source: CIA World Facts and the US State Department

Full country name: Républica del Paraguay
Area: 407,000 sq km
Population: 5.58 million
People: 95% Mestizo
Language: Guarani, Spanish
Currency: Guaraní (Plural: Guaraníes) is symbolized by the letter G crossed.  There are bank notes for 1,000; 5,000; 10,000; 50,000; and 100,000.  As of March 2004, the exchange rate was 6,059 Guaraníes per $1 (one USD).  If you are bringing US dollars to exchange, make sure they are in good condition without any tears or rips.
Religion: 97% Roman Catholic, 3% Mennonite and other Protestants
Government: constitutional republic
Head of State: President Nicanor Duarte Frutos
GDP: US$19.8 billion
GDP per capita: US$3,700
Annual Growth: -0.5%
Inflation: 14.6%
Major Industries: Soybeans, cotton, timber, oilseed crushing, milling, brewing, textiles, hides & skins, meatpacking, sugarcane (contraband).
Major Trading Partners: Brazil, the Netherlands, Argentina, USA

Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair

Most urban streets consist of cobblestones over dirt. Some roads in Asuncion and other large cities are paved. However, these roads frequently develop potholes that often remain without repair for several months. Nearly all rural roads are unpaved, and during rainy periods and the rainy season (November-March/April) they may be impassable. Road signs indicating hazards, such as sharp curves or major intersections, are lacking in many areas.
Driving or traveling at night is not advisable outside Asuncion because animals or vehicles without proper lights are often on the roads. In addition, assaults and other crimes against motorists traveling at night have occurred. Extra precautions should be exercised along infrequently traveled portions of the rural roads.

In Asuncion, the following phone numbers exist for roadside/ambulance assistance:
Emergency Services, including police and ambulances: 911;
Fire Department, including rescue of accident victims: 132.


US STATE DEPARTMENT …
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement , Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.