[par-uh-gwahy, -gwey; Sp. pah-rah-gwahy] 
| 1. | a republic in central South America between Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina. 5,651,634; 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 mi. (2400 km) long. |
Par·a·guay (pār'ə-gwī', -gwā')  (click for larger image in new window) A landlocked country of south-central South America. Inhabited principally by the Guarani, the region was first explored by Europeans in 1516 and grew around the colony of Asunción (founded in the 1530s). Paraguay achieved de facto independence from Spain in 1811 and was ruled by a series of dictators in the 19th century. Paraguay was involved in costly wars with Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay (1865-1870) and Bolivia (1932-1935). Asunción is the capital and the largest city. Population: 6,670,000. Par'a·guay'an adj. & n. |
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.
əˌgwaɪ