Your guide to being an expatriate in Paraguay

Demographics of Paraguay:

Religion Overview

Paraguay has a predominantly Roman Catholic population, influenced by the country's colonial history. The religion is deeply rooted in daily life and culture, reflecting in its festivals and customs. Other religions, including Protestantism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Adventists, also have a presence in Paraguay.

Major Religions

Climate

Paraguay has a subtropical and humid climate, with hot and rainy summers from November to March, and cooler and dryer winters from June to August. The wettest areas are the eastern parts of the country, while the west is more arid.

Economy Overview

Paraguay's economy is primarily based on agriculture, comprising nearly a third of its GDP and employing a significant portion of the workforce. Other sectors that contribute significantly to the economy include manufacturing, construction, and services. The country has been experiencing steady economic growth over the past decade, with recent signals that it may face challenges related to inflation and public debt.

Key Industries

• Agriculture
• Services
• Manufacturing

Major Companies

• Banco Santander
• Kia Motors Paraguay
• P malcker

Culture and Language Overview

Paraguay's rich cultural heritage is a fascinating mix of indigenous, European, and African influences. The Guarani language and culture have persisted alongside Spanish, reflecting the region's history. Traditional clothing, art, and music continue to play a significant role in Paraguayan society. Festivals, such as Carnaval and Corpus Christi, and traditional foods like chipa and sopa de mondongo (tripe soup) are essential components of the national culture.

Cultural Highlights

• Carnaval de Asuncíon, a vibrant celebratory event showcasing traditional dance, music and costumes.
• National Poetry Day (July 24th), which celebrates Paraguay's arts and writers and is marked by poetry readings, picnics, and book sales.
• Universidad Nacional de Asuncíon (National University of Asuncíon), an academia that has produced notable political, academic and literary figures like former President Fernando Lugo.

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Paraguay's diverse landscape features rich forests, mountains, and water bodies, providing an unrivalled natural beauty. The country's northern and eastern regions are heavily forested, while the Paraguay River passes through the western parts of the country. Notable landmarks include Itaipu Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world sharing the border with Brazil, and the colonial city of San Juan Bautista.

Notable Landmarks

• Itaipu Dam, located between Paraguay and Brazil, generating a significant portion of the region's electricity.
• Historic Jesuit Missions of La Santissima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüeta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the influence of Jesuit missionaries in Paraguay in the 17th century.
• San Juan Bautista, a colonial...
• is located on a river, surrounded by historic buildings, and converging with two important roads: the Primero de Marzo Avenida and the Avenida Danny Martínez, making it a significant focal point for the city of Asunción.

National Holidays

• Independence Day (May 14), commemorating Paraguay's declaration of independence from Spain in 1811.
• National Flag Day (July 12), celebrating the adoption of the national flag in 1842.
• National Rebellion Day (May 25), commemorating the outbreak of the Paraguayan War in 1864.
• Corpus Christi (Variably in June), a cultural festival marking the Catholic celebration.

Political Stability

Paraguay's political landscape is characterized by a multiparty democratic system. The country's President is elected for a five-year term, and the country operates a parliamentary system. The current political climate in Paraguay is marked by ongoing debates on issues such as public debt management, natural resource extraction, and social justice.