Paraguay

Political Geography

• Relative location:– Paraguay is located in

South America between Argentina and Brazil.

• Capital - Ansuncion• Major Cities – San Lorenzo– Capiata– Lambare

Physical Geography• Gran Chaco

– Hot and semi-arid low land region

• Major Rivers– Rio Paraguay– Rio Parana

Paraguay Quick Facts

• Population: 6.5 million• GDP per capita: $4,900• Unemployment rate: 5.7%• % below poverty line: 19.4%• Export: Soybeans (used as a food product and

animal feed)• Import Partners: China and Brazil• Major religion: Roman Catholic• Official Language: Spanish and Gaurani

Climate and Weather

Climate:• Tropical climate in the

Chaco region• Sub-tropical climate in the

Paranena region

Weather/Seasons:• In the Paranena region

there are two distinct seasons.– Summer (Oct. to Mar.)

• Avg. temp 95 deg.– Winter (May to Aug.)

• Avg. temp 71 deg.

Government

• Gained independence from Spain in 1811• Today Paraguay is a representative democratic

republic.– Their government has separation of powers• Three branches

• Their current President is Fernando Lugo– Since 2008

Typical Meals

• Breakfast– Coffee with milk and

toast with butter, cheese and jam

• Lunch (Main meal)– Meat dishes, battered

steak, empanadas, salads, potatoes and rice

• Dinner– Pasta or pascaulina

Tourism

• Casa de la Independencia – Site of the declaration of

independence

• Iguaza Falls– The point where

Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet

• Italpu Dam

Sports

• National Sport – Soccer• Other sports:– Basketball– Chess– Tennis– Piki volleyball

• Played on a sand court, players use their head, feet and chest instead of their hands and arms.

Significant People

• Jose Luis Chilavert– Footballer

• Rossana De Los Rios– Tennis star