History
The Spanish arrived in Paraguay in the 1530s. Before long the region was integrated into the Spanish Vice Royalty of Peru. Over two centuries later, Paraguay became part of the Vice Royalty of the Rio de la Plata, ruled from Buenos Aires (Argentina). Independence was gained in 1811.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, a war with Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil (1865-1870) resulted in the loss of large areas of land as well as the lives of a high percentage of Paraguay's male population. In the 1930s Paraguay won territory from Bolivia in the Chaco War.

A coup in the mid twentieth century saw the beginning of the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner. Stroessner was removed from office in 1989.

Economy
The services sector in Paraguay accounts for the highest percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The agricultural sector produces over twenty-two percent of Paraguay's GDP. Some people are subsistence farmers. Rearing livestock is an important occupation. Agricultural products are maize, wheat, soybeans, cassava, vegetables, sugarcane, fruit, cotton and tobacco.

The industrial sector accounts for around eighteen percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product. Industries include hydroelectric power, timber, steel, cement, textiles, sugar and beverages. (2011)

Arts
Paraguay is known for a number of crafts. Guitars and harps are produced in the town of Luque. Naduti lace is made into soft furnishings and clothing. Other crafts are pottery, silver filigree and leather goods.

Museums in Paraguay include the Ceramics Museum, the Contemporary Arts Museum and the Ethnological and Archeological Museum.

Sport
Football is the national sport. Other popular team games are rugby, basketball and volleyball. Tennis is also played.

Internationals fishing competitions are hosted in Paraguay.

Holidays
Christmas and Easter and all religious holidays are celebrated. Other holidays include Heroes Day - 1 March, Labour Day - 1 May, Independence Day - 14 May (from Spain 1811), Founding of Asuncion City - 15 August, and End of the Chaco War - 29 September.

News
News from from Paraguay is available from Newslink.

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