Where is Paraguay Located?
Where is Paraguay located on the map? Paraguay is an independent nation located in South America. Check out the following images to see location of Paraguay on maps.
Paraguay Location in World Map
Location Information of Paraguay
Latitude and Longitude
Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America. It lies between the latitudes 19° 19′ S and 27° 34′ S and between the longitudes 54° 19′ W and 60° 46′ W. It shares borders with Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Its central location on the continent places it away from the coasts and gives it a continental climate that plays a crucial role in its geography and economy.
Capital City and Major Cities
Capital City: Asunción
Asunción is the capital and largest city of Paraguay, located on the western bank of the Paraguay River. It is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. The city has a population of approximately 520,000 people, but its metropolitan area, known as the “Gran Asunción,” includes over 2 million people. Asunción is the heart of the country’s infrastructure, business districts, and educational institutions. The city boasts colonial architecture, government buildings, and a growing commercial sector.
Major Cities
- Ciudad del Este
Located on the eastern border with Brazil, Ciudad del Este is one of the most important commercial cities in Paraguay. It is part of the tri-border area with Brazil and Argentina, known for cross-border trade and its proximity to the Iguaçu Falls. The city is a significant hub for international trade, especially in electronics and other consumer goods. - San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is located just outside Asunción and is part of the metropolitan area. It is known for its growing population and increasing urbanization. The city has several educational institutions, including the National University of Asunción. - Encarnación
Situated on the southern border near Argentina, Encarnación is a vital regional city for Paraguay, often referred to as the “Pearl of the South.” It is a key center for tourism, trade, and agriculture, with significant infrastructure supporting the local economy. - Pedro Juan Caballero
This city is located near the Brazilian border, and like Ciudad del Este, it plays a significant role in trade, especially with the neighboring country. It has a growing economy supported by agriculture and commerce.
Time Zone
Paraguay is in the Paraguay Time Zone (PYT), which is UTC -4:00 hours. However, during the summer months, the country observes Paraguay Summer Time (PYST), which is UTC -3:00 hours. This shift to daylight saving time generally begins in late October and lasts until late March, aligning the country’s time zone with other South American nations during the warmer months.
Climate
Paraguay has a diverse climate that is influenced by its position within South America, and its landlocked nature leads to significant temperature variations. The climate can be classified into tropical and subtropical zones, with a marked difference in temperature between the summer and winter months.
- Tropical Climate: In the eastern regions, the climate is typically tropical, with hot and humid conditions during summer. The average temperature ranges from 25°C (77°F) in the cooler months to 35°C (95°F) in the summer. This region also experiences significant rainfall during the summer months, from December to March, with June to August being the driest period.
- Subtropical Climate: The western regions of Paraguay experience a subtropical climate, with less humidity and more extreme temperature ranges. Summers can see temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are milder, averaging around 15°C (59°F).
The climate varies depending on the region, and the country also faces seasonal flooding in some areas, particularly in the eastern lowlands. Paraguay’s climate is a significant factor in its agricultural production, particularly for crops such as soybeans, corn, and cotton.
Economic Status
Paraguay has a developing economy primarily based on agriculture, livestock, and energy exports. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in South America, with a steady growth rate driven by agricultural production and a robust export sector.
Key Economic Sectors
- Agriculture: Agriculture plays a dominant role in Paraguay’s economy, with crops like soybeans, corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco being some of the country’s main exports. Paraguay is one of the largest exporters of soybeans in the world, and the country’s agricultural output is largely oriented towards export markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.
- Livestock: Paraguay is a major player in the global beef market, with large herds of cattle spread across the country. The country’s beef industry is significant in its contribution to GDP and is a major export item.
- Hydroelectric Power: Paraguay is one of the largest producers of hydroelectric power in the world. The Itaipú Dam, located on the border with Brazil, is one of the largest hydroelectric plants globally. Paraguay uses much of this energy for domestic consumption and exports the excess to neighboring countries like Brazil and Argentina.
- Trade and Industry: Paraguay’s trade policy is largely focused on exporting agricultural and energy products. The country has increasingly diversified into other areas such as manufacturing, especially in electronics, textiles, and construction materials.
Despite having strong agricultural and energy sectors, Paraguay struggles with poverty, especially in rural areas, and faces challenges with income inequality and social infrastructure. Corruption and inefficient public services have been ongoing issues for economic development.
Tourist Attractions
Paraguay may not be as well-known for tourism as its neighboring countries, but it still offers a range of attractions for visitors seeking natural beauty, history, and unique experiences. Some of the top tourist destinations include:
- Iguaçu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu)
Although the falls are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the Paraguayan side provides a different perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, boat rides, and hiking trails. - Asunción
The capital city offers a variety of cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Palacio de los López, the National Pantheon of the Heroes, and the Museo del Barro, which houses an extensive collection of indigenous and contemporary art. The vibrant Ñu Guasu park and nearby San Jerónimo Hill are also popular places for outdoor activities. - Encarnación
Known for its proximity to the Itaipú Dam, Encarnación also features the Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesuit Ruins of Jesús, which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s coastline along the Paraná River has been developed into a popular recreational area. - Chaco Region
The Chaco is a vast and largely uninhabited region of dry forests and savannas in the western part of the country. It is home to unique wildlife, indigenous cultures, and numerous nature reserves. Visitors can explore the region’s distinctive landscape and experience rural Paraguayan life. - Ybycuí National Park
This park, located in the southern part of Paraguay, is known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The park offers an opportunity to experience the country’s diverse flora and fauna. - San Bernardino
A picturesque town situated on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí, San Bernardino is a popular summer resort area, offering a variety of water sports, dining, and outdoor activities.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens planning to visit Paraguay for tourism purposes do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, they must have a valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity beyond their intended stay. For longer stays, such as for business or residency, U.S. citizens must apply for the appropriate visa at the Paraguayan Embassy or Consulate before traveling.
Additionally, visitors from the United States must be able to show proof of return or onward travel, as well as proof of sufficient financial resources to cover their stay. Some travelers may also be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate, especially if they have traveled to other South American countries where the disease is present.
Distance to New York City and Los Angeles
- Distance from New York City to Asunción
The distance between New York City (NYC) and Asunción, Paraguay, is approximately 5,100 miles (8,207 kilometers). Flights typically take around 10 to 12 hours depending on stopovers, as there are no direct flights. A common route may involve layovers in major cities like São Paulo, Buenos Aires, or Lima. - Distance from Los Angeles to Asunción
The distance between Los Angeles and Asunción is approximately 5,400 miles (8,690 kilometers). Flights from Los Angeles generally take between 12 to 14 hours depending on layovers. Direct flights are not available, with most itineraries involving at least one stopover in major cities such as São Paulo or Buenos Aires.
Paraguay Facts
Size | 406,752 km² |
Residents | 6.95 million |
Languages | Spanish (official language) and Guaraní |
Capital | Asunción |
Longest river | Río Paraguay (total 2,549 km, of which approx. 800 km in Paraguay) |
Highest mountain | Cerro Peró (842 m) |
Currency | Guaraní |