Brazil is geographically isolated from much of the world, but it has been an active player in the regional geopolitics of South America's Southern Cone ever since it achieved independence from Portugal nearly two centuries ago. It is particularly active in the Rio de la Plata Basin, a temperate and fertile area and one of the most expansive river basins in the world, comprising parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. The rich agricultural lands, river systems, strategic port access and lack of significant geographical barriers has historically led to competition and, at certain points, conflict between these countries. The Triple Alliance War of 1865-1870 epitomized this competition. In that war, in which Paraguay attempted to seize control over the Parana and Rio de la Plata riverine transport networks, Paraguay lost half of its territory and most of its male population.