Paraguay, a landlocked country in Latin America, has a low population density and a notably young population, with over half of its people under the age of 30.
Map of Paraguay
Key geography facts
1. The Paraguay River divides the country into two main regions: the fertile, forested Eastern Region, known as the Paraneña or Oriental Region, and the sparsely populated Western Region, called the Chaco or Occidental Region, characterized by dry plains and scrublands.
2. Paraguay’s borders with Argentina are formed by three major rivers—the Paraguay, Paraná, and Pilcomayo—making these waterways vital for both trade and natural boundaries.
3. The Chaco region covers around 60% of Paraguay’s land area, yet it remains one of the least inhabited areas in South America due to its challenging climate and terrain.
4. The country is home to portions of the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, and the Alto Paraná Atlantic forests, which extend across borders into Brazil and Argentina and support diverse wildlife.
5. Summers in Paraguay are hot and humid with frequent rain, while winters are milder and drier. The southern Paraná Savanna is particularly humid and experiences heavy rainfall annually.
Recommended reading: Fun Facts About Paraguay
Paraguay regions (departments)
The Oriental and Occidental are non-official regions in Paraguay. Paraguay is divided into 17 departments and one capital district, Asunción.
- Alto Paraguay
- Alto Paraná
- Amambay
- Boquerón
- Caaguazú
- Caazapá
- Canindeyú
- Central
- Concepción
- Cordillera
- Guairá
- Itapúa
- Misiones
- Ñeembucú
- Paraguarí
- Presidente Hayes
- San Pedro
Map of Paraguay in South America
Paraguay is bordered by Brazil to the east and northeast, Bolivia to the northwest and Argentina to the south and southwest.
Paraguay major cities
Asunción – The capital and largest city, known as the cultural and political heart of Paraguay, with historic landmarks and a vibrant city life.
Ciudad del Este – Located near the Iguazu Falls, this city is a major commercial hub, famous for its shopping due to its low prices.
San Lorenzo – A key city in the Central Department, noted for its universities and as a suburban extension of the Asunción metropolitan area.
Luque – A city near Asunción, marked by its historical significance and as the home of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).
Capiatá – A city in the Central Department, known for its mix of urban and rural landscapes and friendly people.
Lambaré – Part of the Greater Asunción area, this city is full of residential neighborhoods and close to the capital.
Fernando de la Mora – Another suburban city of Asunción, recognized for its strong local commerce and residential areas.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. With seven years of teaching experience and a background in educational content, she specialises in creating clear reference resources about countries, geography and global topics.