Situated in the Southern Cone of South America, Paraguay is a relatively quiet country. Not too many people know much about it. But over the past year, as I boated on the beautiful Paraguayan River in the spring, listened to Paraguayan music ringing from local busses, and talked with friends through a mixture of languages within the same sentence over the past year, I´ve picked up on some of the country´s facts that few know. Enjoy!

Top Ten Little Known Facts about Paraguay:

1. Paraguay is one of two countries in South America that is land locked. The other country that has no oceanic border is the neighboring country of Bolivia.

2. Paraguay has the largest navy in the world for a country that has no direct port to the ocean.

3. Paraguay's flag has different symbols on each side. One side shows the national coat of arms while the other side shows treasury's seal. The only other country whose flag is different on each side is Moldova.

4. Paraguay has two official languages: Spanish and the indigenous language, Guaraní. The language, Guaraní is called an onomatopoeic language, meaning that the vocal sounds mimic the actual sound of the verb or noun. In everyday conversations, a mixture of Spanish and Guaraní is called “Jopará” is common. It’s spoken widely among close friends and family in familiar settings.

5. Paraguay boasts the home of the largest hydro-electric dam in the world, called “Itapú,” meaning “sound of stone.” The dam, situated on the Paraná River, is shared with Brazil.

6. The New York Times article, published November 11, 2009 gave a ranking to each country, according to the level of corruption perceived. Paraguay ranked 3^rd most corrupt in the world.

7. On August 15, 2008, Fernando Lugo made history by becoming the first Roman Catholic bishop ever to become president. Shortly after taking office, Lugo confessed to fathering at least three children, while he carried out his responsibilities as bishop.

8. 8. In the late 1860s, Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil teamed up against Paraguay in the war called the Triple-Alliance. The war resulted in more deaths than in another other conflict in South America, killing two-thirds of Paraguay's male population.

9. Yet the melodies and lyrics of the Paraguayan harp stir up feelings of pride for their customs and homeland. The Paraguayan harp, with 38 strings, is greatly loved in the country for playing traditional Paraguayan music.

10. 10. The popular, handmade lace, called “ñanduti,” is a combination of traditional Guaraní and 16^th century needle work. Ñandutis are sold in stores, markets, and street corners in every major city and sometimes along major highways connecting far reaching parts of the country.

So next time Paraguay comes up in the conversation, don´t hesitate to jump in a share some of these facts that help make Paraguay the “heart of South America” that it´s known as!