Asunción, Paraguay Project Center - IQP

Paraguay, located between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil, is a beautiful country, served by two large rivers and comprised of several distinct natural regions. It is world-famous for its bird life, and the mighty jaguar, as well as many other exciting creatures - such as howler monkeys and giant anteaters – that call Paraguay home. The Paraguayan people are friendly and helpful to foreigners. The cultural life in Paraguay is also fascinating. Interestingly, the country’s culture and society represent a blend of both indigenous and Spanish colonial influences, a dual inheritance that manifests in its commitment to two official languages, Guarani and Spanish. Over 80% of Paraguayans speak both Spanish and Guarani. Visitors are often enchanted with Paraguayan handicrafts, including musical instruments (guitars and harps), silver filigree jewelry, and hand-made lace, hammocks, and embroidered cloth.

With only six million people, Paraguay is small in territorial extension, but it has a robust economy based on remarkable agricultural production. While historically a poor country, important economic strides have been made in the past decades, and today, only 25% of Paraguayans can be considered to live under the Paraguayan national poverty line.

Paraguay has a subtropical to temperate climate with substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west. Average temperatures in Asunción in March fall between 70°F and 89°F.

WPI students have been completing projects since 2014, contributing to the well-being and development of Paraguay.