One of only two landlocked countries in South America, Paraguay lies in the middle of the continent, surrounded by Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. The nation gained Independence from Spain in 1811, though a strong Iberian influence extends to this day, with both Guaraní and Spanish recognized as official languages.

Unfortunately, this beautiful country is one of the least popular for tourism in South America due to its dangerous reputation and poor infrastructure. Ranked the second poorest on the continent, Paraguay suffers from political instability and a lack of tourist attractions, though the government is taking steps to rectify that situation by promoting the nation's capital, Asunción, as a place for meetings and conventions.

The female golfers of Paraguay put the country right at the top of ladies golf recently at the Women’s World Cup of Golf. Japan won the inaugural event in 2005, followed by Sweden in 2006 before the Paraguayan Ladies team of Julieta Granada and Celeste Troche stunned the field in 2007 to win the competition in South Africa by an amazing seven shots from second placed USA.