Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America, bordered by Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. Its capital and largest city is Asunción. Paraguay is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and natural beauty.

Paraguay has a population of around 7 million people, and the official language is Spanish and Guarani. The country's economy is based on agriculture, with soybeans, cotton, and corn being the major crops. Paraguay also has significant hydroelectric power resources, which it exports to neighboring countries.

Paraguay's history is marked by indigenous cultures and European colonization, which has left a lasting impact on the country's culture and traditions. The Guarani people, who make up a significant portion of the population, have a rich cultural heritage, and their language, Guarani, is one of the official languages of the country.

Paraguay is known for its unique cuisine, which includes dishes like chipa, a type of bread made with cornmeal and cheese, and sopa paraguaya, a type of cornbread that is similar to a quiche. The country is also known for its traditional music, which is heavily influenced by indigenous and Spanish cultures.

Paraguay is home to a number of natural attractions, including the Pantanal, the largest wetland in the world, which is shared with Brazil and Bolivia. Other notable attractions include the Iguazu Falls, which are located on the border with Brazil and Argentina, and the Chaco, a vast region of wilderness in the west of the country.

Despite being one of the poorest countries in South America, Paraguay has made significant progress in recent years in terms of economic growth and social development. However, challenges remain, including high levels of poverty and inequality, as well as corruption and political instability.

Telephone Code
595

Local Emergency Phone
0

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

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

Currency (Code)
Guarani (PYG)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C

Major Languages
Spanish and Guarani, only Guarani, only Spanish

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Paraguay, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Asuncion; Encarnacion (includes Jesuit Ruins); Cerro Cora National Park; Ciudad del Este & Monday Falls; Ybycui National Park; Aregua

Major Sports
Soccer, rugby

Cultural Practices
Flicking your fingers under your chin signifies not knowing or not caring.

Tipping Guidelines
A tip of 10-15% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares to the nearest 1,000 guarani.

Souvenirs
Yerba guampa cups or mate gourds, wood crafts, native feathered jewelry, filigree jewelry, native fabric and lace items, leather goods, woven baskets, pottery

Traditional Cuisine
Sopá Paraguaí (or Sopa paraguaya) — a spongy cake similar to corn bread made with corn flour, cheese, onion, egg, and milk

Geography
Area
total: 406,752 sq km
land: 397,302 sq km
water: 9,450 sq km

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

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

People and Society
Population
7,439,863 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian ancestry) 95%, other 5%

Languages
Spanish (official) and Guarani (official) 46.3%, only Guarani 34%, only Spanish 15.2%, other (includes Portuguese, German, other Indigenous languages) 4.1%, no response 0.4%; note - data represent predominant household language (2012 est.)

Religions
Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 est.)

Population growth rate
1.12% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Asuncion

Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income South American economy; COVID-19 hit while still recovering from 2019 Argentina-driven recession; global hydroelectricity leader; major corruption and money-laundering locale; highly agrarian economy; significant income inequality

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$91.759 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$13,700 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
soybeans, sugar cane, maize, cassava, wheat, rice, beef, milk, oranges, oil palm fruit

Industries
sugar processing, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, base metals, electric power

Exports
$14.154 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Brazil 32%, Argentina 22%, Chile 8%, Russia 8% (2019)

Exports - commodities
soybeans and soybean products, electricity, beef, corn, insulated wiring (2019)

Imports
$13.454 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Brazil 24%, United States 22%, China 17%, Argentina 10%, Chile 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
broadcasting equipment, cars, pesticides, refined petroleum, tires (2019)