Living in Paraguay

Paraguay lies at the center of South America and has around 7 million inhabitants. The Río Paraguay divides the country into the drier Gran Chaco in the west and the more humid, hillier eastern region. There, forests, fields, and smaller rivers alternate; the climate is mostly subtropical, with hot summers, while winters are cooler in the south and at higher elevations. In Asunción, buses, densely populated neighborhoods, shops, and offices shape everyday life. Outside the cities, many people live in smaller towns or in the countryside, work in agriculture, trade, or services, and often travel longer distances for school, work, and shopping. Family visits, football, and shared meals are common leisure activities in many places.