Country exposure · PY

Flag of Paraguay

Paraguay

South America · Asunción · presidential republic

What Paraguay means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Paraguay

$559M

U.S. imports, 2025

+57.3%

change in one year

$4.4B

U.S. exports, 2025

8M

Population

$44.5B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Paraguay makes

America bought $559M in goods from Paraguay in 2025 — up 57.3% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Meat products

meat at the counter

$279M49.9%

Food oils, oilseeds

$83M14.8%

Tobacco, waxes, etc.

$54M9.6%

Nonmonetary gold

$32M5.7%

Feedstuff and foodgrains

$23M4.1%

Coal and related fuels

$17M3%

Cane and beet sugar

cane and beet sugar

$14M2.5%

Plywood and veneers

$10M1.8%

Other parts and accessories of vehicles

car parts and accessories

$7M1.3%

Apparel, household goods - cotton

cotton clothing and linens

$6M1%

2026 so far (through April): $229M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Paraguay

$4.4B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Cell phones and other household goods, n.e.c.

$2.0B

cell phones and home electronics

Telecommunications equipment

$558M

phones, routers, networking gear

Computers

$321M

laptops, desktops, monitors

Fuel oil

$313M

Business machines and equipment

$167M

Semiconductors

$111M

semiconductors and chips

Petroleum products, other

$89M

Computer accessories

$80M

keyboards, drives, computer parts

Toiletries and cosmetics

$77M

toiletries and cosmetics

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Paraguay

No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.

Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)

10%

The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

No U.S. tariff action names Paraguay. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.

  1. 2026-04-06

    Section 232 metals coverage expanded

    In effect

    The April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.

    91 FR 18201
  2. 2026-02-24

    IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge

    In effect

    Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).

    91 FR 9437
  3. 2025-11-13

    Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs

    In effect

    Executive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.

    90 FR 54091
  4. 2025-06-04

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%

    In effect

    The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.

    90 FR 24199
  5. 2025-04-05

    Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect

    In effect

    Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063
  6. 2025-03-12

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries

    In effect

    Proclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.

    90 FR 9817

Reference

The country itself

South America · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

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.

Regional map of Paraguay

Geography

Location
Central South America, northeast of Argentina, southwest of Brazil
Area
406,752 sq km
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
Natural resources
hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Natural hazards
local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

People & society

Population
7,604,044 (2025 est.)
Nationality
Paraguayan(s)
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Spanish and Indigenous ancestry) 95%, other 5%
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.)
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.)
Median age
32.3 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
78.8 years (2024 est.)
Literacy
94.9% (2024 est.)

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
Industries
sugar processing, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, base metals, electric power
Agricultural products
soybeans, sugarcane, maize, cassava, wheat, rice, milk, beef, oranges, bananas (2023)
Exports - partners
Argentina 33%, Brazil 25%, Chile 10%, USA 2%, Uruguay 2% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 33%, Brazil 24%, USA 8%, Argentina 7%, Germany 2% (2023)

Government

Government type
presidential republic
Capital
Asunción
Independence
14-15 May 1811 (from Spain)
Constitution
several previous; latest approved and promulgated 20 June 1992
Executive branch
President Santiago PEñA Palacios (since 15 August 2023)
Legislative branch
Congress (Congreso)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction
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.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
For the latest travel advisories for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department's website, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
+(595)(21) 213-715; EMER: +(595)(21) 229-581; US Embassy Asuncion, 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, Asunción, Paraguay; ParaguayACS@state.gov; https://py.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+, Women, and Special Needs Travelers
Additional travel considerations can be found on the US State Department's International Travel page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations.html
Telephone Code
595
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance 141, Fire 132, Police 912
Vaccinations
For the latest information on required or recommended vaccines, please visit the CDC's website, available through the link below. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Climate
Subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west
Currency (Code)
Guarani (PYG)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C
Major Languages
Spanish and Guarani, only Guarani, only Spanish
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends last Sunday in March
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Paraguay, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side
Right
Souvenirs
Yerba guampa cups or mate gourds, wood crafts, native feathered jewelry, filigree jewelry, native fabric and lace items, leather goods, woven baskets, pottery
Traditional Cuisine
Sopá Paraguaí (or Sopa paraguaya) — a spongy cake similar to corn bread made with corn flour, cheese, onion, egg, and milk
CIA source last updated
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

CDC - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Geography
Location
Central South America, northeast of Argentina, southwest of Brazil
Geographic coordinates
23 00 S, 58 00 W
Map references
South America
Area - total
406,752 sq km
Area - land
397,302 sq km
Area - 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
Land boundaries - 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
Elevation - lowest point
junction of Río Paraguay and Río Paraná 46 m
Elevation - mean elevation
178 m
Natural resources
hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone
Land use - agricultural land
54.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 11.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 42.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
36.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,362 sq km (2012)
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
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
People and Society
Population - total
7,604,044 (2025 est.)
Population - male
3,809,407
Population - female
3,794,637
Nationality - noun
Paraguayan(s)
Nationality - 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.)
Languages - 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.
Languages - note
note: data represent predominant household language
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.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
22.2% (male 850,191/female 821,237)
Age structure - 15-64 years
68.4% (male 2,582,021/female 2,561,962)
Age structure - 65 years and over
9.4% (2024 est.) (male 337,164/female 369,974)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
46.7 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
32.4 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
14.3 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
7 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
32.3 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
31.6 years
Median age - female
32 years
Population growth rate
1.06% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
15.66 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
4.97 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 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
Urbanization - urban population
63.1% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.511 million ASUNCION (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.01 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.91 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
22.9 years (2008 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth - note
note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Maternal mortality ratio
58 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
21.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
26.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
17.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
78.8 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
76.2 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
81.6 years
Total fertility rate
1.88 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.92 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
17.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.89 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 94.9% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 5.1% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.3% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
5.47 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
3.27 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
1.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
9.3% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
15.5% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
3.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
1.3% (2016 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.8% (2022 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
3.6% (2016)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
21.6% (2016)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
3.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
11.7% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy - total population
94.9% (2024 est.)
Literacy - male
95.4% (2024 est.)
Literacy - female
94.3% (2024 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Republic of Paraguay
Country name - conventional short form
Paraguay
Country name - local long form
República del Paraguay
Country name - local short form
Paraguay
Country name - 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
Capital - geographic coordinates
25 16 S, 57 40 W
Capital - time difference
UTC-3 (2 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - 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
Constitution - 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
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
yes
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a native-born citizen of Paraguay
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
yes
Citizenship - 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)
Executive branch - head of government
President Santiago PEñA Palacios (since 15 August 2023)
Executive branch - cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple-majority popular vote for a single 5-year term
Executive branch - most recent election date
30 April 2023
Executive branch - 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%
Executive branch - expected date of next election
April 2028
Executive branch - note
note : the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch - legislature name
Congress (Congreso)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name
Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats
80 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system
proportional representation
Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date
4/30/2023
Legislative branch - lower chamber - 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)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber
23.8%
Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election
April 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name
Senate (Cámara de Senadores)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats
45 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - electoral system
proportional representation
Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date
4/30/2023
Legislative branch - upper chamber - 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)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber
22.2%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - 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)
Judicial branch - 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
Judicial branch - 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
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Gustavo Alfredo LEITE Gusinky (since 5 September 2025)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
2209 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 483-6960
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 234-4508
Diplomatic representation in the US - 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)
Diplomatic representation in the US - 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)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, Asuncion
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
3020 Asuncion Place, Washington DC 20521-3020
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[595] (21) 248-3000
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[595] (21) 213-728
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
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)
Independence - 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
Flag - 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!)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/Remberto GIMENEZ
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 1846 (lyrics) and 1934 (music)
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
1 (cultural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue
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
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$112.919 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$108.316 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$103.159 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
4.2% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
0.2% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$16,300 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$15,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$15,300 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$44.458 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
3.8% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
4.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
9.8% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
10.7% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
32.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
48.7% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - 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.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
12.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
21% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
1.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
37.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-39.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - 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)
Agricultural products - note
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.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
3.502 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
6.1% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
5.8% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
6.8% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
14.1% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
11% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
18.8% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
24.7% (2022 est.)
Population below poverty line - note
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.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures - on food
29.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
4.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
1.8% (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
34.4% (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2024
2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$7.751 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$9.397 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - 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.)
Taxes and other revenues
10.1% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
-$1.666 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
-$176.597 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$2.948 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$17.395 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$18.581 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$14.971 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - 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)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
soybeans, beef, electricity, corn, soybean meal (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$18.377 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$17.848 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$17.088 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - 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)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, fertilizers, cars, pesticides (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
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 - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$9.519 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021
$9.661 billion (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - 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.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
guarani (PYG) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
7,560.248 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
7,288.872 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
6,982.752 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
6,774.163 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
6,771.097 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
8.928 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
14.835 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - exports
24.202 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
5.209 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
99.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
700 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
10 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
100 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined 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.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
206,000 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
3 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
8.67 million (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
127 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
6 privately owned TV stations; about 75 commercial and community radio stations; 1 state-owned radio network (2019)
Internet country code
.py
Internet users - percent of population
78% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
878,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
13 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
ZP
Airports
83 (2025)
Heliports
29 (2025)
Railways - total
30 km (2014)
Railways - standard gauge
30 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Merchant marine - total
108 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
container ship 2, general cargo 22, oil tanker 5, other 79
Ports - total ports
1 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
0
Ports - small
0
Ports - very small
1
Ports - ports with oil terminals
0
Ports - key ports
Puerto de Asuncion
Military and 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)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - 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 from Brazil and secondhand helicopters from Taiwan (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for voluntary service for men and women; all men 18-25 are required to perform military service for at least 12 months (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)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Hizballah
Terrorist group(s) - 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
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
7,649 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
141 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons
5 (2024 est.)
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
International environmental agreements - 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
Land use - agricultural land
54.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 11.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 42.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
36.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
63.1% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate 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.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - 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.)
Methane emissions - energy
37.3 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
813 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
101.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
10 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
1.819 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
18.1% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
362 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
154 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
1.897 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
387.77 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Space
Space agency/agencies
Space Agency of Paraguay (Agencia Especial del Paraguay, AEP; established 2014) (2025)
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