Villa Elisa, Paraguay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Villa Elisa
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 Villa Elisa, Paraguay
Location in Paraguay
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| Country | Paraguay |
| Department | Central |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 122 km2 (47 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 116 m (381 ft) |
| Population
(2016)
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| • Total | 75,933 |
| • Density | 41/km2 (110/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-4 |
| Postal code |
2610
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| Area code(s) | (595) (021) |
| Climate | Cfa |
Villa Elisa is a city in the Central Department of Paraguay. It is located just outside Asuncion, the capital city. Villa Elisa was once the only place in Paraguay settled by Swedish people. Today, it is a very important and busy city. It is part of the larger area around Asuncion.
Villa Elisa is an urban city. It borders Asuncion along Defensores del Chaco Avenue. The city center is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Asuncion's city center. Villa Elisa was founded on March 22, 1938.
Contents
History of Villa Elisa
After the Paraguayan War, Paraguay was left with fewer people and was very poor. Because of this, the country welcomed immigrants from Europe. These new arrivals were given land to farm and raise animals.
Around 1890, immigrants from Belgium started a colony called Mbocayaty. Later, people from France and Italy joined them between 1880 and 1890.
Over time, the people in the colony began to farm. They focused especially on growing fruit. Later, the Belgian settlers moved to land owned by a Danish person named Emilio Johansen. Around 1896, the area became known as Colonia Elisa. This name honored Emilio Johansen's wife, Ms. Elisa Von Poleski. She was from a noble German family. A street in the city is also named after her.
The first local government for Villa Elisa was set up on June 21, 1899. Mr. Emilio Johansen was in charge. More new residents arrived in Colonia Elisa later. These included people from Scandinavia, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
Between 1900 and 1940, more foreigners came, and the population grew. This led to a need for better organization. During this time, Paraguay was also dealing with internal problems. There was also a war with Bolivia, called the Chaco War (1932–1935).
Geography of Villa Elisa
Villa Elisa is only 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Asunción. You can reach it by taking the South Access road. Many public buses travel directly from Asuncion to Villa Elisa.
The city shares borders with several other towns. To the north, it borders Asuncion and Fernando de la Mora. To the east, it borders San Lorenzo and Ñemby. To the west, it borders Lambare. To the south, it borders San Antonio and the Paraguay River.
The land in the Central Department has hills that range from 58 to 250 meters (190 to 820 feet) above sea level. Villa Elisa has land covered with plants. It is a low, sandy area. There are also parts with only trees and bushes. It is a typical savanna, which is a good place for people to live.
Weather in Villa Elisa
The weather in Villa Elisa is mostly tropical. The highest temperatures are in the summer, reaching about 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). The lowest temperatures in winter can be around 1 degree Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit). The average temperature for the whole year is 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Population of Villa Elisa
Villa Elisa is growing very quickly. Its population increases by about 9.52% each year. In 2008, there were 53,166 people living there. Today, everyone in Villa Elisa lives in the urban areas of the city.
Neighborhoods of Villa Elisa
Villa Elisa has 16 neighborhoods. Some of these include:
- San Juan
- Villa Bonita
- Mbocayaty
- Picada
- Sol de América
- Gloria María
- Ypaty
- San Miguel
- Rosedal
- 29 de Setiembre
- 3 Bocas
Culture in Villa Elisa
The city celebrates its local festival on July 16. This day honors the Virgin of the Carmen, who is the patron saint of the city. During this celebration, there are church services and lots of delicious Paraguayan food. Many traditional games are also played. These games include pelota tata (fireball), toro candil, walking on fire, and yvyra syi (soap stick).
Other events in the city include student parades and religious parades. Important dates like Child Day are also celebrated. There are also events to remember soldiers from the Triple Alianza War. A Youth Festival is held on Spring Day, along with other art shows for families.
Villa Elisa has also been named a sub-location for the Lake Festival of Ypacaray. It is known as the folk capital of the south.
Food in Villa Elisa
Just like other cities in Paraguay, Villa Elisa enjoys traditional country food. Some popular dishes include:
These are just a few of the tasty and unique foods you can find.
Notable People from Villa Elisa
One famous person from Villa Elisa is the writer Cristian Gonzalez Safstrand. He was born in the city in 1947. Even though he taught himself, he loved literature from a young age. He read classic stories from writers like the Spanish Miguel de Cervantes and Pedro Antonio de Alarcón. He also read works by the French writer Alexandre Dumas.
Gonzalez started writing in 1984. He published two short novels: Andanzas de un comisario de campaña (Stories of a Country Marshal) and Sueños y conflictos (Conflicts and Dreams). In 1985, he published La vida y sus secuencias (Life and its Sequences). His fourth novel, La pesadilla (The Nightmare), came out in 1989.
Economy of Villa Elisa
Villa Elisa has many factories, shops, and services. Farming, especially growing fruit, is an important activity. A large number of people who work in Villa Elisa also work in the capital city, Asuncion.
See also
In Spanish: Villa Elisa (Paraguay) para niños
