Paraguay is a land-locked country in the South America. It is bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. The country is home to large swampland, subtropical forests, and Savannah and Scrubland wildernesses. There are some amazing facts about Paraguay you haven’t heard of. Some of these facts are so amazing you won’t believe they exist.
The capital of Paraguay is Asuncion, and the city is situated on the bank of the Paraguay River.
Here are ten other amazing facts about Paraguay that you will find interesting. But before we go to that, let’s take a look at the country’s overview.
SEE ALSO: 11 Interesting Random Facts About Papua New Guinea
Capital: Asunción
Population: 6.802 million (2013) World Bank
Currency: Paraguayan guaraní
President: Horacio Cartes
System of Government: Democracy
Official languages: Paraguayan Guaraní, Spanish
Amazing Facts About Paraguay
1. “NO-SMOKING” PLACES
Cigarette producers seem to be losing the global fight against smoking. In many countries cigarette advertisement on both electronic and print media has been long outlawed. Paraguay is not lagging behind either. Smoking in theatres and cinemas is strictly not allowed in Paraguay.
2. RARELY TIME CONSCIOUS
People are generally relaxed and do things at their own time. There is no strict adherence to time schedules. Most things do not run on time. And no one takes offence if you arrive late for anything. Having good relationships matter more than being time-conscious.
3. “GOOD-LUCK” TURNED OBSCENE
Gestures do not usually have the same meanings globally. Crossing the middle and index fingers, referred to as “keeping our fingers crossed” is an American sign for “good luck”. It most certainly does not mean the same in Paraguay. In fact, it is an obscene sign in Paraguay.
4. THE “MUST-EAT” FOOD
In certain societies, it is good manners to decline food and/or drink offered. In other societies, it such declining must never even be thought of. Paraguay is one such society. Food offered must never be declined. It must be accepted, eaten, and even complimented.
5. ONE TERRIBLE TABOO
When one is tired, in many societies around the world, one sits and throws one’s feet on a foot stool. And where foot stools are not available, feet are usually thrown on tables and/or chairs. In Paraguay, such must not happen. Feet on desks, tables, and chairs are absolutely despicable habits.
6. EVERYTHING ALRIGHT
There is a certain ritualistic practice attached to greeting in Paraguay. In the country, greeting always entails the compulsory question, “Is everything alright?” And even if you are having a bad day, the response must be: “Yes, everything! And you?”
7. INDIRECT COMMUNICATION
Societies around the globe have systems of communication that are peculiar only to them. Paraguay is not an exception. In the country, people prefer the indirect communication style to the direct. They would rather imply something than actually say it.
8. EYE CONTACT A MUST
There is a popular maxim: “Eyes don’t lie.” Still, eye contact is not a global practice. In many societies, eye contact during conversation is not practiced. It is not so in Paraguay. To Paraguayans, eye contact is a must during conversation. It shows mutual trust and respect.
9. GIFTS TO HONOUR INVITES
When honouring an invitation, Paraguayans have a way of showing appreciation when they get there without necessarily voicing it. How? They usually take along flowers, wine, good quality liquor, or chocolate. And they usually have the gifts wrapped well.
10. THE “NEVER-GIVE” GIFTS
Many gifts have their significance when given. Therefore, certain gifts are never to be given so as not to convey wrong meanings. Gifts such as letter opener, knife, and/or scissors must never be given. They are taken to mean that you want to sever the relationship.
Leave a Reply