Paraguarí (; Guaraní: Paraguari) is a departamento in Paraguay. At the 2002 census it had a population of 221,932. The capital is the city of Paraguarí. History The territory which forms this department is located in a valley formerly called "Yarigua'a" that was part of the mission of Jesuit priests in the era of colonization. Numerous villages existed in this area, whose inhabitants were influenced by priests and chaplains responsible for directing agricultural and livestock activities. Part of the territory was occupied also by the Dominican missionaries who were responsible for "Tavapy" with black people. At the end of the 16th century, the Franciscan missionaries founded the city of Yaguarón with indigenous Guaraní. The development of the new population was consolidated in the 17th century and civilians took shape in the 18th century. Foundations followed on which today form part of this department. In 1725 Carapeguá was founded, in 1733 Quiindy, 1766 saw the founding of Ybycuí, in 1769, Pirayú The current capital of the department, Paraguarí, was founded in 1775. Subsequently, Quyquyhó was founded in 1776, Ybytimí and Acahay in 1783 and was founded Caapucú in 1787. During the government of Don Carlos Antonio López this territory benefited by the opening of railways in 1854. Once the Paraguayan War, the tracks reached Villarrica, which generated the founding of new cities like Cerro León, Escobar, Sapucai and General Bernardino Caballero. Over time, people formed two lines, which were on the brink of the route and those who were along the railroad tracks. This situation contributed to the formation of two separate departments in 1906, Quiindy with the cities of Paraguarí and routes that was formed by the towns of Carapegua, Tavapy, General Bernardino Caballero, Escobar, Yaguarón, Pirayú, Ypacaraí and Itauguá, the latter two belonging to the department at present Central. In 1945 the division policy changed, establishing the department of Paraguarí IX as it is currently. Geography Paraguarí is located in the south west of the Eastern Region, between 25°25′ and 26°30′ south and between 56°35′W and 57°40′W. Cordillera and Caaguazú departamentos are to the north; Misiones to the south; Guairá and Caazapá to the east; and Central and Ñeembucú to the west. Paraguarí has a rich variety of soils in the landscape, elevated to the north and hills that are formed by landslides in the mountains of Senior. Towards the downtown area and south west owns land flat and