Trivia in Paraguay

National symbols

Flag: A horizontal tricolor of red, white, and blue. The state emblem is centered on the front, and the Treasury seal is centered on the reverse, making it unique as the only national flag with different emblems on each side.

Emblem: A double circle featuring a gold star encircled by laurel (front) and olive (reverse), with the text REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY around the outer rim.

Trivia & facts

• Paraguay's national flag is the world's only official flag with different emblems on the front and reverse.
• Guarani is one of the few indigenous languages in South America to hold official status.
• Paraguay is a top global electricity exporter, with over 90% of domestic power coming from the Itaipú Dam.
• The traditional lace craft ñandutí means "spider web" and is known for its intricate radial patterns.
• The capital Asunción, founded in 1537, is one of the oldest European cities in South America.
• Tereré, a chilled mate tea, is a summer staple, and it is common to see people carrying coolers.
• Many roads in Paraguay give right-of-way to cattle and horses, and cowboys may halt traffic.
• The Olimpia soccer club is a three-time South American champion.
• In the Mennonite town of Filadelfia, German is spoken in daily life.
• Paraguay's median age is around 29, one of the youngest in Latin America.
• Many ATMs in the country dispense both US dollars and guaraníes.
• Wild pampas deer and giant anacondas inhabit the Pantanal wetlands in the north.
• Paraguay offers visa-free entry for 90 days to over 120 countries and territories, ranking high in passport freedom.
• "Chipa Guarrá," an unleavened corn cake, is traditionally eaten only on Good Friday.
• While universal health insurance is not yet established, primary care is provided free at public hospitals.