We heard that the origin of the country name Paraguay was derived from indigenous Guarani language with meaning of ‘From Great River’. Could you tell us the story behind the nation’s name of Paraguay?

To us, as the landlocked country, rivers have been the history itself as well as a source of life. As we have no coast opened to the sea, the rivers have functioned as transportation means and border to neighboring countries. Spaniard’s invasion was also done through the rivers, our history runs with river. The word Paraguay itself was derived from indigenous Guarani language; Para (of many varieties), Gua (from, belonging to or place), Y (water, river or lake), with meaning of ‘From Great River’. The river by the name of Paraguay indicates the Paraguay River, which penetrates the land from north to south.