Fuerte Olimpo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fuerte Olimpo
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Aerial view of the city
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 Fuerte Olimpo
Location in Paraguay
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| Country |  Paraguay |
| Department | Alto Paraguay |
| Founded | September 25, 1792 |
| Elevation | 64 m (210 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 4,498 |
| Time zone | -4 Gmt |
| Postal code |
9000
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| Climate | Aw |
Fuerte Olimpo is a city in Paraguay. It is the capital of the Alto Paraguay region. This city is located right on the Paraguay River, which forms the border with Brazil. Fuerte Olimpo is the northernmost capital city in Paraguay, about 830 kilometers (515 miles) north of Asunción, the country's capital.
The city was first called Fuerte Borbón. It is also known as “la puerta de entrada al Pantanal,” which means "the gateway to the Pantanal region." Fuerte Olimpo is on the eastern side of the Chaco Boreal area, near where the Blanco River meets the Paraguay River. To the north, there are wet areas called humedales that are part of the Gran Pantanal. The city is built on higher ground, so it is safe from floods. A wall about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long surrounds the city.
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Exploring Fuerte Olimpo's Geography
This area is mostly a plain, about 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level. The soil here is good for both farming and raising cattle. There is a lagoon in Fuerte Olimpo called Laguna Capitán.
Fuerte Olimpo is nestled between two hills. On one hill, you'll find the historic Fuerte Borbón. On the other, stands the beautiful Maria Auxiliadora Cathedral.
Local Hills and Views
The "Tres Hermanos" (Three Brothers) are important hills in the region. From the top of the middle hill, you can see tall karanday palm trees. You can also spot the wet areas of the Pantanal Nabileque and the Sierra de Bordón mountains in Brazil.
Fuerte Olimpo's Weather
The weather in Fuerte Olimpo is tropical. In summer, temperatures can reach around 45°C (113°F). In winter, the lowest temperature is about 9°C (48°F). The average temperature is around 25°C (77°F). This region often experiences long dry periods followed by heavy rains.
People of Fuerte Olimpo
According to a census from September 2019, Fuerte Olimpo has about 4,998 residents. This includes 2,585 men and 2,413 women.
A Look Back at Fuerte Olimpo's History
The city was founded by Spain on September 25, 1792. It was named Fuerte Borbón. The governor, Joaquín Alos y Bru, sent Commandant José Antonio de Zavala y Delgadillo to build it. Their goal was to protect the area from people coming from Brazil. The first settlement was placed between the Brazilian Forte Porto Carrero and Fecho dos Morros. Local leaders of the Mbayaes people were invited to the founding ceremony.
During the time of President José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, the city's name was changed to Fuerte Olimpo. This might be because the main hill was thought to look like Mount Olympus from ancient Greece. At this time, Paraguay made Fuerte Olimpo a special port where Brazilian traders could do business easily.
At the start of the Paraguayan War (1865–1870), Fuerte Olimpo was a very important military spot. In 1866, it was a key location, but Brazilian forces captured it by the end of the war. After the war, Argentina wanted to claim the land from Fuerte Olimpo all the way to Bahía Negra. However, when Brazil left Paraguay, Argentina did not pursue this claim.
After the 1870s, large landowners took over the area. They cut down many quebracho trees, which were used to make a substance called tannin. This period was known as the "tannin cycle." It led to the start of some industries, but it also caused forests to be destroyed. The land was then used for raising cattle, which suited the climate. Other important industries included making tiles, palm products, and bricks. Fuerte Olimpo became an important port for sending goods out. During the Chaco War in the 1930s, Fuerte Olimpo was once again a crucial place for military plans.
Fuerte Olimpo's Economy
Fuerte Olimpo has several important ports:
- 14 de Mayo
- Esperanza
- Leda
- Lida
- Maria Elena
The main economic activity in the area is raising cattle.
Getting Around Fuerte Olimpo
Boats and canoes are the main ways to travel to Fuerte Olimpo. Many people use the riverboat Aquidabán, which travels from Concepción to Bahía Negra.
Another way to get there is by taking Route 9, known as “The Transchaco highway,” to “Cruce Pioneros” at kilometer 409. From there, the road to Fuerte Olimpo is not paved. You can also go to Loma Plata at kilometer 444, but the road is not paved until kilometer 333. There is also a landing strip for small airplanes.
Things to See and Do in Fuerte Olimpo
Fuerte Olimpo offers interesting places to visit:
- Fuerte Borbón: This historic fort was built in 1792 from rocks on one of the Olimpo hills.
- María Auxiliadora Cathedral: Located on top of the other hill, this beautiful church is also built of stone.
- An observatory: You can visit the three hills of Fuerte Olimpo, known as "Tres Hermanos."
- A museum and a native tribe called Ishir “Virgen Santísima”: Here, you can see local crafts and receive a welcome from the Shaman.
You can also take motorboat rides on the Paraguay River. This is a great way to enjoy the amazing plants and animals of the region. There are also local tour guides available to help you explore.
Sister Cities
- Camisano Vicentino (since 2011)
Images for kids
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Aerial view of the city
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte Olimpo para niños
