General information about Paraguay

National Independence Bicentennial 1811 - 2011

Geographical Location

Paraguay, the heart of South America, is a landlocked country located between latitudes 19º 18´ S and 27º 36´ S and longitude 59º 19´ W and 62º 38´ W. It borders on the Northern side with Bolivia and Brazil, on the Eastern side with Brazil and Argentina, on the Southern side with Argentina, and on the Western side with Bolivia and Argentina.

Departments

Alto Paraguay, Alto Paraná, Amambay, Boquerón, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Canindeyú, Central, Concepción, Guairá, Itapúa, Cordillera, Misiones, Ñeembucú, Paraguarí, Presidente Hayes y San Pedro.

Weather

Tropical to Subtropical

The average Summer temperature is between 25ºC and 35ºC while the average Winter temperatures is between 10ºC and 20ºC. Asuncion’s average temperature in October is 32ºC.

Time Zone

GMT-4.

Population

6.068.000 inhabitants.

Official Languages

Spanish and Guaraní.

Currency

Guarani, US Dollars are also accepted.

Airport Tax

25 dollars.

Drinking water

Running water is drinkable.

Power supply

220 volts and 50 cycles.

Official Holidays

January 1 - New Year’s Day;
March 1 - Heroes Day;
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
May 1 - Labor Day;
May 15 - Independence Day
June 12 - Peace of the Chaco War
August 15 - Foundation of Asunción
December 8 - Virgin of Caacupé
December 25 - Christmas Day

Religion

Constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom. Predominant religion: Apostolic Roman Catholic .

Government

Republic. Representative Democracy. Consisting of the Executive (Presidential System), a two-chambers Legislature (Senate and House of Representatives) and the Judiciary.