Paraguay

 Jermyn, Leslie. Paraguay. Part of the Cultures of the World series. 2000. 128p. ISBN 9780761409793. Available at 989.2 JER on the Library Shelves.

Paraguay is a study in contrasts. Lacking in mineral wealth, isolated from the rest of the world and without access to the ocean, Paraguay was inhabited by two large groups, the Guaraní, who were farmers and who  lived in the eastern parts of Paraguay, and the Guaycuruan, nomads who lived in the desertic western part of Paraguay. Unlike other South American countries, Spanish colonists never flocked to Paraguay in large numbers, and its native population continued to thrive. To this day, Guaraní is one of the two official languages, the only South American country to retain one of its native language, which is spoken by a majority of the population.

Falling under Spanish domination in the 1500s, Paraguay became independent in 1811, and a dictator assumed power. Paraguay has been plagued with mismanagement and dictatorial governments for much of its history, leaving its people in relative poverty. Ill-advised wars in the 1800s and 1900s cost the country territories and devastated its population. The country continues to suffer from these decisions, but in the 21st century it has been relatively stable.

Culturally, Paraguay remains fairly insular, with traditions adapted from this mixed heritage of Spanish and Guaraní. People in the countryside are poorer than their urban counterparts, and educating its population continues to be a challenge. Despite these problems, Paraguayans are proud and love their country, and tourists find themselves welcome and appreciated.