Size: 406,750 square kilometers.

Topography: Divided by Río Paraguay into eastern Paraneña and western Chaco regions. Paraneña landform ranges from lowlands to mountains, highest elevations occurring near border with Brazil. Chaco's vast low plain--more than 60 percent of Paraguay's total land area--alternately flooded and parched. About 95 percent of population concentrated in Paraneña.

Climate: Subtropical, humid climate in Paraneña with abundant rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year. Tropical climate in Chaco with distinct wet and dry seasons. Modest seasonal variations in temperature in both regions.

Data as of December 1988