# Paraguay River

> river of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay

**Wikidata**: [Q179396](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q179396)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguay_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paraguay-river

## Summary
The Paraguay River is a major natural watercourse that flows through Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, forming a critical part of the regional geography and ecosystem. It serves as the namesake for Paraguay's lowest elevation point at 46 meters above sea level.

## Key Facts
- **Geographic Scope**: Flows through Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay
- **Lowest Point in Paraguay**: Lies at 46 meters above sea level
- **Related Countries**:
  - **Paraguay**: Sovereign state founded in 1811; capital Asunción; official languages Spanish and Guaraní; uses .py internet domain; member of United Nations since 1945
  - **Brazil**: Largest South American country by area; declared independence on September 7, 1822; official language Portuguese; currency Brazilian real; capital Brasília
  - **Argentina**: Second-largest country in South America; declared independence July 9, 1816; capital Buenos Aires; official de facto language Spanish
- **Notable Geographic Feature**: The river defines the lowest elevation point in Paraguay
- **Administrative Context**: Associated with Mato Grosso do Sul, a state in Brazil’s Central-West Region (founded October 11, 1977)

## FAQs
### What countries does the Paraguay River flow through?
The Paraguay River flows through Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. These nations share geographic and ecological ties to the river, which plays a significant role in their regional hydrology and biodiversity.

### What is the significance of the Paraguay River in Paraguay's geography?
The Paraguay River marks the lowest point in Paraguay, lying at 46 meters above sea level. This makes it a key reference for topographical and environmental data about the country.

### Is the Paraguay River connected to any notable bodies of water or regions?
Yes, the river connects to the broader Paraná River system and is part of the Gran Chaco region, one of the world's most biodiverse areas located primarily in Paraguay.

### Does the Paraguay River have any political or economic importance?
While not directly tied to governance, the river supports agriculture and transportation networks across Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, contributing significantly to trade and local economies in these countries.

### Are there any protected or designated areas along the Paraguay River?
Although specific designations are not detailed here, the river flows through ecologically rich zones such as the Gran Chaco, which is recognized for its biodiversity and conservation efforts.

## Why It Matters
The Paraguay River holds immense geographical and ecological importance as it traverses multiple South American nations, shaping landscapes, supporting ecosystems, and influencing human settlement patterns. As the defining feature of Paraguay’s lowest elevation, it contributes to national identity and environmental planning. Its presence affects agricultural practices, water resources, and biodiversity conservation efforts throughout the region, making it a vital element in understanding the continent's hydrological framework.

## Notable For
- Being the geographic basis for Paraguay’s lowest elevation point at 46 meters above sea level
- Flowing through three sovereign South American states: Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay
- Supporting diverse ecosystems including parts of the Gran Chaco, a globally significant biodiversity hotspot
- Playing a role in the regional river systems that support transportation and agriculture

## Body

### Geographic Context
The Paraguay River is a large natural watercourse flowing through Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It forms an integral part of the regional drainage system and serves as a defining geographic feature in each country it traverses. In Paraguay specifically, the river marks the lowest point in the nation at 46 meters above sea level, highlighting its significance in topographical terms.

### Relationship to Paraguay
In Paraguay, the river is more than just a physical landmark—it symbolizes a crucial aspect of the country’s geography. Paraguay, officially known as the Republic of Paraguay, is a landlocked South American country bordered by Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. Founded in 1811, it maintains a unique bicultural identity with Spanish and Guaraní as co-official languages. The Paraguay River lies at the heart of this landscape, influencing everything from climate to cultural identity.

### Connection to Brazil
Within Brazil, the river flows through Mato Grosso do Sul, a state in the Central-West Region established on October 11, 1977. Brazil, the largest country in South America by area, shares a long historical and ecological connection with the river. The river contributes to Brazil’s extensive river network, which includes the Amazon and Paraná rivers, all of which play pivotal roles in transportation, irrigation, and energy generation.

### Link to Argentina
In Argentina, the river flows through regions adjacent to provinces like Formosa and Chaco, contributing to the country’s vast hydrological diversity. Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, declared independence on July 9, 1816. The river supports agricultural activities and local communities along its banks, reinforcing its role in the socio-economic fabric of the region.

### Environmental Significance
The Paraguay River supports ecosystems that include the Gran Chaco, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. This area is home to numerous species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic and face threats from habitat loss. Conservation efforts in the Gran Chaco often center around maintaining the health of riverine environments like those influenced by the Paraguay River.

### Regional Importance
The river plays a critical role in the economies of the countries it flows through. In Paraguay, it supports agriculture and fishing industries. In Brazil, it contributes to the broader river transport network, facilitating internal trade. In Argentina, it aids in irrigation and provides water resources for rural and urban populations alike.

### Cultural and Historical Relevance
Historically, the river has been a lifeline for indigenous communities and early settlers. Today, it continues to influence cultural practices and settlement patterns in the region. The river also features in the national consciousness of Paraguay, where it is tied to the lowest geographical point and thus referenced in educational and governmental contexts.

### Modern-Day Use
Modern uses of the Paraguay River include tourism, scientific research, and environmental monitoring. Efforts to preserve its ecosystem involve cross-border cooperation among Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, reflecting the shared responsibility for maintaining the health of this vital waterway.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. KBpedia