Let's Visit Paraguay Trivia Quiz

Answer: Asunción

Founded in 1537, this capital city is one of the oldest cities in South America. Situated on the left bank of the Paraguay River, the city is located in the southwest region of the country.

Answer: Spain

During the 1700s, Buenos Aires, Argentina had become the political center of Asunción. In addition, Spain had imposed high taxes. Most of the wealth of Paraguay went overseas. The Paraguayans had had enough at this point and decided to revolt. After several days of revolution, May 15, 1811 marked the day that the country was finally free of Spanish rule. May 15 is now celebrated as Paraguayan Independence Day.

Answer: Sopa Paraguaya

Although "sopa" means "soup" in Spanish, the dish is not a soup but more like cornbread. It's a mixture of onion, grated cheese, eggs, cornmeal, pork fat, baking powder, salt and pepper. This mixture is poured into a pan then baked in the oven until brown. Sopa Paraguaya is often served at weddings.

Answer: Guarani

The Guarani people speak a language known as Paraguayan Guarani. Along with Spanish, it is the official language spoken in Paraguay. The Guarani also live in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.

Answer: Villa Hayes

Rutherford Birchard Hayes served as the President of the United States from 1877-1881. After the Paraguayan War, a territorial dispute erupted between Argentina and Paraguay over the Chaco region of southwestern Paraguay. President Hayes served as an arbitrator in the dispute and ruled in favor of Paraguay, making him a hero to the Paraguayan people.

They rewarded him with a city named in his honor.

Answer: Caacupé

Located east of Asunción is a city named Caacupé, the capital of the Department of Cordillera. In the center of the city stands a cathedral known as Nuestra Señora de los Milagros (Our Lady of Miracles). Every year on December 8 thousands of people make a pilgrimage to this city to celebrate an all-day mass to honor the Virgin Mary.

Answer: Brasiguayos

Since Brazil surrounds Paraguay to the east, it seems natural that some Brazilians would migrate to Paraguay. Unfortunately, they have never really been welcome there. Since the Brasiguayos speak Portuguese, use Brazilian money, and fly the Brazilian flag, Paraguayans have not taken kindly to their presence.

Answer: red, white, blue

The red color signifies patriotism, courage, heroism, equality, and justice. The white represents purity, peace, and union. The blue symbolizes love, knowledge, truth, and liberty. Across the top of the flag are the words "República del Paraguay". The other side of the flag bears the Seal of the Treasury, which contains a yellow lion below a red cap of liberty and the words "Paz y Justicia".

Answer: yerba mate

Yerba mate is a tea-like drink made from the leaves and stem of the yerba mate plant. The plant is a member of the holly family. The Guarani Indians considered the plant to be sacred and used it long before the arrival of the Spanish. The Jesuits grew the plant on reducciones, or settlements set up for the purpose of converting local Indian tribes to Christianity while improving their methods of farming.

Answer: forests

Forests are a major source of fuel and timber used for hardwood. Unfortunately deforestation is problem, particularly to environmentalists. The forests have been cut down to make room for additional farmland. Mining is an important resource but less so than forests. Limestone, clay, sand, salt, and gypsum have all been mined in Paraguay.