Paraguay Country & Tourist Information

Location
Central South America.

Area
406,752 sq km (157,048 sq miles).

Population
6.7 million (CIA estimate 2007).

Population Density
16.4 per sq km.

Capital
Asunción.
Population: 539,000 (2005).

Government
Republic since 1967. Gained independence from Spain in 1811.

Language
The 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.

Religion
89.6% Roman Catholic, 6.2% Protestant.

Time
GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in March).

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Head of State
President Fernando Lugo since 2008.

Recent History
Former Roman Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo won presidential elections in April 2008, removing the ruling Colorado Party from power for the first time since 1947. He was previously known for advocating land reforms and trying to renegotiate an energy treaty with Brazil. He formed the center-left Patriotic Alliance for Change by bringing together leftist unions, indigenous people and poor farmers.

Corruption remains widespread and Paraguay is a center for smuggling, money laundering and organized crime. Around 30% of Paraguayans live in poverty.

Former military leader, Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled the country for more than three decades until he was deposed in 1989, died in exile in 2006.

Telephone
Country code: 595. Moderate internal network apart from the main cities.

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to urban areas.

Internet
Internet cafes are available in main urban areas.

Media
The press and broadcasters air a range of views, including those of the opposition. But journalists investigating corruption, or covering strikes and protests, risk intimidation, and media outlets sometimes face legal harassment.

Post
Airmail to Europe takes five days.

Press
• The main daily 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 2009-December 2010 period.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
1 Mar Heroes' Day. 
10 Apr Good Friday.
13 Apr Easter Sunday.
14 Apr 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.

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
1 Mar Heroes' Day. 
2 Apr Good Friday.
4 Apr Easter Sunday.
5 Apr 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 Turismo
Palma 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 UK
Third Floor, 344 Kensington High Street, 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 USA
2400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 483 6960.


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