Paraguay Country Report

Paraguay is one of South America's two landlocked countries and has long been known for its relative poverty due to years of poor governance and economic mismanagement. Paraguay's principal challenge has been both to diversify its economy from soy-based exports and to reduce wealth inequality, The continued consolidation of democracy also remains a challenge. Those visiting Paraguay will find crime to be the greatest concern, primarily in the Ciudad del Este region but also in the capital, Asunción. Lack of infrastructure, both health-related and otherwise, will also be an issue for those outside major cities. Paraguay is unique in Latin America as the region's only country in which a majority of the people speak an indigenous language. Though most speak Guaraní, Spanish is still widely spoken and is the primary language of the capital, although many Spanish speakers mix Guaraní expressions into their speech, which sometimes poses a challenge to Spanish-speaking foreigners who do not know any Guaraní.

Paraguay has generally good diplomatic relations with all other countries globally. Crime in Paraguay is principally property-based and opportunistic in nature, with Asuncion and the tri-border area posing the greatest risks. Domestic terrorism from leftist guerrillas remains a threat in certain, more remote departments. There are also concerns regarding transnational terror elements in the tri-border region. Protests occasionally occur in the capital, but more impassioned events can often occur in rural areas over land distribution inequality.

Air travel is considered safe to and from Paraguay.

Paraguay’s road network will often vary according to the economic development of each region, though highways are considered adequate for the most part. Basic services such as water, electricity, and fuel availability are usually reliable in populated areas of Paraguay but are more variable in rural regions.

The country is not known to sponsor cyberattacks, nor is it known to have a particularly sophisticated defense structure to block them.

Paraguay’s climate is generally subtropical or equatorial, as it has a relatively low altitude throughout, and none of its minor latitudinal differences raises any issue of inhospitable climates. There are currently no major manmade hazards, but the clearing of land and deforestation has brought some concern over soil quality and water usage. The majority of the country lies within or near a seismic zone. Quakes, however, are infrequent and usually moderate when they do occur. Storm systems are a frequent issue for the country insofar as flooding and wind damage are concerned.

Paraguay has eradicated most major diseases from its soil, but mosquito-borne illnesses, as well as yellow fever, are still a risk in certain areas. Acceptable medical facilities are nearly all private and located in major cities such as Asuncion. Those traveling elsewhere will have a much more difficult time accessing care for anything but the most routine needs. Most major medications can be obtained in some form in Paraguay, typically in urban centers. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise specified.

Corruption in Paraguay is considered to be extremely problematic. Rule of law is undermined by corruption and uneven enforcement. Paraguay's institutions are still relatively weak as the country continues to consolidate its democracy, but there have been no major democratic breakdowns. Sanctions are not a concern.