GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
Paraguay is a landlocked country situated in South America between Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. The eastern region — officially called Eastern Paraguay (Paraguay Oriental) and known as the Paraneña region — and the western region — officially Western Paraguay (Paraguay Occidental) and known as the Chaco .
Paraguay ranks 58th in the world in Country size with 406.752 km2 (Paraguay is almost as large as the US state of California). Of its 5.8 million inhabitants, 52% live in towns and 48% in the country-side. With 13 people per km2, Paraguay is not very populated.
The natural environment of Paraguay is one of the most diverse you could find anywhere in the world. From green grasslands, to thorny forests and palm savannas, the country is an exciting blend of natural beauty. It’s a land that still holds untouched wildernesses much like the first explorers witnessed.
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
25ş 16' S, 57ş 40' W
Land Areas
(land) 153,398 sq miles (397,300 sq km)
(water) 3,659 sq miles (9,450 sq km)
(TOTAL) 157,057 sq miles (406,750 sq km)
Landforms Paraguay is landlocked and criss-crossed by many rivers. The three largest - the Paraguay, Parana and Pilcomayo - form over 75% of the country's borders. Paraguay has an access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Parana River.
The Republic of Paraguay was named for the Paraguay River that runs from north to south through the center of the country. The river separates Paraguay into two very distinct regions, Eastern Paraguay and Western Paraguay. And, each region has a character, terrain and climate all it’s own.
Two major regions divide the country; the Paranena, east of the Paraquay River; is a fertile, cultivated landscape, with rolling hills, low mountains and subtropical forests. The region has numerous streams and lakes and dense tropical forests that are abundant with wildlife. The majority of the towns and cities are located in the Eastern Region and still display the countries pioneer and colonial traits in the local architecture.
To the west of the Paraguay River, the hot scrub lands and low plains of the Chaco cover about 60% of Paraguay's total land area. The Western Region of the country is by far the largest area, but also the least populated. It’s a vast, mostly infertile tract of land that experiences a wet and dry climate. Areas of land that are deserts throughout the winter months, become swamp lands during the summer rains. Some of the highest temperatures on the planet have been recorded in this region.
Highest Pt. Cerro Pero - 2,762 ft. (842 m)
Lowest Pt. At the junction of the Paraguay and Parana Rivers - 151 ft. (46 m)
Paraguay experiences a subtropical climate in the Paraneña region and a tropical climate in the Chaco. The Paraneña region is humid, with abundant precipitation throughout the year and only moderate seasonal changes in temperature. During the Southern Hemisphere's summer, which corresponds to the northern winter, the dominant influence on the climate is the warm sirocco winds blowing out of the northeast. During the winter, the dominant wind is the cold pampero the South Atlantic, which blows across Argentina and is deflected northeastward by the Andes in the southern part of that country.
WEATHER
During the months from October till April, the wardrobe should include summer outfit, water activities and bathing suits as the temperature fluctuates between 25C and 38C. A light coat and umbrella should be also on hand due to random showers. Between May and September the days are cooler, so the pullover, light overcoat and a jogging suit should be available.
