ABSTRACT
Slightly smaller than California, Paraguay is landlocked and is bordered by Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. The lowest point in the republic is the junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana and the highest point is Cerro Pero or Cerro Tres Kandu. Paraguay is comprised of grassy plains and wooded hills to the east of Rio Paraguay. After wars in the 18th and 19th centuries including the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance – between Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay – Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. More war in the 20th century combined with a continued succession of dictators has left the country lacking in substantive economic growth.
