|
Paraguay people largely belong to the mestizo group, with the Amerindians and the whites forming a small minority. The people of Paraguay are a result of the unique relations between the indigenous people of the land and the invading Spanish people who began to explore the country at the turn of the sixteenth century. The Guarani are the earliest inhabitants of the country, inhabiting the eastern region of the Rio Paraguay river. The Western region was inhabited by the more reclusive and warlike Chaco tribesmen. They were largely nomadic tribes who lived in classless societies and largely followed a hunting-gathering economy. These groups, together denoted as the Amerindians, continued with their indigenous ways of living the sixteenth century, which saw the advent of the Spanish explorers. They gradually spread across the country, and through vigorous inter-racial mixing gave rise to the mestizo group of people. The advent of the Europeans brought with it a flood of Jesuit missionaries. Large scale conversion gradually disseminated Catholic Christianity as the dominent religion of the country, as the earlier indigenous religions took a back seat on the face of zealous conversion strategies adopted by the newly arrived Iberian groups.
Paraguay people largely follow Catholic Christianity, although there are certain sections that practice Protestantism and Mennonite belief systems. The migration rate is low, and the rate of literacy is quite high. The people in Paraguay maintain a healthy sex ration, and the health index is encouraging. Spanish is the official language of Paraguay, although Guarani continues to be spoken in certain quarters.
The people of Paraguay rigorously maintain their indigenous cultural and social structures despite an overarching influence of Christianity. Known for their hospitality and commitment towards their freedom and racial pride, Paraguayans have interested the researches and the visitors for over the ages.
For more information on Paraguay people click on the following links:
|
