The National Order of Merit is given to a person or an organization who has contributed to the benefit of Paraguay in various fields of endeavor. This can include through culture, leadership, and science, among others.
The National Order of Merit was established on April 8, 1865 by Francisco Solano López. In 1867, López declared that women were eligible to earn the award. The award was based on the French Legion of Honor and had several different levels. The highest level was the Grand Cross. The other levels were Knight, Official, Commander and Grand Official.