in parts of the fertile eastern border region have achieved relatively high
standards of living based on modern diversified agricultural production. The growth of
cooperative farms throughout Paraguay has increased the quality of life for many
farmers who previously had depended on small-scale farms dedicated to the cultivation
of a single crop. Nevertheless, the issue of land reform has remained unresolved since
the 1880s and has given rise to extreme levels of inequality since the 1990s.

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 LANGUAGE

The Republic of Paraguay is a mostly bilingual country, as the majority of the

population uses Spanish and Guaraní. The Constitution of Paraguay of 1992 declares it
as a multicultural and bilingual country, establishing Spanish and Guaraní as official
languages.Spanish, an Indo-European language of the Romance branch, is understood
by about 90% of the population as a first or second language. Guaraní, an indigenous
language of the Tupian family, is understood by 77%, and its use is regulated by the
Academy of the Guaraní Language.

According to Instituto Cervantes' 2020 report "El Español: Una lengua viva", 68.2% of
the Paraguayan population (4,946,322 inhabitants) has decent mastery of the Spanish
language. The remaining 31.8% (2,306,350 inhabitants) belong to the Group of Limited
Competence, having minimal mastery of the language; the majority of them are Guaraní
speakers and speak Spanish as a second language. Only 7.93% are monolingual in
Guaraní and do not understand Spanish, a figure that has gone down in the last thirty
years. The most distinct characteristic of Paraguayan culture is the persistence of
Spanish alongside Guaraní, these being the official languages of the nation. The pidgin
form of these languages is known as Jopara. For this reason, the country is often cited
as one of the few countries in the world that is officially bilingual.Besides Spanish and
Guaraní, there are another 19 languages of indigenous origin that are spoken by about
50,000 indigenous Paraguayans. Portuguese is also spoken by some 650,000
"Brasiguayos", the majority of whom are located near the border with Brazil. Other
minority languages are German, Italian, Ukrainian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, etc.

Guaraní is the only indigenous language of the Americas whose speakers include a
large proportion of non-indigenous people. This is an anomaly in the Americas where
language shift towards European colonial languages (in this case, the other official
language of Spanish) has otherwise been a nearly universal cultural and identity marker
of mestizos (people of mixed Spanish and Amerindian ancestry), and also of culturally
assimilated, upwardly-mobile Amerindian people.

RELIGION

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 Paraguay is a landlocked country with an area of 406,752 square km and a population
of 6,897,384 individuals. Christianity is the dominant religion in the country. According to
the CIA World Factbook, 89.6% and 6.2% of Paraguay’s population are Roman Catholic
and Evangelical Protestant Christians, respectively. Additionally, 1.1% of the population
identify with other religious sects, and indigenous religions are practiced by 0.6%. Other
religious faiths, like Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, as well as non-believers account for the
remainder of Paraguay's population.

Roman Catholicism is the most popular religion in Paraguay and has shaped the
nation's current culture. First introduced by European explorers and missionaries in the
16th century, there are now approximately 5.7 million Catholics living in Paraguay. The
country's first diocese was established in 1547 and began to convert indigenous Indians
to Catholicism in large numbers. Today, most of the nation's government officials are
Catholic, and major Catholic festivals are celebrated as public holidays.Protestantism is
the second largest Christian denomination in Paraguay. Various Protestant groups that
have a presence in the country include Lutherans, Mennonites, and Evangelicals.

A small population of Muslims live in Paraguay, primarily in the country's Alto Parana
department. Most Muslims trace their ancestral origins to Syria and Lebanon, although
some originated from South Asia. There are also about 2,000 practicing Buddhists in
the country, while some former Buddhists have converted to Christianity. Most of
Paraguay's Buddhists have ancestral origins in Japan and were part of a Japanese
agricultural settlement built in Paraguay. Jews in Paraguay mostly arrived during or after
the First World War from Greece, Turkey, and Palestine. Today, approximately 1,000
Jews live in Paraguay, primarily in Asunción. There is also a small Bahá’í population in
Paraguay.

Paraguay has no official state religion. The constitution provides for freedom of
religion, enabling citizens to freely select and practice a religion of their choice.
Religious organizations that operate in the country have their independence guaranteed
by the state.

PEOPLE IN PARAGUAY

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 People in Paraguay tend to wear clothing that is made from lightweight and
breathable fabrics due to the hot climate. Light colors are also preferred to dark colors
for the same reason; lighter colors generally keep people cooler in hot conditions.

The style of dress is fairly formal. Adults typically do not wear shorts and adult males
generally do not wear open shoes, or sandals. Women usually wear skirts or dresses
rather than pants or trousers. In a casual setting, sportswear is popular. This is due to it
being loose fitting, lightweight, and comfortable.

In the urban areas of Paraguay, modern, Western-style clothing is primarily worn.

However, traditional garments are often adorned in rural areas. Rebozo, a traditional
shawl, is worn by rural women over a simple skirt and blouse or dress. Dresses with
Nanduti lacework are worn on special occasions by Paraguayan women. Bombachas,
which are loose trousers, are worn by men with a shirt or jacket. A neck scarf and a
poncho are also worn by men

A big part of Paraguay culture is occupied by fine laces and embroidery. The lovely
nanduti lace is known across the world. The name comes from the native words, in the
Guarani language, for spider and fabric. The skill and craft is passed down through the
generations. These can often be seen in the clothes that people wear.

TRADITIONS(CUSTOMS, DRINKS, FOODS, CLOTHING, ETC.)

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CUSTOMS

Most of the traditions and customs of Paraguay are drawn from South American
countries. In celebrating New Year for example, a life sized human is created and then
dressed up like a scarecrow, which is then burnt at midnight. Social gatherings and
special family gatherings call for a pit-roasted pig.

•Christmas is an important holiday in the Christian Paraguay and is celebrated with a

Christmas festival. The churches are decorated with lights and colorful ornaments.
Because it is summer during the Christmas season, colorful flowers are used in
decorating homes and churches.

•Traditional clothing worn by Paraguayans are similar to the Latin American nations,
though the women favor brighter colors. Men and women wear the poncho, and women
wear shawls called rebozos
.
DRINKS

Tereré, the national drink of Paraguay, is similar to an iced herbal tea, except it’s
made with cold water right off the bat, rather than brewed with hot water, which is then
cooled. It can be drunk plain, or amped up with the addition of citrus fruits and herbs. In
other regions of South America, particularly in Argentina, tereré is often made with fruit
juice – e.g. orange – or lemonade. In the summer, I really like mine with cucumber,
grapefruit juice, and fresh mint leaves. It’s even more refreshing when made in a
hollowed out grapefruit!

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In Paraguay, where temperatures can soar to more than 100°F, it’s not unusual to see
people carrying around a matera to school or work, so deeply ingrained into the Guaraní
lifestyle is drinking tereré. The matera is a container (usually made from leather), which
holds a thermal vacuum flask (termo) of water, a bombilla (a straw with a filter on the
end), a horn-shaped cup (guampa), extra yerba, and any additional herbs which may be
added to the tereré.

People usually drink the tereré in groups, among relatives, friends or with occasional
visitors. This drink is a common heritage of all Paraguayans, men, and women, rich,
poor, old and young, all Paraguayans are equally fanatics of this drink.

FOODS

Paraguayan cuisine is a unique and delicious blend of indigenous, Spanish, and

Guarani influences. If you're a foodie planning a trip to Paraguay, make sure to explore
the country's traditional dishes and foods.

● Sopa Paraguaya, Chipa, and Mbejú - Must-Try Foods in Paraguay

Sopa paraguaya is one of the most famous and delicious dishes in Paraguay. It's a
savory bread made of cornmeal, milk, and grated cheese. Chipa is another must-try
food, made of cassava starch and cheese. Mbejú, a fried cake made of cassava starch,
cheese, and milk, is also a popular snack in Paraguay.

● Asado, Tomato Salad, and Traditional Desserts

Asado is a meat lover's dream come true, and it's a tradition in Paraguayan family
celebrations. Different types of meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb, are grilled to
perfection. If you're looking for a lighter option, try the tomato, onion, and cassava salad,
a traditional Paraguayan salad served with lemon juice and olive oil. For dessert,
indulge in dulce de mamón, a sweet treat made with a fruit similar to pumpkin, or queso
paraguay, a dessert made of cheese and syrup.

● Paraguayan Street Food: Empanadas and Lomito

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 Paraguayan street food is a unique and satisfying culinary experience. Empanadas, a
popular street food, are made of pastry dough filled with various ingredients such as
meat, chicken, cheese, or vegetables, and are either fried or baked. Lomito, another
popular street food dish, is a delicious sandwich filled with tender grilled beef or chicken,
lettuce, tomato, and various sauces.

● Influence of Guarani Cuisine

Guarani cuisine has a significant influence on Paraguayan food. One of the most
popular Guarani dishes is mbopi, a dish made with corn, vegetables, and meat, all
cooked in a clay pot. Another traditional Guarani dish is karú guazú, a stew made with
various types of meat, corn, beans, and vegetables.

● Typical Paraguayan Breakfast

A traditional Paraguayan breakfast includes dishes made with cassava and corn, such
as mbejú and chips guazú, a baked casserole made with corn, cheese, and milk.
Paraguayan breakfasts are often accompanied by cocido, a hot beverage made from
yerba mate, sugar, and milk, which is similar to a latte.

● Paraguayan Soup Dishes

Soup is an essential part of Paraguayan cuisine, with various traditional soup dishes
to enjoy. Bori-bori, a hearty chicken soup with cornmeal dumplings, is a popular choice.
Another delicious option is pira caldo, a fish soup made with fresh fish, vegetables, and
spices.

● Fruits and Vegetables in Paraguayan Cuisine

Paraguay's fertile soil and tropical climate allow for a diverse range of fruits and
vegetables to be grown and incorporated into the local cuisine. Some of the most
popular fruits include bananas, papayas, guavas, and avocados. Vegetables commonly
found in Paraguayan dishes include corn, cassava, sweet potatoes, and squash.
Exploring Paraguayan Gastronomy

When visiting Paraguay, make sure to explore the rich gastronomy of the country. From
traditional dishes like sopa paraguaya and asado to street food favorites like
empanadas and lomito, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget to try the
unique Guarani-influenced dishes, as well as the variety of soups, fruits, and vegetables
that make Paraguayan cuisine so diverse and flavorful.

Paraguayan cuisine offers a delightful and diverse array of flavors, textures, and
ingredients, which are influenced by the country's indigenous, Spanish, and Guarani
roots. Food lovers visiting Paraguay should make it a priority to explore the local
gastronomy, from traditional dishes and street food to fruits and vegetables, and
experience the unique flavors that define Paraguayan cuisine.

CLOTHING

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In the urban areas of Paraguay, modern, Western-style clothing is primarily worn.
However, traditional garments are often adorned in rural areas. Rebozo, a traditional
shawl, is worn by rural women over a simple skirt and blouse or dress. Dresses with
Nanduti lacework are worn on special occasions by Paraguayan women. Bombachas,
which are loose trousers, are worn by men with a shirt or jacket. A neck scarf and a
poncho are also worn by men.

For a long period of time, written literature in Paraguay was restricted due to
widespread poverty and low literacy levels. Also, the period of Stroessner's dictatorship
suppressed the activities of free-thinking writers and poets. However, Paraguay does
have an active literary tradition with most of the works being written in Spanish. Oral
literature in Paraguay, however, has a long history. Folktales and legends have been
passed down through generations by word of mouth.

The folk art scene of the country is very rich. Some of the most famous folk art forms
from the country include embroidery, clay work, ceramic work, silver filigree jewelry
production, spider web-like lace production, etc.

CULTURE

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 Paraguay’s tumultuous history since the 1600s has led to the development of a very
diverse and non-Westernized culture. Paraguay’s people are friendly, community-driven
and love a celebration. They are also very hard-working and accustomed to government
and political turmoil. Nowhere else in South America can tourists find harder and more
well-lived people.

Paraguay’s main culture is derived from its Spanish colonial roots and traditional
Guarani native customs. In the 1600s, most Spaniards who arrived from Europe inter-
married with the native women. As a result, 93% of Paraguay’s population is a mix of
European and Guarani background. Historically, these people have been referred to as
“mestizos,” though this term has fallen into disuse.

Football and basketball are the most popular sports in Paraguay. A variety of other
sports like futsal, swimming, tennis, volleyball, chess, golf, rowing, etc., are also played
in the nation. William Paats, a Dutch sports instructor, first introduced football in
Paraguay. Today, the game is played throughout the nation. The national football team
of the country has participated in eight World Cups and also earned a silver medal at
the 2004 Olympic Games. The national basketball team of Paraguay has also
performed well and came second-place in the 1955 and 1960 South American
Basketball Championship. The country has also performed well in the fields of rugby,
tennis, and volleyball.

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 For a long period of time, written literature in Paraguay was restricted due to
widespread poverty and low literacy levels. Also, the period of Stroessner's dictatorship
suppressed the activities of free-thinking writers and poets. However, Paraguay does
have an active literary tradition with most of the works being written in Spanish. Oral
literature in Paraguay, however, has a long history. Folktales and legends have been
passed down through generations by word of mouth.

The folk art scene of the country is very rich. Some of the most famous folk art forms
from the country include embroidery, clay work, ceramic work, silver filigree jewelry
production, spider web-like lace production, etc.

14
 CAPITAL

CITY OF ASUNCION

The settlement is the capital of the Republic, it is characterized as large and varied,
with a bustling life around the clock. This landmark of Paraguay surprises at every turn.
The wide avenues of the city have a large number of rich colonial mansions. Fountains
murmur in the beautiful gardens, and every square is decorated with some monument.
A peculiarity of the capital is that on its territory of the fashionable neighborhoods
adjacent to the poor. Excursions in Paraguay, namely in Asuncion, held mainly in the
old quarters, picturesque promenade, and government buildings. The main attractions
here are concentrated between the two bends of the main river of the republic.

ITAIPU DAM

It is the largest source of electricity in the entire world, located between Paraguay and
Brazil. At one time they were at enmity with each other, but had to reconcile because
the hydroelectric plant is clearly on the border between these countries. During
construction, it was decided to change the direction of one of the greatest rivers in
America, and it all began in 1979. The first hydroelectric generator was launched in
early May 1984. Not so long ago, in 2009, there was a serious accident at the
hydroelectric power plant, some power lines were damaged. As a result, the power
system of Brazil and almost the entire territory of Paraguay was shut down. The
description says that the total length of the structure is 7235 m, width 400 m, height
reaches 200 m.

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 TOURIST SPOTS

A place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or an exhibited natural or
cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, offering leisure and
amusement.

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 REFERENCES

● https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/paraguay/
● https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-major-religions-practised-in-
paraguay.html
● https://www.visitparaguay.net/articles/paraguay-national-dress.html
● https://asesoraparaguay.com/en/article/paraguay-cuisine-discover-
traditional-dishes
● https://slideplayer.com/slide/3995583/

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