Paraguay is a landlocked country in the heart of South America, bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. It is known for its rich Guaraní culture, vast subtropical wetlands, and the Itaipú Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric plants. The country is sometimes called the 'Heart of South America' due to its central location on the continent.
- Capital
- Asunción
- Continent
- Americas
- Region
- South America
- Area
- 406,752 km²
- Coordinates
- 23° S, 58° W
Country facts
- Paraguay is one of only two landlocked countries in South America, the other being Bolivia.
- Guaraní is an official language alongside Spanish, and most Paraguayans speak both fluently.
- The Paraguayan harp is considered the national instrument and is central to traditional folk music.
- Paraguay shares the Itaipú Dam with Brazil, and it generates a large share of the country's electricity.
- The Gran Chaco region in western Paraguay is one of the largest dry forests in South America and home to diverse wildlife.
Capital facts
- Asunción is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South America, founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1537.
- It served as the base from which many other cities in the region, including Buenos Aires, were established or re-founded.
- The Palacio de los López, a grand 19th-century building on the riverbank, serves as the seat of the Paraguayan government.
- Asunción sits on the eastern bank of the Paraguay River, which forms a natural border with Argentina.
- The city hosts a vibrant annual carnival celebrated with colorful parades and traditional music each February.