Get to know South America's wild enigma.
Paraguay is South America's 'empty quarter' - little known even 'an island surrounded by land'. After slating it as 'nowhere and famous for nothing', PJ O'Rourke promptly fell in love with the place during a short visit. You might well do the same.
Paraguay has become increasingly involved with its neighbors. As a result, problems of corruption and political isolation are slowly being tackled. It also has plenty to offer visitors: impressive Jesuit missions, national parks and the vast, arid Chaco - the epitome of South American wilderness.
A health alert has been declared in Paraguay, in an attempt to stop a new outbreak of dengue fever. There were some 27,000 registered cases of the disease in 2007, and about 150 cases so far this year. Travellers should take care to protect themselves against mosquito bites, and consult a doctor immediately if they develop any flu-like symptoms. Yellow fever has also re-emerged, and travellers to the country are advised to get vaccinated before arriving.
severity: Mid-level alert
República del Paraguay/Republic of Paraguay
6,500,000
Name: Guarani
Code: PYG
Symbol: G
220V 50Hz
Official: Spanish
Essential: Guaraní
GMT/UTC -4
+595
Metric
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