HYDROGRAPHY
The hydrographic system forms part of the basin of the Plata River, which is one of the largest in the world. Paraguay occupies a vast sector on both sides of the river. That gives its name to the country. Other important rivers that converge in the south of the country are the Paraná and the Pilcomayo.
The Paraguay River is the main river. Starting in the Matto-Grosso in Siete Lagoas, it covers some 1200 km by the Paraguayan territory. The Paraguay River is international. Its waters and irrigation tributaries allow a cultural and commercial exchange with its bordering countries.
The Paraná River originates in Brazil and extends 4500 km until it joins with the Paraguay River. Of them, 679 km mark the natural border between Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. It is navigable for small boats. The word "Paraná" means "likeness to the sea"
The Paraná River's tributaries are the Monday, Nacunday and Lacaray, all of which have several cascades and waterfalls that grant them a large potential power source. The Paraná River and its tributaries have good possibilities to take advantage of hydroelectric energy. The Itaipú Dam is a result of the cooperation of Paraguay and Brazil and constitutes the most complex hydroelectric plant in the world.
The Pilcomayo River originates in Bolivia, signaling in part the border with Argentina and flows into the Paraguay River near Asunción. It is only navigable by small boats in short intervals.
The most important lakes of Paraguay are Lake Ipacaray and Lake Ypoa.
Source: www.enciclonet.com (© Micronet)
Encarta Enciclopedy 99 (© Microsoft)
Translations and editing by: JoAnn Arbore Mainardi
