Paraguay: A Country Profile

Capital: Asuncion. Major Cities: Asuncion (508,000 inhabitants), Ciudad del Este (261,000), San Lorenzo (228,000), Luque (210,000), Capiata (199,000), Lambare (126,000), and Fernando de la Mora (120,000) rank as Paraguay's most populous cities the country's only cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants.

Independence: Paraguay led the South American charge for independence, securing its freedom from Spain on May 17, 1811, after several days of fighting.

Independence day is observed on May 15. Public Holidays: New Year's Day (January 1); Day of Heroes (March 1); Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter (variable dates in March or April); Labor Day (May 1); Independence Day (May 15); Chaco's Peace (June 12); Founding of Asuncion (August 15); Battle of Boqueron (September 29); Virgin of Caacupe (December 8); and Christmas Day (December 25).