Paraguay Guide and Resources

Check for available hotels in Paraguay

Location
Central South America, northeast of Argentina

Size Comparison To U.S-located Area
slightly smaller than California

Geographic Coordinates
23 00 S, 58 00 W

Capital
Asuncion

Nationality
Paraguayan(s)

Currency
guarani (PYG)

Languages Spoken
Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

Population
5,884,491 (July 2002 est.)

Total Population Ratio Based On Gender
1.01 male(s)/female (2002 est.)

Migrant Ratio
-0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)

Ethnic Groups
mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%

Religion Demographics
Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite, and other Protestant

Geographic Areas
Total :: 406,750 sq km
Land :: 397,300 sq km
Water :: 9,450 sq km
Coastline :: 0 km (landlocked)

Bordered By
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil

Argentina Climate
subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Terrain
grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

Natural Resources
hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Natural Hazards
local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Brief Geography Notes
landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population concentrated in southern part of country

Government
constitutional republic

Administrative Districts
17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city