What countries border Paraguay?
What is the current weather in Paraguay?
What is Paraguay famous for?
What is the capital of Paraguay?
Capital | Asunción |
Government Type | presidential republic |
Currency | Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) |
Total Area |
157,047 Square Miles 406,752 Square Kilometers |
Location | Central South America, northeast of Argentina, southwest of Brazil |
Language | Spanish (official), Guarani (official) |
GDP - real growth rate | 3% |
GDP - per capita (PPP) | $8,800.00 (USD) |
What is the population of Paraguay?
Ethnic Groups | mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95% |
Nationality Noun | Paraguayan(s) |
Population | 7,191,685 |
Population Growth Rate | 1.23% |
Population in Major Urban Areas | ASUNCION (capital) 2.139 million |
Urban Population | 61.900000 |
What type of government does Paraguay have?
Executive Branch |
chief of state: President Santiago PEÑA Palacios (since 15 August 2023); Vice President Pedro Lorenzo ALLIANA Rodríguez (since 15 August 2023); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Santiago PEÑA Palacios (since 15 August 2023); Vice President Pedro Lorenzo ALLIANA Rodríguez (since 15 August 2023) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple majority popular vote for a single 5-year term; election last held on 30 April 2023 (next to be held in April 2028) election results: 2023: Santiago PEÑA Palacios elected president; percent of vote - Santiago PEÑA Palacios (ANR) 43.9%, Efraín ALEGRE (PLRA) 28.3%, Paraguayo "Payo" CUBAS Colomés (PCN) 23.6%, other 4.2% 2018: Mario ABDO BENÍTEZ elected president; percent of vote - Mario ABDO BENÍTEZ (ANR) 49%, Efraín ALEGRE (PLRA) 45.1%, other 5.9% |
Suffrage | 18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 75 |
Citizenship |
citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent: at least one parent must be a native-born citizen of Paraguay dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years |
National Holiday | Independence Day, 14-15 May (1811) (observed 15 May); 14 May is celebrated as Flag Day |
Constitution |
history: several previous; latest approved and promulgated 20 June 1992 amendments: proposed at the initiative of at least one quarter of either chamber of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by petition of at least 30,000 voters; passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by both chambers and approval in a referendum; amended 2011 |
Independence | 14-15 May 1811 (from Spain); note - the uprising against Spanish authorities took place during the night of 14-15 May 1811 and both days are celebrated in Paraguay |
What environmental issues does Paraguay have?
Overview |
Located in the heart of South America, Paraguay is a landlocked, agricultural country. The Parana-Paraguay River system is Paraguay’s commercial access to the outside world. Rivers and their tributaries largely define Paraguay's boundaries, and the Paraguay River divides the country into two dissimilar sections, east and west. The eastern section consists of rolling, fertile farming areas and grasslands, together with large, wooded areas and jungle patches near the Brazilian border. Most of the country's population live in the east and engage in small-scale agriculture. Asuncion and other commercially important towns-Encarnacion, Ciudad del Este, Pedro Juan Caballero, Concepcion, Coronel Oviedo, and Villarrica are in this area, and most are accessible by paved roads. The western section, nearly two-thirds of Paraguay's total area, is called the Chaco. It is a low-lying plateau covered with grassy meadows, bogs, spiny bushes, palms, and small trees. Lacking roads and navigable rivers, much of the region is inaccessible. Only 3% of the population live in this area. The riverfront elevation of Asuncion is 177 feet above sea level. Residential areas are situated on low hills that rise another 200 feet. Elevations throughout Paraguay are moderate, the highest range of hills, located in the eastern region, rises to about 2,000 feet. |
Climate |
Paraguay's climate is seasonal and subject to abrupt changes. It is subtropical, with summer and winter seasons opposite those in the United States. Winds are generally moderate, but high winds accompanied by thunder and electrical storms are common, especially in summer. The long, hot summer lasts from October through March, with January average maximum temperature 91ºF and mean temperature 81øF. Severe hot spells with very high humidity are common. Temperatures often exceed 100ºF during the day from December to February (the official record high temperature is 109ºF), with little relief at night. Winter extends from June through August. Cold snaps of 4 or 5 days with temperatures in the low 40s and high 30s are interspersed with several days in the upper 70s and low 80s. Frosts occur rarely. The official record low in Asuncion is 32ºF, although the damp air make it seem much colder. With frequent and abrupt changes, from winter to summer-like weather and back again (temperature changes of 20ºF-50ºF are common), Relative humidity ranges between 67% and 78% (monthly averages) year round and is particularly high in summer. |
Border Countries | Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km |
Environment - Current Issues | deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal present health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands |
Environment - International Agreements | party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements |
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 |
How big is the Paraguay economy?
Economic Overview |
Agriculture: The Backbone of Paraguay's Economy Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Paraguay's economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and employment. Known as the "Heart of South America," Paraguay boasts fertile lands conducive to cultivating crops such as soybeans, corn, wheat, and sugarcane. The country is a leading global exporter of soybeans, with vast expanses of land dedicated to this lucrative crop. Furthermore, Paraguay's livestock sector, including cattle and poultry farming, plays a vital role in the economy, catering to both domestic consumption and export markets. Agricultural expansion and modernization efforts have propelled Paraguay into the global spotlight, attracting investment and driving economic growth. Diversification and Industrialization In recent years, Paraguay has endeavored to diversify its economy beyond agriculture, embracing industrialization and innovation. Manufacturing has grown significantly, particularly in food processing, textiles, and automotive assembly. Foreign investment has played a pivotal role in driving this expansion, with multinational corporations establishing operations in the country to capitalize on its strategic location and business-friendly environment. Paraguay's renewable energy sector is also gaining momentum, with investments in hydroelectric power generation harnessing the country's abundant water resources. The Itaipu Dam, one of the world's most extensive hydroelectric facilities, symbolizes Paraguay's commitment to clean energy and sustainability. Trade and Regional Integration Paraguay's strategic location at the crossroads of South America has positioned it as a key player in regional trade and integration initiatives. The country is a member of Mercosur, a regional trading bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, and capital among member states. Furthermore, Paraguay's export-oriented economy benefits from preferential trade agreements with various countries, enhancing its access to international markets. The country's export portfolio includes agricultural products, textiles, minerals, and manufactured goods, with neighboring countries serving as primary trading partners. Challenges and Opportunities While Paraguay's economic growth story is impressive, the country faces challenges that require attention and proactive measures. Inequality, infrastructure deficiencies, and institutional reforms are among the key areas that policymakers are addressing to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. Moreover, Paraguay must navigate external factors such as global market volatility and climate change, which pose risks to its agricultural-dependent economy. Diversification efforts and investments in human capital and infrastructure are essential to building resilience and fostering long-term prosperity. |
Industries | sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, metallurgic, electric power |
Currency Name and Code | Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) |
Export Partners | Brazil 29.8%, Argentina 18%, Chile 5.5%, Bermuda 4% |
Import Partners | Brazil 28.9%, US 22.5%, Argentina 17.7%, Uruguay 4.7%, Hong Kong 4.3%, China 4.1% |
What current events are happening in Paraguay?
Source: Google News
What makes Paraguay a unique country to travel to?