Paraguay

Statistics

Location: Central South America, northeast of Argentina Coastline: 0km (landlocked) Arable Land: 7.6% Natural Resources: hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone Population: 6,347,884 (July 2005 est.) Nationality: Paraguayan Ethnic Groups: mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5% Religion: Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite and other Protestant 10% Languages: Spanish (official), Guarani (official) Literacy (age 15 and over, and can read and write): 94% Government: constitutional republic Independence: 14 May 1811 (from Spain) Capital: Asuncion Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Background

In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70), Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. It stagnated economically for the next half century. In the Chaco War of 1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from Bolivia. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER was overthrown in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in political infighting in recent years, relatively free and regular presidential elections have been held since then.