Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Paraguay
CapitalAsunción
Population7,013,078
GDP$49.3bn
Area406,756 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 1989, 1932Geography
Location
Central South America, northeast of Argentina, southwest of Brazil
Map references
South America
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
Area - comparative
about three times the size of New York State; slightly smaller than California
Land boundaries
total: 4,655 km
border countries: Argentina 2,531 km; Bolivia 753 km; Brazil 1,371 km
border countries: Argentina 2,531 km; Bolivia 753 km; Brazil 1,371 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west
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
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
Natural resources
hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone
Land use
agricultural land: 54.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 42.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
other: 7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 42.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
other: 7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,362 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major 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
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Paraná (2,582,704 sq km)
Major aquifers
Guarani Aquifer System
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
Natural hazards
local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)
Geography - note
landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population concentrated in eastern and southern part of country
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Paraguayan(s)
adjective: Paraguayan
adjective: Paraguayan
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Spanish and Indigenous ancestry) 95%, other 5%
Languages
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: note: data represent predominant household language
Reference: 2012major-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: note: data represent predominant household language
Religions
Roman Catholic 80.4%, Protestant 7% (Evangelical (non-specific) 6.7%, Evangelical Pentecostal
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)
Reference: 202415-64 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)
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.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 32.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 13.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 7.3 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 31.8 years (2024 est.)
male: 31.6 years
female: 32 years
Reference: 2024male: 31.6 years
female: 32 years
Population growth rate
1.09% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
15.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population 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
Major urban areas - population
3.511 million ASUNCION (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
22.9 years (2008 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Reference: 2008note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Maternal mortality ratio
58 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.92 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.89 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 94.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 5.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 94.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 5.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
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.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
1.3% (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Currently married women (ages 15-49)
59.4% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 3.6% (2016)
women married by age 18: 21.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016women married by age 18: 21.6% (2016)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 7,649 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 141 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 141 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Santiago Peña Palacios | — | 2023-04-30 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Santiago Peña Palacios | — | — | Current | Reported |
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)
Government type
presidential republic
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
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
Legal system
civil law system with influences from Argentine, Spanish, Roman, and French civil law models; Supreme Court of Justice reviews legislative acts
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
Reference: 1992amendment 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
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 75
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: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2028, 2023, 2018head 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: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
legislature name: Congress (Congreso)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
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
Reference: 2028, 2023number 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
Reference: 2028, 2023number 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
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
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
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
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/
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
14-15 May 1811 (from Spain)
note: note: the uprising against Spanish authorities took place during the night of 14-15 May 1811, so both days are celebrated in Paraguay
note: note: the uprising against Spanish authorities took place during the night of 14-15 May 1811, so both days are celebrated in Paraguay
National holiday
Independence Day, 14-15 May (1811) (observed 15 May); 14 May is celebrated as Flag Day
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: 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: 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
National symbol(s)
lion
National color(s)
red, white, blue
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)
Reference: 1934lyrics/music: Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/Remberto GIMENEZ
history: adopted 1846 (lyrics) and 1934 (music)
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
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paraguay official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congress of Paraguay | — | — | — |
Economy
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
Reference: 2019Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $112.919 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $108.316 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $103.159 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $108.316 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $103.159 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $16,300 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $15,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $15,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $15,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $15,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 10.7% (2024 est.)
industry: 32.5% (2024 est.)
services: 48.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 32.5% (2024 est.)
services: 48.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
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: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government 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: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
soybeans, sugarcane, maize, cassava, wheat, rice, milk, beef, oranges, bananas (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
sugar processing, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, base metals, electric power
Industrial production growth rate
2.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
3.502 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 14.1% (2024 est.)
male: 11% (2024 est.)
female: 18.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 11% (2024 est.)
female: 18.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
24.7% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 44.4 (2023 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2023note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 29.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 4.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 4.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.8% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 34.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2023highest 10%: 34.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $7.751 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $9.397 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $9.397 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 18.9% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Taxes and other revenues
10.1% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$1.666 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$176.597 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.948 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$176.597 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.948 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $17.395 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $18.581 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.971 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $18.581 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.971 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Argentina 33%, Brazil 25%, Chile 10%, USA 2%, Uruguay 2% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
soybeans, beef, electricity, corn, soybean meal (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $18.377 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $17.848 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $17.088 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $17.848 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $17.088 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 33%, Brazil 24%, USA 8%, Argentina 7%, Germany 2% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, fertilizers, cars, pesticides (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $9.886 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $9.519 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $9.661 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $9.519 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $9.661 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $13.783 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: guarani (PYG) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 7,560.248 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 7,288.872 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 6,982.752 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 6,774.163 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 6,771.097 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 7,560.248 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 7,288.872 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 6,982.752 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 6,774.163 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 6,771.097 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$1.666 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$176.597 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.948 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$176.597 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.948 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $17.395 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $18.581 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.971 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $18.581 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.971 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Argentina 33%, Brazil 25%, Chile 10%, USA 2%, Uruguay 2% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
soybeans, beef, electricity, corn, soybean meal (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $18.377 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $17.848 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $17.088 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $17.848 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $17.088 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 33%, Brazil 24%, USA 8%, Argentina 7%, Germany 2% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, fertilizers, cars, pesticides (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 14.835 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 24.202 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.209 billion kWh (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.)
Reference: 2023biomass and waste: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 700 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 10 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 100 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 10 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 100 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 52,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023refined petroleum consumption: 52,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 25.733 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 206,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
58 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.89 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco 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.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system with influences from Argentine, Spanish, Roman, and French civil law models; Supreme Court of Justice reviews legislative acts
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
Military & Security
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 expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1% of GDP (2020 est.)
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)
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: note: as of 2021, women made up about 6% of the active military
Reference: 2024, 2021note: note: as of 2021, women made up about 6% of the active military
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)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
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/
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-10-24 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 7,649 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 141 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 141 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Hizballah
note: 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: 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
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
ZP
Airports
83 (2025)
Heliports
29 (2025)
Railways
total: 30 km (2014)
standard gauge: 30 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Reference: 2014standard gauge: 30 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 108 (2023)
by type: container ship 2, general cargo 22, oil tanker 5, other 79
Reference: 2023by type: container ship 2, general cargo 22, oil tanker 5, other 79
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Puerto de Asuncion
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Puerto de Asuncion
Environment
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
Reference: 2006signed, 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
Land use
agricultural land: 54.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 42.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
other: 7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 11.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 42.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
other: 7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 63.1% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total 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.)
Reference: 2023from 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.)
Particulate matter emissions
12.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane 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.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 813 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 101.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 10 kt (2019-2021 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.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 18.1% (2022 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.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 154 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.897 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
387.77 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 206,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
6 privately owned TV stations; about 75 commercial and community radio stations; 1 state-owned radio network (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.py
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6,249,126 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 6,338,660 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 6,427,382 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 6,515,058 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 6,603,739 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 6,684,182 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 6,760,464 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 6,844,146 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 6,929,153 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 7,013,078 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $36,089,700,223 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $38,997,129,474 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $40,225,448,341 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $37,925,338,329 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $35,432,178,068 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $39,937,357,256 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $41,841,201,627 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $43,140,465,596 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $44,738,819,362 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $49,278,227,554 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 169,567 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 180,837 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 321,268 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 341,859 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 364,636 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 476,193 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 681,322 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 674,976 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 708,390 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 746,362 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -16,737 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -16,630 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -16,472 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -16,263 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -8,226 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -8,226 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -12,500 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -12,500 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -12,451 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -12,423 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,013,078 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 7,095,280 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 6,811,297 | 2017 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 180,837 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 2.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 746,362 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -12,423 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 162 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 2,398 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.751 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.547 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.712 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.180 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.595 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.144 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.023 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1880; Age of consent discrepancy; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No Constitutional ban on de facto unions since 1992 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 1992 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination.; Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2022 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $49,278,227,554 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $7,027 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 6.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 4.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 4.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 74.0 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.4 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 70.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 81.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 37.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 39.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 76.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 94.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 79.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 99.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 2,389 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 58.8% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 8.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 14.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 38.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 126.6 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 12.9 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 775 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -25.3005° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -57.6362° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -23.5000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -58.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | America/Asuncion, UTC−03:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:30