Official Name: República del Paraguay (Spanish); Tetä Paraguáype (Guaraní) (Republic of Paraguay)

Area: South America

Size: 406,752 km²

Coastline: Landlocked

Independence: from Spain May 14, 1811 

Form of Govt.: Multiparty republic

Head of Govt.: President

Capital: Asunción

Largest City: Asunción

Demographics (2005): 6,158,000.  15 /km²

mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 70%, unmixed white 25%, unmixed Amerindian 3%, Asian (Chinese, Taiwanese and Japanese Okinawan) 2%.

GDP per Capita (2005): $4,555

Languages: Spanish and Guarani

Geography: The country is divided into two topographical regions by the Paraguay River, with 60% of the land west and north of the river. (1.) Occidental or Western Paraguay which is a waterless prairie covered by dry grass and shadeless trees. (2.) Eastern Paraguay also known as Paraguay Proper consists of sparse plains, broad valleys and rolling hills. Rivers dominate the country's natural features and the three principal rivers are the Paraguay, Parana and Pilcomayo while the largest lakes are Lake Ypoa and Lake Ypacarai.

Climate: Paraguay has two climatic zones. (1.) A temperate climate which is experienced by 66% of the country and is characterized by mild conditions. (2.) A tropical climate with hot and humid conditions which is experienced by 33% of the country. The prevailing summer wind is the hot Sirocco from the northeast while the cold Pompero is experienced in winter. Average annual precipitation in the east is around 2,030 mm and diminishes westward to an average of 1,190 mm. Average temperature ranges in Asuncion are from 12 to 22 degrees in June to 22 to 35 degrees in January.