Capital: Asuncion
Administrative divisions: 19 departments (departamentos, singular -
departamento); Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Boqueron,
Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Chaco, Concepcion, Cordillera,
Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Nueva Asuncion, Paraguari,
Presidente Hayes, San Pedro
Independence: 14 May 1811 (from Spain)
National holiday: Independence Days, 14-15 May (1811)
Constitution: promulgated 20 June 1992
Legal system: based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 60
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Juan Carlos WASMOSY
(since 15 August 1993); Vice President Roberto Angel SEIFART (since 15
August 1993); election last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held May
1998); results - Juan Carlos WASMOSY 40.09%, Domingo LAINO 32.06%,
Guillermo CABALLERO VARGAS 23.04%
cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the president
Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso)
Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores): elections last held 9 May
1993 (next to be held May 1998); results - percent of vote by party
NA; seats - (45 total) Colorado Party 20, PLRA 17, EN 8
Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections last held on 9
May 1993 (next to be held by May 1998); results - percent of vote by
party NA; seats - (80 total) Colorado Party 38, PLRA 33, EN 9
Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)