Paraguay

People can be forgiven for not knowing much, if anything, about Paraguay. Since its independence Paraguay has remained one of the most isolated and recluse nations in the world. Paraguay, s founding father, José Gasper Rodriguez Francia , or as he was called El Supremo, or the Supreme one , engineered Paraguay, s independence first from Spain then against powerful elements in Argentina and Brazil. Francia, s caution and policies of isolation were perhaps well founded. Despite the shroud of isolation, Paraguay has fought two valiant wars, one with disastrous consequences. The War of the Triple Alliance (1865-1870) pitted Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay against Paraguay and resulted in the near decimation of the entire male population of Paraguay. The more successful Chaco War (1932-1935) resulted in territorial gains for landlocked Paraguay. The discovery of oil in the Chaco region ignited hostilities between Bolivia and Paraguay that culminated in all-out war. Paraguay also remains bilingual, as half the population speaks both Spanish and Guaraní.