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In the Heart of South America 

Due to its location, Paraguay is known as the heart of South America, a landlocked country surrounded by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. Paraguay is home to about 6 million people, where almost a third of the population lives and works in the metropolitan area around the capital city Asuncion. 

Most Paraguayans speak two languages: Spanish and Guarani, an indigenous language. Culture revolves around family and simple pleasures. Tourism is small but steadily growing and centered on its rich natural landscape. 

Demographics

Paraguay's population is distributed unevenly throughout the country. Most people live in the eastern region, most within 160 kilometers (99 mi) of Asunción, the capital and largest city. The Gran Chaco in the north-west, which accounts for about 60% of Paraguayan territory, is home to less than 2% of the population. 

Ethnically, culturally, and socially, Paraguay has one of the most homogeneous populations in South America. About 75% of the people are mestizo (mixed Spanish and Guarani Native descent), 20% are Caucasian, and the rest are small minorities of Indigenous or Afro Paraguayan origin. Little trace is left of the original Guarani culture except the language, which is spoken by 90% of the population. About 75% of all Paraguayans also speak Spanish. 

Both Guarani and Spanish are the official languages.

Climate and Weather

Paraguay has a subtropical climate and is humid with abundant rainfall throughout the year and only moderate seasonal changes in temperature. Warmer temperatures may be expected from October to March and cooler or cold from May to August. In the transitional months of April and September, temperatures may even dip below freezing at night.

Precipitation is evenly distributed across the eastern region. Although local meteorological conditions play a contributing role, rain usually falls in dominant tropical air masses. The least rain falls in August, when averages in various parts of the region range from 100 millimeters (3.9 in) to 200 millimeters (7.9 in). The two periods of maximum precipitation are March through May and October to November, when rainstorms and severe weather conditions may occur.

Housing 

Founded on August 15, 1537, Asuncion—which was once the capital of the colonial River Plata Viceroyalty—is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Modern hotels and office buildings are springing up beside weathered structures of an earlier age in Asuncion's downtown shopping and business area. With profuse, colorful, year-round blossoms in residential gardens and along tree-lined avenues, Asuncion retains a quiet charm but is slowly modernizing and growing upwards. All neighborhoods have large supermarkets nearby, as well as American-style shopping malls, movie theaters and shops. More and more quality restaurants are opening throughout the city. There are several large parks spread throughout central Asuncion. 

Tereré 

One thing that defines Paraguay’s social behavior is the Tereré, an infusion made by steeping yerba mate – dried leaves – in ice cold water. To be offered a round of Tereré is a sign of social acceptance. Having more than one Tereré set is very common in every Paraguayan home, as people can take them everywhere. Paraguayans can be seen drinking Tereré in every public place imaginable. It is the most typical sight in the country. 

Academic Year

The academic year runs from March to December, with only two-week breaks between semesters (usually in June/July).

Useful Telephone Information 

Country Code: +595 

Asunción City Code: 21 

Cell phone numbers are ten-digit numbers that always begin with 09 – e.g. 0981 123 456. 

Landlines are advertised two different ways as a 6- or 7-digit number, or include area code 021 before the 6- or 7-digit number – e.g. 607 930 or (021) 607 930