Itapúa, Administrative department in southern Paraguay.
Itapúa is an administrative department in southern Paraguay covering a large area divided into 30 districts. Encarnación, the capital, sits along the Paraná River and serves as the region's main center.
The department was created in 1906 after the division of Misiones, and then grew through immigration waves. The Carlos Antonio López Railway played a key role in building the region's infrastructure.
The region is shaped by descendants of Italian, German, Ukrainian, French, Japanese, Polish, Syrian, and Lebanese immigrants. This cultural blend shows itself in local food, celebrations, and the daily life of its residents.
The San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge connects Encarnación to Posadas in Argentina and provides the main crossing for travelers and commerce. Visitors should be aware this is a border region with international traffic.
The name comes from Guaraní language elements meaning 'tip of stone,' a label connected to the region's founding history. This linguistic tie shows how deeply the area connects to its indigenous roots.
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