last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of Paraguay
Location Map of Paraguay
Paraguay
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Quick overview
Paraguay is a fairly flat country split in two by the Paraguay River. To the west, the Chaco, a vast semi-arid plain, consists of pastures where livestock farming dominates. In the east, where 95% of the population lives, you’ll find forests and fertile plains.
Key facts
- Type of place: country.
- Latitude/longitude: 25.16' S, 57.40' W.
- Local time:
- Capital: Asunción
- Nature of the state: presidential republic.
- Official languages: Spanish and Guaraní.
- Currency: Guaraní.
- Population: 7,025,763 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 406,752 km².
- Density: 17 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Cerro Pero (842 m).
- Lowest point:
- Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
Not the most well-known or visited country on the continent, Paraguay is primarily a destination for those who enjoy traveling off the beaten path.
Of all visitors (1.181 million in 2018), it’s mainly Brazilian and especially Argentine neighbors who make up the majority (85% of arrivals between them!), far ahead of Americans, Uruguayans, Chileans, Bolivians, or Spaniards. That said, a large portion of visitors never venture beyond the border city of Ciudad del Este, known for its free-trade zone and "great shopping deals."
Travel essentials
- Destination: for beginner/somewhat experienced travelers.
- By air: France-Asunción.
- Entry requirements: passport.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays
Useful addresses
Socio-economic statistics
- "Quality of life": 110/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $12,800 (2018)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +3.6% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 5.7% (2017)
- Population below the poverty line: 22.2% (2015)
- Life expectancy: 77.6 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.1 (2017)
- Population growth: +1.17% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 93.9% (2012)
- Urban population: 61.6% (2018)
- Press freedom: 107/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: flawed democracy (70/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook