One of South America's Oldest German Communities
When Germans think about emigrating to South America, Argentina and Brazil usually come to mind. Yet Paraguay hosts one of the continent's most fascinating German communities, with an estimated 50,000–80,000 Paraguayans of German descent. Their history spans over 140 years.
The Mennonites: Chaco Pioneers
The most well-known German group in Paraguay is the Mennonites — a Protestant faith community originating in 16th-century Netherlands. Beginning in 1927, they arrived in Paraguay seeking religious freedom and autonomy. In exchange for settling the Chaco (then considered uninhabitable), the Paraguayan government granted them complete autonomy in education, religion, and military exemption.
Three main colonies exist today: Menno (1927, most conservative), Fernheim (1930, somewhat more open), and Neuland (1947, post-WWII refugees). Together they transformed the Chaco into a major agricultural region, producing a significant share of Paraguay's dairy and meat output.
19th and 20th Century Settlers
From 1881 onward, German settlers moved to eastern Paraguay, founding communities in Encarnación, Hohenau, Obligado, and Bella Vista. These towns still bear German family names, Lutheran churches, and occasional German-language signs.
German Life in Paraguay Today
- Colegio Alemán Asunción — bilingual German-Spanish school
- German-Paraguayan Chamber of Commerce (AHK Paraguay)
- Clube Alemão Asunción (century-old sports club)
- German Evangelical congregation
- Active German-speaking professional networks (doctors, lawyers, tax advisors, realtors)
New arrivals will find a welcoming community with practical support through expat Facebook and WhatsApp groups.
