Paraguay
South AmericaPA December 10, 2025
Background
Several Indigenous groups, principally belonging to the Guarani language family, inhabited the area of modern Paraguay before the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century, when the territory was incorporated into the Viceroyalty of Peru. Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811 with the help of neighboring states. In the aftermath of independence, a series of military dictators ruled the country until 1870. During the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1864-70) -- fought against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay -- Paraguay lost two thirds of its adult males and much of its territory. The country stagnated economically for the next half-century and experienced a tumultuous series of political regimes. Following the Chaco War of 1932-35 with Bolivia, Paraguay gained a large part of the Chaco lowland region. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER ended in 1989, and Paraguay has held relatively free and regular presidential elections since the country's return to democracy.
Geographic coordinates
23 00 S, 58 00 W
Natural hazards
local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)
Area - comparative
about three times the size of New York State; slightly smaller than California
Environmental issues
deforestation; water pollution; toxic dumping in rivers and streams; loss of wetlands; inadequate means for waste disposal in urban areas
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
Signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 2006
Signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 2006
Climate
subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Land boundaries
Total: 4,655 km
Border countries (3): Argentina 2,531 km; Bolivia 753 km; Brazil 1,371 km
Border countries (3): Argentina 2,531 km; Bolivia 753 km; Brazil 1,371 km
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Natural resources
hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone
Geography - note
landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population concentrated in eastern and southern part of country
Terrain
grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere
Location
Central South America, northeast of Argentina, southwest of Brazil
Map references
South America
Irrigated land
1,362 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
387.77 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population resides in the eastern half of the country; to the west lies the Gran Chaco (a semi-arid lowland plain), which accounts for 60% of the land territory, but only 2% of the overall population
Elevation
Highest point: Cerro Pero 842 m
Lowest point: Junction of Río Paraguay and Río Paraná 46 m
Mean elevation: 178 m
Lowest point: Junction of Río Paraguay and Río Paraná 46 m
Mean elevation: 178 m
Major aquifers
Guarani Aquifer System
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Paraná (2,582,704 sq km)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Río de la Plata/Paraná (shared with Brazil [s], Argentina, and Uruguay [m]) - 4,880 km; Paraguay river mouth (shared with Brazil [s] and Argentina) - 2,549 km
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Area
Total : 406,752 sq km
Land: 397,302 sq km
Water: 9,450 sq km
Land: 397,302 sq km
Water: 9,450 sq km
Land use
Agricultural land: 54.1% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 11.5% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 42.4% (2023 est.)
Forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
Other: 7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 11.5% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 42.4% (2023 est.)
Forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
Other: 7% (2023 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 22.2% (male 850,191/female 821,237)
15-64 years: 68.4% (male 2,582,021/female 2,561,962)
65 years and over: 9.4% (2024 est.) (male 337,164/female 369,974)
15-64 years: 68.4% (male 2,582,021/female 2,561,962)
65 years and over: 9.4% (2024 est.) (male 337,164/female 369,974)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
Total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
Total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Paraguayan(s)
Adjective: Paraguayan
Adjective: Paraguayan
Urbanization
Urban population: 63.1% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.511 million ASUNCION (capital) (2023)
Physician density
3.89 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
22.9 years (2008 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 46.2 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 32.5 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 13.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 7.3 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 32.5 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 13.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 7.3 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 94.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 5.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 94.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 5.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Spanish and Indigenous ancestry) 95%, other 5%
Religions
Roman Catholic 80.4%, Protestant 7% (Evangelical (non-specific) 6.7%, Evangelical Pentecostal <0.1%, Adventist <0.1%, Protestant (non-specific) <0.1%), Believer (not belonging to the church) 5.7%, other 0.6%, agnostic <0.1%, none 0.2%, unspecified 6.2% (2023 est.)
Languages
Spanish (official) and Guarani (official) 46.3%, only Guarani 34%, only Spanish 15.2%, other (includes Portuguese, German, other Indigenous languages) 4.1%, no response 0.4% (2012 est.)
Major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: data represent predominant household language
Major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: data represent predominant household language
Health expenditure
8% of GDP (2021)
17.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
17.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 3.6% (2016)
Women married by age 18: 21.6% (2016)
Women married by age 18: 21.6% (2016)
Gross reproduction rate
0.92 (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 14.1% (2024 est.)
Male: 11% (2024 est.)
Female: 18.8% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 11% (2024 est.)
Female: 18.8% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 31.8 years (2024 est.)
Male: 31.6 years
Female: 32 years
Male: 31.6 years
Female: 32 years
Maternal mortality ratio
58 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.88 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 7,522,549 (2024 est.)
Male: 3,769,376
Female: 3,753,173
Male: 3,769,376
Female: 3,753,173
Infant mortality rate
Total: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 26.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 26.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 17.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 9.3% (2025 est.)
Male: 15.5% (2025 est.)
Female: 3.3% (2025 est.)
Male: 15.5% (2025 est.)
Female: 3.3% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.3% (2016)
Death rate
4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
15.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 5.47 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.27 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.27 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 78.8 years (2024 est.)
Male: 76.2 years
Female: 81.6 years
Male: 76.2 years
Female: 81.6 years
Population growth rate
1.09% (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 94.9% (2024 est.)
Male: 95.4% (2024 est.)
Female: 94.3% (2024 est.)
Male: 95.4% (2024 est.)
Female: 94.3% (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.8% (2022 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
1.3% (2016 est.)
Education expenditure
3.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
11.7% national budget (2025 est.)
11.7% national budget (2025 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 362 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 154 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 1.897 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 154 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 1.897 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.819 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 18.1% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 18.1% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
12.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
7.509 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 7.507 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 7.507 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
25.733 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Robert ALTER (since July 2025)
Embassy: 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, Asuncion
Mailing address: 3020 Asuncion Place, Washington DC 20521-3020
Telephone: [595] (21) 248-3000
FAX: [595] (21) 213-728
Email address and website:
ParaguayACS@state.gov
https://py.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, Asuncion
Mailing address: 3020 Asuncion Place, Washington DC 20521-3020
Telephone: [595] (21) 248-3000
FAX: [595] (21) 213-728
Email address and website:
ParaguayACS@state.gov
https://py.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*, Boquerón, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Canindeyú, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guairá, Itapúa, Misiones, Ñeembucú, Paraguarí, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro
Capital
Name: Asunción
Geographic coordinates: 25 16 S, 57 40 W
Time difference: UTC-3 (2 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name means "assumption" in Spanish; the Spanish founded the city on August 15, 1537, the Catholic feast day for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Geographic coordinates: 25 16 S, 57 40 W
Time difference: UTC-3 (2 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name means "assumption" in Spanish; the Spanish founded the city on August 15, 1537, the Catholic feast day for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Constitution
History: Several previous; latest approved and promulgated 20 June 1992
Amendment process: Proposed at the initiative of at least one quarter of either chamber of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by petition of at least 30,000 voters; passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by both chambers and approval in a referendum
Amendment process: Proposed at the initiative of at least one quarter of either chamber of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by petition of at least 30,000 voters; passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by both chambers and approval in a referendum
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Santiago PEÑA Palacios (since 15 August 2023)
Head of government: President Santiago PEÑA Palacios (since 15 August 2023)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple-majority popular vote for a single 5-year term
Most recent election date: 30 April 2023
Election results:
2023: Santiago PEÑA Palacios elected president; percent of vote - Santiago PEÑA Palacios (ANR) 43.9%, Efraín ALEGRE (PLRA) 28.3%, Paraguayo "Payo" CUBAS Colomés (PCN) 23.6%, other 4.2%
2018: Mario ABDO BENÍTEZ elected president; percent of vote - Mario ABDO BENÍTEZ (ANR) 49%, Efraín ALEGRE (PLRA) 45.1%, other 5.9%
Expected date of next election: April 2028
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Head of government: President Santiago PEÑA Palacios (since 15 August 2023)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple-majority popular vote for a single 5-year term
Most recent election date: 30 April 2023
Election results:
2023: Santiago PEÑA Palacios elected president; percent of vote - Santiago PEÑA Palacios (ANR) 43.9%, Efraín ALEGRE (PLRA) 28.3%, Paraguayo "Payo" CUBAS Colomés (PCN) 23.6%, other 4.2%
2018: Mario ABDO BENÍTEZ elected president; percent of vote - Mario ABDO BENÍTEZ (ANR) 49%, Efraín ALEGRE (PLRA) 45.1%, other 5.9%
Expected date of next election: April 2028
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Flag
Description: Three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue, with an emblem centered on the white band; the emblem on one side of the flag is the national coat of arms, which has a five-pointed yellow star in a green wreath with the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY around it, all inside two circles; the other side of the flag has a circular treasury seal (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words PAZ Y JUSTICIA)
Meaning: Red stands for bravery and patriotism, white for integrity and peace, and blue for liberty and generosity
Note 1: Resembles the flag of the Netherlands, which does not have a central emblem
Note 2: One of three national flags that differ on each side -- the others are Moldova and Saudi Arabia
Meaning: Red stands for bravery and patriotism, white for integrity and peace, and blue for liberty and generosity
Note 1: Resembles the flag of the Netherlands, which does not have a central emblem
Note 2: One of three national flags that differ on each side -- the others are Moldova and Saudi Arabia
Independence
14-15 May 1811 (from Spain)
Note: The uprising against Spanish authorities took place during the night of 14-15 May 1811, so both days are celebrated in Paraguay
Note: The uprising against Spanish authorities took place during the night of 14-15 May 1811, so both days are celebrated in Paraguay
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 9 justices divided 3 each into the Constitutional Court, Civil and Commercial Chamber, and Criminal Division)
Judge selection and term of office: Justices proposed by the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura, a 6-member independent body, and appointed by the Chamber of Senators with presidential concurrence; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 75
Subordinate courts: Appellate courts; first instance courts; minor courts, including justices of the peace
Judge selection and term of office: Justices proposed by the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura, a 6-member independent body, and appointed by the Chamber of Senators with presidential concurrence; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 75
Subordinate courts: Appellate courts; first instance courts; minor courts, including justices of the peace
Legal system
civil law system with influences from Argentine, Spanish, Roman, and French civil law models; Supreme Court of Justice reviews legislative acts
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Congress (Congreso)
Legislative structure: Bicameral
Legislative structure: Bicameral
International organization participation
CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, PROSUR, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHRC, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 14-15 May (1811) (observed 15 May); 14 May is celebrated as Flag Day
Political parties
Asociacion Nacional Republicana (National Republican Association) - Colorado Party or ANR
Avanza Pais coalition or AP
Frente Guasu (Broad Front coalition) or FG
GANAR Alliance (Great Renewed National Alliance) (alliance between PLRA and Guasú Front)
Movimiento Hagamos or MH
Movimiento Union Nacional de Ciudadanos Eticos (National Union of Ethical Citizens) or UNACE
Partido Cruzada Nacional (National Crusade Party) or PCN; note - formerly Movimiento Cruzada Nacional
Partido del Movimiento al Socialismo or P-MAS
Partido Democratica Progresista (Progressive Democratic Party) or PDP
Partido Encuentro Nacional or PEN
Partido Liberal Radical Autentico (Authentic Radical Liberal Party) or PLRA
Partido Pais Solidario or PPS
Partido Popular Tekojoja or PPT
Patria Querida (Beloved Fatherland Party) or PPQ
Avanza Pais coalition or AP
Frente Guasu (Broad Front coalition) or FG
GANAR Alliance (Great Renewed National Alliance) (alliance between PLRA and Guasú Front)
Movimiento Hagamos or MH
Movimiento Union Nacional de Ciudadanos Eticos (National Union of Ethical Citizens) or UNACE
Partido Cruzada Nacional (National Crusade Party) or PCN; note - formerly Movimiento Cruzada Nacional
Partido del Movimiento al Socialismo or P-MAS
Partido Democratica Progresista (Progressive Democratic Party) or PDP
Partido Encuentro Nacional or PEN
Partido Liberal Radical Autentico (Authentic Radical Liberal Party) or PLRA
Partido Pais Solidario or PPS
Partido Popular Tekojoja or PPT
Patria Querida (Beloved Fatherland Party) or PPQ
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 75
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay
Conventional short form: Paraguay
Local long form: República del Paraguay
Local short form: Paraguay
Etymology: Derives from the river of the same name; the river's name may come from the Guarani words para (water or river) and guay (born)
Conventional short form: Paraguay
Local long form: República del Paraguay
Local short form: Paraguay
Etymology: Derives from the river of the same name; the river's name may come from the Guarani words para (water or river) and guay (born)
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Gustavo Alfredo LEITE Gusinky (since 5 September 2025)
Chancery: 2209 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960
FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508
Email address and website:
Gabineteembaparusa@mre.gov.py
Embajada de la República del Paraguay ante los Estados Unidos de América :: The Embassy (mre.gov.py)
Consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York
Chancery: 2209 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960
FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508
Email address and website:
Gabineteembaparusa@mre.gov.py
Embajada de la República del Paraguay ante los Estados Unidos de América :: The Embassy (mre.gov.py)
Consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York
National anthem(s)
Title: "Paraguayos, Republica o muerte!" (Paraguayans, the Republic or Death!)
Lyrics/music: Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/Remberto GIMENEZ
History: Adopted 1846 (lyrics) and 1934 (music)
Lyrics/music: Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/Remberto GIMENEZ
History: Adopted 1846 (lyrics) and 1934 (music)
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
lion
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: Yes
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a native-born citizen of Paraguay
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a native-born citizen of Paraguay
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue
National color(s)
red, white, blue
Population below poverty line
24.7% (2022 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 1.8% (2023 est.)
Highest 10%: 34.4% (2023 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 34.4% (2023 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
soybeans, beef, electricity, corn, soybean meal (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Argentina 33%, Brazil 25%, Chile 10%, USA 2%, Uruguay 2% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
soybeans, sugarcane, maize, cassava, wheat, rice, milk, beef, oranges, bananas (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $7.751 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $9.397 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $9.397 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, fertilizers, cars, pesticides (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
guarani (PYG) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
7,560.248 (2024 est.)
7,288.872 (2023 est.)
6,982.752 (2022 est.)
6,774.163 (2021 est.)
6,771.097 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
7,560.248 (2024 est.)
7,288.872 (2023 est.)
6,982.752 (2022 est.)
6,774.163 (2021 est.)
6,771.097 (2020 est.)
Industries
sugar processing, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, base metals, electric power
Economic overview
upper middle-income South American economy; COVID-19 hit while still recovering from 2019 Argentina-driven recession; global hydroelectricity leader; major corruption and money-laundering locale; highly agrarian economy; significant income inequality
GDP (official exchange rate)
$44.458 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 67% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 12.6% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 21% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 1.8% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 37.2% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -39.6% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 12.6% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 21% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 1.8% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 37.2% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -39.6% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
China 33%, Brazil 24%, USA 8%, Argentina 7%, Germany 2% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 29.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 4.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 4.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
2% of GDP (2024 est.)
1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
3.502 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$13.783 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$9.886 billion (2023 est.)
$9.519 billion (2022 est.)
$9.661 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$9.519 billion (2022 est.)
$9.661 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
6.1% (2024 est.)
5.8% (2023 est.)
6.8% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
5.8% (2023 est.)
6.8% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
10.1% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$112.919 billion (2024 est.)
$108.316 billion (2023 est.)
$103.159 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$108.316 billion (2023 est.)
$103.159 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
3.8% (2024 est.)
4.6% (2023 est.)
9.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
4.6% (2023 est.)
9.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$1.666 billion (2024 est.)
-$176.597 million (2023 est.)
-$2.948 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$176.597 million (2023 est.)
-$2.948 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$16,300 (2024 est.)
$15,800 (2023 est.)
$15,300 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$15,800 (2023 est.)
$15,300 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$18.377 billion (2024 est.)
$17.848 billion (2023 est.)
$17.088 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$17.848 billion (2023 est.)
$17.088 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$17.395 billion (2024 est.)
$18.581 billion (2023 est.)
$14.971 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$18.581 billion (2023 est.)
$14.971 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
4.2% (2024 est.)
5% (2023 est.)
0.2% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
5% (2023 est.)
0.2% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
2.2% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 10.7% (2024 est.)
Industry: 32.5% (2024 est.)
Services: 48.7% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 32.5% (2024 est.)
Services: 48.7% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Consumption: 700 metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 10 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 100 metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 10 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 100 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Hydroelectricity: 99.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 52,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 52,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 8.928 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 14.835 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 24.202 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 5.209 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 14.835 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 24.202 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 5.209 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 78% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.py
Broadcast media
6 privately owned TV stations; about 75 commercial and community radio stations; 1 state-owned radio network (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 8.67 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 128 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 128 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 878,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 206,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 30 km (2014)
Standard gauge: 30 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Standard gauge: 30 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
ZP
Airports
83 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 108 (2023)
By type: Container ship 2, general cargo 22, oil tanker 5, other 79
By type: Container ship 2, general cargo 22, oil tanker 5, other 79
Heliports
29 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military service; conscript service obligation is 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy; conscripts also serve in the National Police (2024)
Note: As of 2021, women made up about 6% of the active military
Note: As of 2021, women made up about 6% of the active military
Military expenditures
0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
1% of GDP (2021 est.)
1% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
1% of GDP (2021 est.)
1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Paraguay (Fuerzas Armadas de Paraguay; aka Armed Forces of the Nation or Fuerzas Armadas de la Nación): Paraguayan Army (Ejército Paraguayo), Paraguayan Navy (Armada Paraguaya; includes marines), Paraguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Paraguaya)
Ministry of Internal Affairs: National Police of Paraguay (Policía Nacional del Paraguay, PNP) (2025)
Ministry of Internal Affairs: National Police of Paraguay (Policía Nacional del Paraguay, PNP) (2025)
Military - note
the Paraguayan military is responsible for external defense and has a role in domestic security duties; it provides support for natural disasters and cooperates with the National Police and other internal security organizations in combating the Paraguayan People’s Army (Ejército del Pueblo Paraguayo or EPP) and transnational criminal organizations, largely narcotics traffickers; the EPP is a small, domestic criminal/guerrilla group operating in the rural northern part of the country along the border with Brazil; the activities of the EPP and its offshoots—Marsical López’s Army (EML) and the Armed Peasant Association (ACA)—have consisted largely of isolated attacks on remote police and army posts, or against ranchers and peasants accused of aiding Paraguayan security forces
The Paraguayan military has deployed small numbers of troops on UN peacekeeping missions and cooperates with neighboring countries, such as Argentina and Brazil, on security issues, particularly organized crime and narco-trafficking in what is known as the Tri-Border Area; Paraguay has not fought a war against a neighboring country since the Chaco War with Bolivia in the 1930s (2025)
The Paraguayan military has deployed small numbers of troops on UN peacekeeping missions and cooperates with neighboring countries, such as Argentina and Brazil, on security issues, particularly organized crime and narco-trafficking in what is known as the Tri-Border Area; Paraguay has not fought a war against a neighboring country since the Chaco War with Bolivia in the 1930s (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 15,000 active-duty Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory is comprised of mostly older or obsolescent equipment from a variety of foreign suppliers, particularly Brazil and the US; in recent years, the military has received small quantities of more modern equipment, such as light attack aircraft and secondhand helicopters (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 7,649 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 141 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 141 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Hizballah
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Space agency/agencies
Space Agency of Paraguay (Agencia Especial del Paraguay, AEP; established 2014) (2025)
Ports
Total ports: 1 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 1
Ports with oil terminals: 0
Key ports: Puerto de Asuncion
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 1
Ports with oil terminals: 0
Key ports: Puerto de Asuncion
Legislative branch - lower chamber
Chamber name: Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados)
Number of seats: 80 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 4/30/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: National Republican Association/Colorado Party (ANR) (48); Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) - Alliances (23); National Crusade Party (CN) (4); Other (5)
Percentage of women in chamber: 23.8%
Expected date of next election: April 2028
Number of seats: 80 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 4/30/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: National Republican Association/Colorado Party (ANR) (48); Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) - Alliances (23); National Crusade Party (CN) (4); Other (5)
Percentage of women in chamber: 23.8%
Expected date of next election: April 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber
Chamber name: Senate (Cámara de Senadores)
Number of seats: 45 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 4/30/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: National Republican Association/Colorado Party (ANR) (23); Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) - Alliances (12); National Crusade Party (CN) (5); Other (5)
Percentage of women in chamber: 22.2%
Expected date of next election: April 2028
Number of seats: 45 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 4/30/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: National Republican Association/Colorado Party (ANR) (23); Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) - Alliances (12); National Crusade Party (CN) (5); Other (5)
Percentage of women in chamber: 22.2%
Expected date of next election: April 2028
Methane emissions
Energy: 37.3 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 813 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 101.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 10 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 813 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 101.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 10 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
44.4 (2023 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Space program overview
has a small, recently established space program focused on the acquisition of satellites, satellite data, and the technologies and capabilities to manufacture satellites, as well as promoting domestic expertise and industry; a priority is acquiring remote sensing capabilities to support socio-economic development, including resource mapping, weather, and crop monitoring; has built a cube satellite with foreign assistance; operates satellites; cooperates with foreign space agencies and industries, including those of India, Japan, Taiwan, the US, and member states of the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (2025)
Key space-program milestones
2017 - organized country’s first international conference on space issues
2021 - first research/technology-demonstrator cube satellite (Guaranisat-1) built jointly with Japan, launched by US, and deployed from International Space Station; signed protocols for the establishment of the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency
2025 - developing Guarani-Sat-2, which will be Paraguay's second satellite and the first designed and built domestically
2021 - first research/technology-demonstrator cube satellite (Guaranisat-1) built jointly with Japan, launched by US, and deployed from International Space Station; signed protocols for the establishment of the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency
2025 - developing Guarani-Sat-2, which will be Paraguay's second satellite and the first designed and built domestically