Paraguay: flag, capital, currency and history
Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay, is a country in South America, the Americas. Its capital is Asunción. The currency is the Paraguayan guaraní. Languages spoken include Guaraní and Spanish.
Quick facts about Paraguay
- Official name
- Republic of Paraguay
- Capital
- Asunción
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- Paraguayan guaraní (PYG, ₲)
- Languages
- Guaraní, Spanish
- Calling code
- +595
- Internet domain
- .py
- Area
- 406,752 km² (157,048 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Paraguayan
- National day
- Independence Day, May 14
Flag of Paraguay
Download the flag of Paraguay as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇵🇾.
History of Paraguay
Guarani-speaking peoples inhabited the region before Spanish explorers arrived in the early 16th century. Asuncion was founded in 1537 and became a centre of Spanish colonial authority in the Rio de la Plata region. Jesuit missions among the Guarani flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. Paraguay broke from Spanish rule in 1811. It later fought the devastating War of the Triple Alliance against Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay from 1864 to 1870, and the Chaco War against Bolivia from 1932 to 1935. A long military dictatorship ended in 1989, and a new constitution was adopted in 1992.
Key dates
- 1537Spanish settlers found Asuncion on the Paraguay River.
- 1811Paraguay overthrows Spanish colonial authority and becomes independent.
- 1864The War of the Triple Alliance begins against Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
- 1870The War of the Triple Alliance ends with Paraguay's defeat.
- 1932The Chaco War with Bolivia begins, ending in 1935.
- 1954Alfredo Stroessner takes power in a coup, ruling until 1989.
- 1992Paraguay adopts a new democratic constitution.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Paraguay
Paraguay uses the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG, ₲). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Paraguay
Celebrations observed in Paraguay, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Paraguay?
The capital of Paraguay is Asunción.
What currency does Paraguay use?
Paraguay uses the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG, symbol ₲).
What languages are spoken in Paraguay?
Languages used in Paraguay include Guaraní and Spanish.
What is the calling code of Paraguay?
The international calling code of Paraguay is +595. Its internet domain is .py.
Which countries border Paraguay?
Paraguay shares land borders with Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil.
On which continent is Paraguay?
Paraguay is in South America, part of the Americas, in the region of South America.
What is the national day of Paraguay?
Paraguay marks Independence Day on May 14.
Neighbours of Paraguay
More countries in South America
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).