Paraguay

[par-uh-gwahy, -gwey; Spanish pah-rah-gwahy] /ˈpær əˌgwaɪ, -ˌgweɪ; Spanish ˌpɑ rɑˈgwaɪ/
noun
1.
a republic in central South America between Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina. 157,047 sq. mi. (406,750 sq. km).
Capital: Asunción.
2.
a river in central South America, flowing S from W Brazil through Paraguay to the Paraná. 1500 miles (2400 km) long.
Related forms
Paraguayan, adjective, noun
pro-Paraguay, adjective
pro-Paraguayan, adjective, noun
trans-Paraguayan, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for Paraguay

Paraguay

/ˈpærəˌɡwaɪ/
noun
1.
an inland republic in South America: colonized by the Spanish from 1537, gaining independence in 1811; lost 142 500 sq km (55 000 sq miles) of territory and over half its population after its defeat in the war against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay (1865–70). It is divided by the Paraguay River into a sparsely inhabited semiarid region (Chaco) in the west, and a central region of wooded hills, tropical forests, and rich grasslands, rising to the Paraná plateau in the east. Official languages: Spanish and Guarani. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: guarani. Capital: Asunción. Pop: 6 623 252 (2013 est). Area: 406 750 sq km (157 047 sq miles)
2.
a river in South America flowing south through Brazil and Paraguay to the Paraná River. Length: about 2400 km (1500 miles)
Word Origin and History for Paraguay

country is named for the river, which is said to be from Guarani para "water" + guay "born." Said to have been the name of a local chieftain who treated with the first Spanish explorers.

Paraguay in Culture
Paraguay [(par-uh-gweye, par-uh-gway)]

Republic in south-central South America, enclosed by Bolivia on the west and north, Brazil on the northeast, and Argentina on the south and west.

Note: Controlled for many decades by a highly repressive military government. A civilian was elected president in 1993.
Note: Reputed sanctuary for Nazi fugitives.