VERY INTERESTING: PARAGUAY

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about 

Things You Should Know About Paraguay

Frequently overlooked by travellers en-route to the rest of South America, Paraguay is South America’s least-visited country. It’s landlocked between Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia– and there are no direct flights from its colourful capital, Asunción. But while it might be trickier to get to than most places on the continent, there’s good reason to visit. 

Outdoorsy types can take their pick from wildlife-rich wetlands, sand dune islands, record-breaking waterfalls and Instagrammable rock formations, while those who like the finer things will find a plethora of cocktail bars, museums and Unesco-listed buildings to fill their boots. Looking to learn more? Here are a few interesting facts about Paraguay.

1. Paraguay is home to the world’s largest water reserve

The Guarani Aquifer, located underneath Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina is an important source of fresh water. Stretch 1.2 million square kilometres , with a volume of 40,000 cubic kilometres, it could supply fresh drinking water to the world for around 200 years. As water becomes a more important natural resource, control over it has become more controversial.

2. It has one of the world’s largest hydro-electric powerplants

Shared with Brazil, the Itaipu Dam on the River Parana is the world’s second-biggest working hydroelectric power plant. It generates nearly all of Paraguay’s electricity. Brazil uses approximately 90% of the energy generated too. Constructed in 1971, the Itaipu Dam cost $196 billion. It started generating power in May 1984 and achieved a milestone in 2016 by setting a new world record for annual power generation with a production of 103.1 million MWh.

3. Paraguay is a bilingual nation

In Paraguay, most people speak two languages: Guaraní and Spanish. It’s one of the few South American countries to keep its native tongue as an official language too. Interestingly, Guaraní is also an onomatopoeic language. Most of its words imitate natural sounds of animals and the surrounding environment, like music.

4. Fancy an old-fashioned duel? It’s allowed here

Looking to get rid of someone the old-fashioned way? In Paraguay, duels are still legal…but you’ll need to be a registered blood donor to take part. You’ll also need a professional medic on hand, for the inevitable.

5. It has the largest navy of any landlocked country in the world

Paraguay may not have a coastline, but that doesn’t stop it from having the largest navy of any landlocked country in the world. It boasts naval aviation, a coastguard and a river defence corps too. The Paraguayan navy operates on the country’s rivers and can access the ocean through Argentina.

In 2005, Paraguay hosted the world’s first conference of landlocked nations, and more than 30 states took part.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking