Paraguay: Geography and Environment

Paraguay is one of two landlocked countries in South America, and its territory is divided by the Paraguay River into two markedly different regions. Eastern Paraguay, home to most of the population, is a hilly, fertile plateau that was historically part of the Atlantic Forest, while the Chaco region west of the river is a flat, semi-arid scrubland that remains sparsely populated.

Climate varies accordingly, from humid subtropical conditions in the more densely settled east to a hotter, drier climate across the Chaco. The Parana River forms much of the country's southeastern border and, together with the Paraguay River, provides major hydroelectric potential, most notably at the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world.

Environmental priorities include addressing one of the highest deforestation rates in the world in the Chaco, driven largely by cattle ranching expansion, and protecting the remaining fragments of Atlantic Forest in the east. Water management along the Parana and Paraguay rivers, including coordination on shared hydroelectric infrastructure, is also a continuing regional priority.