# Pilcomayo River

> river of South America

**Wikidata**: [Q270569](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q270569)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilcomayo_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pilcomayo-river

## Summary
The Pilcomayo River is a major natural watercourse located in South America, originating in the sovereign state of Bolivia. It serves as a significant geographical feature within the continent, flowing through regions that include neighboring countries such as Argentina and Paraguay.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** River (classified as a larger natural watercourse).
- **Geographic Location:** South America.
- **Primary Origin:** Bolivia (sovereign state).
- **Related Entities:** Flows through or borders Argentina and Paraguay.
- **Alternative Name:** Río Pilcomayo.
- **Coordinates:** Latitude -25.354048, Longitude -57.665036.
- **Wikipedia Title:** Pilcomayo River.
- **Sitelink Count:** 52 (indicating the number of language versions or related links on Wikipedia).
- **Wikidata Description:** River of South America.

## FAQs
**Where does the Pilcomayo River originate?**
The river originates in Bolivia, a landlocked sovereign state in South America established in 1825. It is a key watercourse within the broader South American geography.

**Which countries are associated with the Pilcomayo River?**
The river is primarily associated with Bolivia as its point of origin, but it also flows through or defines borders involving Argentina and Paraguay, both of which are neighboring South American nations.

**What are the specific geographic coordinates of the Pilcomayo River?**
The river is located at latitude -25.354048 and longitude -57.665036. These coordinates place it within the southern portion of the South American continent.

**Is the Pilcomayo River known by any other names?**
Yes, the river is also referred to as the Río Pilcomayo. This alternative name is recognized in geographic databases and linguistic contexts.

## Why It Matters
The Pilcomayo River is a critical component of the South American hydrological system, serving as a natural boundary and water source for multiple nations. Its origin in Bolivia and its path through Argentina and Paraguay make it a focal point for regional geography, ecology, and potential cross-border water management. As a "larger natural watercourse," it supports the ecosystems of the Gran Chaco and surrounding regions, influencing local climates and human settlement patterns. The river's existence connects the highlands of Bolivia to the lowlands of the Southern Cone, facilitating biodiversity and acting as a historical and cultural landmark for the indigenous and national populations of the region.

## Notable For
- Being a major river system originating in the highlands of Bolivia.
- Serving as a geographical link between Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
- Having a specific coordinate location at -25.354048, -57.665036.
- Being recognized as a "larger natural watercourse" in South American geography.
- Possessing the alternative name "Río Pilcomayo."
- Maintaining a significant presence in global knowledge bases with 52 Wikipedia sitelinks.

## Body
### Geography and Location
The Pilcomayo River is situated in South America, with its primary origin located within the borders of Bolivia. Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country established in 1825, serving as the source for this significant watercourse. The river's specific geographic position is marked by the coordinates latitude -25.354048 and longitude -57.665036. This location places the river in a region that interacts with the broader landscapes of the Southern Cone, including the territories of Argentina and Paraguay. The river flows through diverse terrains, connecting the Andean highlands of Bolivia to the lowland plains of the Gran Chaco.

### Regional Connections and Borders
The Pilcomayo River acts as a natural connector between three major South American nations: Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
- **Bolivia:** As the country of origin, Bolivia provides the headwaters for the river. It is a sovereign state with an area of 1,098,581 square kilometers and a population of over 12 million.
- **Argentina:** The river flows into or along the borders of Argentina, a federal republic and the second-largest country in South America by area. Argentina shares a border with Bolivia and is known for its diverse geography ranging from the Andes to the subtropical north.
- **Paraguay:** The river also interacts with Paraguay, a landlocked nation bordered by Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. Paraguay is known for its bilingual culture (Spanish and Guaraní) and its position in the heart of the continent.

### Classification and Data Properties
In the context of geographic data and knowledge bases, the Pilcomayo River is classified strictly as a "river" and a "larger natural watercourse."
- **Wikidata Description:** It is described simply as a "river of South America."
- **Alternative Naming:** The entity is also known by the alias "Río Pilcomayo."
- **Digital Presence:** The river has a dedicated Wikipedia title, "Pilcomayo River," and is associated with 52 sitelinks, indicating its recognition across multiple language editions of the encyclopedia.
- **Coordinates:** The precise location data (lat: -25.354048, lon: -57.665036) allows for accurate mapping and integration into geographic information systems (GIS).

### Hydrological and Ecological Context
While specific flow rates or length statistics are not provided in the source material, the river's classification as a "larger natural watercourse" implies a significant volume of water and a substantial length. Its path from the Bolivian highlands through the Chaco region suggests it plays a vital role in the water cycle of the area, potentially influencing the wetlands and agricultural zones of Argentina and Paraguay. The river's presence is a defining feature of the local environment, supporting the biodiversity of the region which includes the Gran Chaco, a known area of high ecological value.

### Historical and Political Significance
The river's course traverses the territories of nations with distinct political histories.
- **Bolivia:** Established in 1825, Bolivia's history is shaped by figures like Simón Bolívar, and the river serves as a geographical marker within its borders.
- **Argentina:** Declaring independence in 1816, Argentina's political structure includes 23 provinces, some of which may border the river. The country's economy and demographics are heavily influenced by its geography.
- **Paraguay:** Founded in 1811, Paraguay's unique position as a landlocked nation with a strong indigenous cultural identity is reinforced by its shared waterways with neighbors. The river's flow through these regions underscores the interconnectedness of South American geopolitics and resource management.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. OpenStreetMap
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GeoNames
5. KBpedia