Paraguay Travel Guide

Paraguay — Country and Tourist Information

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Country Facts

Location: Central South America.
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.
Area: 406,752 sq km (157,048 sq miles).
Time Zone: GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in March).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Population: 6.7 million (CIA estimate 2007).
Population Density: 16.4 per sq km.
Capital City: Asunción. Population: 539,000 (2005).
Government: Republic since 1967. Gained independence from Spain in 1811.
Head of State: President Fernando Lugo since 2008.
Religion: 89.6% Roman Catholic, 6.2% Protestant.

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.

Communications

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 cafés 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.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2011-December 2012 period.
2010
25 Dec Christmas Day

2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
1 Mar Heroes’ Day
22 Apr Good Friday
24 Apr Easter Sunday
25 Apr Easter Monday
1 May Labor Day
15 May Independence Day
12 Jun Peace of Chaco
15 Aug Founding of Asunción
8 Dec Immaculate Conception
25 Dec Christmas Day

2012
1 Jan New Year’s Day
1 Mar Heroes’ Day
6 Apr Good Friday
8 Apr Easter Sunday
9 Apr Easter Monday
1 May Labor Day
15 May Independence Day
12 Jun Peace of Chaco
15 Aug Founding of Asunción
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).