Paraguay has an economy based on agriculture, hydroelectric power, and trade. Its climate and landscape vary from subtropical grasslands and forests in the east to drier Chaco forests in the west. It has abundant hydroelectric power from dams like the massive Itaipu Dam shared with Brazil. Culturally, it retains influences from its indigenous Guaraní people and was historically isolated, but has become more integrated into South America.

1. Paraguay By: Donald Johnson

4. Empty Quarter South America's 'empty quarter', a landlocked country little known even to its neighbors, it has taken steps to overcome its political, economic and geographic isolation and now welcomes visitors. World Cup soccer stadium

5. Asuncion , Paraguay’s capital

6. Paraguay’s economy depends heavily on agriculture, hydroelectricity generation, and trade with its neighboring countries. In 2004, the country’s real GDP was expected to grow 2.9%, depending on continued regional economic stability in Brazil and Argentina and continued strong agricultural output. Gauchos Pantheon of Heroes

7. Constitutional Republic President Nicanor Duarte Frutos In a 2006 interview with BBC Frutos said: “ We have a large land frontier with Brazil and a border with Bolivia, and as long as the State fails to strengthen and grow, these borders will most certainly continue to be a favourable environment for transnational crime. “ I'm talking mainly about smuggling, but we are investing heavily in our armed forces, in the police, in our computer and radar systems. We asked the US, for example, to contribute much more to this.”

8. The ecosystems of the Gran Chaco are unique and are slowly being destroyed by civilization with the introduction of cattle, burning of vegetation and irresponsible agricultural decisions

9. The Itaipu hydroelectric power plant on the Parana River is a joint development project with Brazil and Paraguay. With 18 units of 700 megawatts each, it i s the largest hydroelectric plant currently in operation in the world

10. Asuncion Cathedral Approximately 90% of Paraguayans declare Roman Catholicism as their faith.

11. Guarani One trace of the original Guaraní culture that has endured is the Guaraní language , understood by 90% of the population and along with Spanish, an official language. “ Nature provides us of everything we need” is the saying of a “Karai” or old man of this community.

12. Paraguay