Paraguay: A Country Profile

Capital: Asunción.
Major Cities: Asunción (508,000 inhabitants), Ciudad del Este (261,000), San Lorenzo
(228,000), Luque (210,000), Capiatá (199,000), Lambaré (126,000), and Fernando de la Mora
(120,000) rank as Paraguay's most populous cities¿the country's only cities with more than
100,000 inhabitants.
Independence: Paraguay led the South American charge for independence, securing its freedom
from Spain on May 17, 1811, after several days of fighting. Independence day is observed on
May 15.
Public Holidays: New Year's Day (January 1); Day of Heroes (March 1); Maundy Thursday,
Good Friday, and Easter (variable dates in March or April); Labor Day (May 1); Independence
Day (May 15); Chaco's Peace (June 12); Founding of Asunción (August 15); Battle of Boquerón
(September 29); Virgin of Caacupé (December 8); and Christmas Day (December 25).