Paraguay

Republic of Paraguay / Republica del Paraguay

In the War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70), Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. It stagnated economically for the next half century.

Paraguay Time

Clock showing the local time right now in Paraguay (Asuncion Time Zone)

In the Chaco War of 1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from Bolivia.

Paraguay is in Central South America, north-east of Argentina

Geographic coordinates: 23 00 S, 58 00 W

Border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km

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

Population: 6,506,464 (July 2006 est.)

Capital: Asuncion

Administrative divisions: 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

Independence: 14 May 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Day, 14 May 1811 (observed 15 May annually)