LocationCentral South America.
Area406,752 sq km (157,048 sq miles).
Population6.7 million (CIA estimate 2007).
Population Density16.4 per sq km.
CapitalAsunción.
Population: 539,000 (2005).
GovernmentRepublic since 1967. Gained independence from Spain in 1811.
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.
Religion89.6% Roman
Catholic, 6.2% Protestant.
TimeGMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in March).
Electricity220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Head of StatePresident Fernando Lugo since 2008.
Recent HistoryFormer 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.
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.
MediaThe 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.
PostAirmail 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 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 UKThird 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 USA2400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 483 6960.
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