Paraguay
Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 6
Currency
💱 Paraguayan guaranÃ
Languages
🗣️ Guarani, Spanish
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Paraguay
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Paraguayan
Independence
May 14, 1811 (from Spain)
Top-Level Domain
.py
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+595
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-04:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Asunción
ISO Alpha-2
PY
ISO Alpha-3
PRY
UN Code
600
Geographic Coordinates
-23,-58
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
406,752#60 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
6,109,644#113 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
17.28
Highest Point (m)
Cerro San Rafael, 850 meters
Lowest Point (m)
Confluence of the Paraguay and Paraná Rivers, 46 meters
Land Use
Agricultural land comprises a significant portion, with forests and grasslands also present.
Irrigated Land
Around 5,800 sq km (2012 estimate).
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Subtropical to temperate; humid in the east, semi-arid in the west.
Natural Resources
Hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil
Major Rivers
Paraguay River, Paraná River.
Major Lakes
Ypacaraí Lake is a notable lake.
Government Type
Presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
17 departments and 1 capital district.
Legal System
Based on Spanish civil law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.
Chief of State
President Santiago Peña
Head of Government
President Santiago Peña (as head of state and government)
Cabinet
Council of Ministers, appointed by the President.
Elections
President and Vice President elected by popular vote for a 5-year term; National Congress elections also occur.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court of Justice, various lower courts.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consisting of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
Major Political Parties
Colorado Party, Liberal Party.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Paraguayan guaranÃ
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
49.28#99 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
141.53#93 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7,026.62#120 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
11.64
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32.32
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
48.07
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.04#62 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3,528,777
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.8#104 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Paraguay's public debt is approximately 35-40% of GDP.
Budget
Paraguay's annual budget is approximately $10-12 billion USD.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
18.32#92 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
19.37#94 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Paraguay's foreign reserves are approximately $8-10 billion USD.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found at major banks and online financial platforms.
GDP by Sector
The economy is primarily driven by services, agriculture, and industry.
Major Industries
Major industries include agriculture, food processing, energy, and textiles.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include Brazil, China, and Argentina.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
94.86#78 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
19.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.7
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is slightly negative or neutral.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 28-30 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
70.39#89 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is about 1-2% annually.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
74#113 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is relatively low, around 0.3%.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
8.36
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly of mixed Spanish and indigenous descent, with significant European and indigenous minorities.
Religions
The main religion is Roman Catholicism, with a growing Protestant population.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Guarani, Spanish
Education
Education System
Paraguay's education system is structured with primary, secondary, and higher education levels, with public and private institutions.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2010)Checked September 29, 2026
12.2
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education in Paraguay is around 3-4% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities in Paraguay include the National University of Asunción and the Catholic University of Asunción.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Paraguayan culture is a blend of indigenous Guaraní and Spanish influences, with strong traditions in music, dance, and crafts.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Dia de los héroes (2026-03-01)
- Jueves Santo (2026-04-02)
- Viernes Santo (2026-04-03)
- Día de los Trabajadores (2026-05-01)
- Independencia (2026-05-14)
- Independencia (2026-05-15)
- Dia de la Paz del Chaco (2026-06-12)
- Fundación de Asunción (2026-08-15)
- Victoria de Boquerón (2026-09-29)
- Virgen de Caacupé (2026-12-08)
- Día de Navidad (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music in Paraguay includes polka paraguaya and other folk genres, along with modern Latin music.
Traditional Food
Traditional Paraguayan food includes sopa paraguaya (a cornbread), chipa (cheese bread), and various meats.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Paraguay.
Major Festivals
Major festivals in Paraguay include the Festival of Saint John and various religious celebrations.
Famous People
Famous Paraguayans include writers Augusto Roa Bastos and musicians like Luis Alberto del Paraná.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Paraguay has sites of cultural heritage, but their specific designation varies.
UNESCO Sites
Paraguay has UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüé.
Annual Tourist Visits
Relatively low, but increasing annually.
Tourism Overview
Emerging tourism sector focused on nature and culture.
Top Tourist Attractions
Iguazu Falls, Jesuit Missions, Gran Chaco, and Itaipu Dam.
Famous Cities
Asunción, Ciudad del Este.
National Parks
Several national parks, protecting diverse ecosystems.
Protected Areas
Significant protected areas for biodiversity conservation.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa-free entry for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions, some areas may have higher risk.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is moderate.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively lower than in developed countries.
Number of Hospitals
There are numerous hospitals and clinics throughout the country.
Universal Healthcare
Paraguay's healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers, with public healthcare available but not fully universal.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, with both public and private options.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in urban areas; access in rural areas may be limited.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police in Paraguay is 911.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances in Paraguay is 141.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department in Paraguay is 132.
Crime Rate
The crime rate index in Paraguay is moderate, with some areas having higher rates than others.
Safety Index
The safety index for Paraguay is moderate.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure in Paraguay is a relatively small percentage of its GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services in Paraguay are available but can vary in efficiency depending on location.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Paraguay's military branches include the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access in Paraguay is high, with a large percentage of the population having access.
Water Access
Access to improved water sources is relatively good in Paraguay, though it can vary between urban and rural areas.
Sanitation Access
Access to improved sanitation facilities is present, but improvements are still needed.
Railways
Paraguay has a limited railway network, primarily for freight transport.
Roadways
Paraguay has a road network, but the quality of roads varies significantly.
Transportation System
The transportation system in Paraguay includes roads, buses, and river transport, with limited railway infrastructure.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Guaraní International Airport (AGT), Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), Teniente Ramon A. Ayub Gonzalez International Airport (ENO), Aeropuerto Nacional Doctor Juan Plate (VMI), Aeropuerto Nacional Dr. Augusto Roberto Fuster (PJC), Aeropuerto Nacional Juan de Ayolas (AYO)
Ports
Paraguay has river ports on the Paraguay and Paraná Rivers, facilitating trade and transportation.
Public Transit
Public transit in major cities like Asunción primarily consists of buses.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
81.58#103 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Around 100 mobile subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in fintech.
Innovation Index
Generally low, but improving, ranking.
ICT Development Index
Moderate, with room for growth.
TV Broadcast Stations
Several television stations, both public and private.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio stations, covering various genres.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.16#135 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally moderate air quality; some urban areas may experience higher pollution levels.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern, particularly from untreated sewage and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing renewable energy sector; hydropower is the dominant source, with some solar and biomass.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity are key issues.
Natural Hazards
Floods, droughts, and occasional severe storms are the main natural hazards.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is developing; landfilling is common, with limited recycling efforts.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major environmental agreements, including climate change, biodiversity, and ozone layer protection.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Member of Mercosur, OAS, and other international organizations.
Major Treaties
Signatory to major international treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens can travel visa-free to a number of countries.