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Río de Paraná
The Río de Paraná is a river in South America that flows through B razil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It runs 2,570 kilometers (1,600 miles) and is second in size, only to the Amazon River, among South American rivers. Over its course, it is dammed by both the Itaipu Dam and the Yacyretá Dam to produce hydroelectric power. The name Paraná means "like the sea" in the Tupi language.

The Río de Paraná begins at the confluence of the Paranaiba and Grande rivers in southern Brazil. It then flows southwesternly until it hits the city of Saltos del Guaira, Paraguay, there it flows more towards the south and forms the border between Paraguay and Brazil. It then hits the Iguazu River where it then becomes the border between Argentina and Paraguay. The river continues heading south for about another 300 miles before it takes a slight turn to the west where it meets with the Paraguay River. After the confluence with the Paraguay River, the Paraná turns back to the south through Argentina, making a gradual turn to the east near the city of Rosario, then ends when it merges with the Uruguay River to make the Río de la Plata and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.

The river is important to local poor fisherman who make a living off of catching fish in the Paraná and selling them in the local markets. It is also important for trade and shipping for Paraguay and Argentina (Knapp).

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