Paraguay Capital – Asunción

Facts About Paraguay Population: 6,568,290 (2011) Total Area: 157,048 sq. miles Currency:  Paraguayan guaraní 1 USD=4,082.10 The guaraní is currently the least valued currency unit in the Americas.

Climate and Topography of Paraguay The Rio Paraguay divides the country into east and west sections Each section has markedly different cultures and characteristics. Eastern Region rolling hills,  mountains, valleys, lakes, dense forests and a number of cities and towns. Western Region almost completely unpopulated primarily made up of the Chaco, a dry arid region.  Only about 2% of the entire population of Paraguay lives to the west of the Paraguay River

Language in Paraguay Paraguay is a bilingual nation. Both Spanish and Guaraní are official languages. Spanish the dominant language taught in the schools spoken by slightly more than half of the people. A great majority speak Guaraní Amerindian language that evolved from the southern dialect of the Tupi-Guaraní group. It is also the language of widely esteemed literature, drama, and popular music. Guaraní is the only indigenous language of the Americas whose speakers include a large proportion of non-indigenous people.

Religion in Paraguay The constitution provides for freedom of conscience and recognizes no official religion. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion – about 90% Remaining 10% Protestant Jewish Mormon Muslim Baha‘i Mennonite

Government in Paraguay Constitutional Republic 17 departments and 1 capital city Voting – compulsory ages 18-75 3 branches Executive – president – popular vote – single 5-year term Judicial – Supreme Court – 9 seats Legislative – bicameral – Chamber of Senators – 45 seats – popular vote – 5-year terms Chamber of Deputies – 80 seats – popular vote – 5-year terms

Families in Paraguay Paraguayan social life revolves around the family and sports, especially soccer. Day to day life is a peaceful, leisurely pace. Supervising the children and managing the household are typically the responsibilities of wives. Husbands are more occupied with work outside the home. Protective of their children (especially daughters) Parents expect to know when their children are going out and where they are going. Most social activities, vacations, and weekends are family events. Some families will not have modern facilities Few homes have air conditioning, washing machines, dishwashers or microwave ovens. Many of their clothing are light weight for the humid weather. Students wear uniforms to school.

Food In Paraguay Large meals at lunch and dinner Breakfast is quick and light (milk, coffee or tea and bread) Corn, rice, potatoes and wheat are important staples as are fruits in season. Sopa Paraguaya, considered the most traditional dish, is a corn flour cake made with eggs, milk, cheese and onions. Paraguayan families eat their main meal of the day together On Sunday the extended family gathers for dinner.

Fast Facts About Paraguay 1 of only 2 landlocked countries in the heart of South America Agriculture and cattle ranching are the major economic activities of Paraguay. About 95% of the population is mestizo. Paraguay shares the title of the 'most boring country in the world' with Luxembourg. Paraguay is home to the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant, the Itaipu Dam. Up to 50% of the population of Paraguay lives below the poverty line