Central South America.

GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in March).

406,752 sq km (157,048 sq miles).

6.7 million (CIA estimate 2007).

16.4 per sq km.

Asunción. Population: 539,000 (2005).

Paraguay is a landlocked country surrounded by Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, lying some 1,440km (900 miles) up the River Paraná from the Atlantic. The River Paraguay, a tributary of the Paraná, divides the country into two sharply contrasting regions. The Oriental zone, which covers 159,800 sq km (61,700 sq miles), consists of undulating country intersected by chains of hills rising to about 600m (2,000ft), merging into the Mato Grosso Plateau in the north; the Paraná crosses the area in the east and south.

East and southeast of Asunción lie the oldest centres of settlement inhabited by the greater part of the population. This area is bordered to the west by rolling pastures, and to the south by thick primeval forests. The Occidental zone, or Paraguayan Chaco, covers 246,827 sq km (95,300 sq miles). It is a flat alluvial plain, composed mainly of grey clay, which is marked by large areas of permanent swamp in the southern and eastern regions. Apart from a few small settlements, it is sparsely populated.

Republic since 1967. Gained independence from Spain in 1811.

President Fernando Lugo since 2008.

Former Roman Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo won presidential elections in April 2008, removing the ruling Colorado Party from power for the first time since 1947. He was previously known for advocating land reforms and trying to renegotiate an energy treaty with Brazil. He formed the centre-left Patriotic Alliance for Change by bringing together leftist unions, indigenous people and poor farmers.

Corruption remains widespread and Paraguay is a centre for smuggling, money laundering and organised crime. Around 30% of Paraguayans live in poverty.

Former military leader, Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled the country for more than three decades until he was deposed in 1989, died in exile in 2006.

The official languages are Spanish and Guaraní; Guaraní is spoken by most of the rural population. Most Paraguayans are bilingual, but prefer to speak Guaraní outside Asunción.

89.6% Roman Catholic, 6.2% Protestant.

220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. Smoking is not allowed in cinemas and theatres. Dress tends to be informal and sportswear is popular.

Photography: Avoid sensitive subjects such as military installations.