LocationCentral South America.
Area406,752 sq km (157,048 sq miles).
Population6.2 million (UN, 2005).
Population Density15.24 per sq km.
CapitalAsunción.
Population: 539,000 (2005).
GovernmentRepublic since 1967. Gained independence from Spain in 1811.
Recent history: Nicanor Duarte, from the ruling Colorado Party, won presidential elections in April 2003 with 38 per cent of the vote. Desptie a campaign based on promises to crack down on crime and corruption and to create
new jobs through public work programs, corruption remains widespread and Paraguay is a center for smuggling, money laundering and organized crime. Around 60 per cent of Paraguayans live in poverty.
LanguageThe official languages are Spanish and Guaraní; Guaraní is spoken by most of the rural population. Most Paraguayans are bilingual, but prefer to speak Guaraní outside Asunción.
ReligionMostly Roman Catholic.
TimeGMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in March).
Electricity220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Head of State President Óscar Nicanor Duarte Frutos since 2003.
TelephoneCountry code: 595. Moderate internal network apart from the main cities.
Mobile TelephoneRoaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to urban areas.
InternetInternet cafes are available in main urban areas.
PostAirmail to Europe takes five days.
Press• The main newspapers are
ABC Color,
La Nación and
Ultima Hora.
• American newspapers are available.
Radio•
Radio Nacional del Paraguay is state run.
• Other stations include
Radio Cardinal,
Radio City,
Radio Canal 100,
Radio Nanduti and
Radio Venus.
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.
2007
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
1 Mar Heroes’ Day.
5 Apr Maundy Thursday.
6 Apr Good Friday.
8 Apr Easter.
1 May Labor Day.
15 May Independence Day.
12 Jun Peace of Chaco.
15 Aug Founding of Asunción.
29 Sep Battle of Boquerón.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
1 Mar Heroes’ Day.
21 Mar Good Friday.
23 Mar Easter Sunday.
24 Mar Easter Monday.
1 May Labor Day.
15 May Independence Day.
12 Jun Peace of Chaco.
15 Aug Founding of Asunción.
29 Sep Battle of Boquerón.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
Contact Information:Secretaría Nacional de TurismoPalma 468, casi 14 de Mayo, Edificio Central, Asunción, Paraguay
Tel: (21) 494 110.
Website:
www.senatur.gov.py Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay in the UK344 Kensington High Street, 3rd Floor, London W14 8NS, UK
Tel: (020) 7610 4180.
Website:
www.paraguayembassy.co.uk Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1630 (consular section, Mon-Fri 1000-1500).
Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay in the USA2400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 483 6960.
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