Central Department
Encyclopedia
Central is a department
in Paraguay
. The capital is Areguá
. With its 1,929,834 inhabitants it is the most populated of the 17 departments of Paraguay
.
and the Salado rivers, the lakes Ypacaraí
and Ypoá, and the pond Cabral are part of the natural limits in Central. These along with other regions in the south section generate a good potential of resources for the diverse activities such as tourism and even agriculture.
which is a state-run University.
The streams Yuquyry and Ñanduá drain into the Ypoá wetlands.
The lakes Ypacaraí, Ypoá and the lagoon Cabral are situated in this region of the country.
Other lower hills in the zone are the Ñemby and the Patiño.
In the times of the conquest and colonization, this region had already been the center from where new foundations were expanded, as well as it was the settlers’ refuge who were escaping from the attacks of the Guaicurú Indians.
The towns which compound this department nowadays had different origin. One of the main protagonists of these foundations was Domingo Martínez de Irala
, who gave rise to the districts of Itá
and Areguá
. The town of Luque was established as a Spanish village. Villeta
and Tapuá
, nowadays called Mariano Roque Alonso
were founded in order to establish military forts for defence.
Others tows like Capiatá
and Itauguá
were expanded around chapels used as evangelization centers, The towns which compound the department are bound, partly, due to the chaqueños Indians’ resistance against the Spanish conquest of their lands, which force the settlers to emigrate and take refuge in this part of the region. That was how were established villages like Guarambaré
, Ypané
and Ñemby
.
A different origin had the towns of Nueva Italia
, Colonia Thompson and Villa Elisa
, already established as agricultural colonies back in the 19th century and beginnings of the XX, and mainly settled by foreign immigrants.
In 1985, it was already established the last district in the Central department named Juan Augusto Saldívar
, being constituted definitely the political division of the department.
One of the main roads in the so called Ruta I, “Mariscal Francisco Solano López”, which links the Capital city with the town of Encarnación, capital of the Departmento de Itapúa to the south. This town border on the Republic of Argentina.
Another important road is the Number II, “Mariscal José Félix Estigarribia”, linking Asunción with Ciudad del Este, capital of the Alto Paraná Department
, which border on the Federal Republic of Brazil
to the east.
This department is also crossed by the Route II, “General Elizardo Aquino” and the IX, “Carlos Antonio López”.
is home to a large number of industries. Central is the second biggest economy of Paraguay, and occupies the second place in attraction of inversions from other countries. Only 62% of the population is considered economically active.
, located in the town of Luque
. This station links the department with the country and abroad.
Radio Nanawa and Radio Libre. Frequency modulation transmitters are as follows: 1º de Marzo, Ñemby, Cardinal, Disney, Amor, Luque, Itaguá, Lambaré, Trinidad, San Lorenzo, Azul y Oro, Guarania, among others.
There are also numerous television channels and cable transmission services.
In Areguá, located on the banks of the Lago Ypacaraí is situated the Satellite Station
In the Central Department it is installed telephone exchanges which communicate all of the districts.
There is a great variety of Museums, historical places and cultural centers in the districts.
It can be seen parks and green places preserved for the practice of outdoors sports.
The hotel industry is an important income resource of this department. Each district has its patronal feasts and celebrations which are part of the people culture.
Department (subnational entity)
Department is the name given to the administrative and political subdivisions of many countries.As a territorial unit, "department" was first used by the French Revolutionary governments, apparently to emphasize that each territory was simply an administrative sub-division of the united sovereign...
in Paraguay
Paraguay
Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...
. The capital is Areguá
Areguá
Areguá is a city in Paraguay; located 28 km away from the capital city Asunción. It is the capital of Central. Probably the best feature of this Paraguayan town is its geographical location; it lays between a group of rolling hills with a distinctive rock formation and a beautiful blue lake,...
. With its 1,929,834 inhabitants it is the most populated of the 17 departments of Paraguay
Departments of Paraguay
|Paraguay consists of 17 departments and one capital district . These are, with their capitals indicated in parentheses:- External links :...
.
Boundaries
- North: the departments of CordilleraCordillera Department-History:During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries this area of the country was going through a serious crisis due to population bellicosity of the Indians from Chaco. The villagers from Tobatí located north of the river Pirapo then called, had to migrate south for the continue attacks by...
and Presidente HayesPresidente Hayes DepartmentPresidente Hayes is a department in Paraguay. The capital is the city of Villa Hayes. The department was named after U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, who was the arbitrator in a boundary dispute between Paraguay and Argentina after the War of the Triple Alliance.-Districts:The department is...
. - West: ArgentinaArgentinaArgentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
separated by the Paraguay RiverParaguay RiverThe Paraguay River is a major river in south central South America, running through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina...
, and the capital district, AsunciónAsunciónAsunción is the capital and largest city of Paraguay.The "Ciudad de Asunción" is an autonomous capital district not part of any department. The metropolitan area, called Gran Asunción, includes the cities of San Lorenzo, Fernando de la Mora, Lambaré, Luque, Mariano Roque Alonso, Ñemby, San...
. - East: the department of ParaguaríParaguarí DepartmentParaguarí is a departamento in Paraguay. At the 2002 census it had a population of 221,932. The capital is the city of Paraguarí.- History :...
. - South: the department of ÑeembucúÑeembucú DepartmentÑeembucú is a department located in the south of the Eastern Region of Paraguay. The capital is Pilar. The department is almost entirely rural, and is home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Jesuit ruins, which are located near the town of Humaitá.-Districts:The department is divided in 16...
.
Geography
The mountainous area of Altos and the bodies of water such as the ParaguayParaguay River
The Paraguay River is a major river in south central South America, running through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina...
and the Salado rivers, the lakes Ypacaraí
Ypacaraí Lake
Ypacaraí Lake is a major waterbody located in Paraguay about 25 km east of Asunción. The lake lies in the western part of the Asunción-Sapucai-Villarrica graben, a tectonic depression of Mesozoic age, and drains to the northwest trough Salado River into Paraguay River...
and Ypoá, and the pond Cabral are part of the natural limits in Central. These along with other regions in the south section generate a good potential of resources for the diverse activities such as tourism and even agriculture.
Education
Central is one of the most benefited departments in terms of attendance in both elementary and higher education, with over 84% of assistance by people of age between 7 and 18. There is a predominance of assistance of males over females, by a margin of 6%. The attendance of public schools is greater, with 69.9% of students attending them, while the resting 30.1% attend private schools. In the Central department there are around 750 elementary education institutions and close to 350 higher education institutions. In the city of San Lorenzo resides the Universidad Nacional de AsunciónUniversidad Nacional de Asunción
The Universidad Nacional de Asunción, abbreviated UNA, is a public university in Paraguay. Founded in 1889, it is the oldest and most traditional university in the country.In 2006, there were 36,000 students and 5,500 professors.- Organization :...
which is a state-run University.
Climate
The maximum temperatures are in the summer, reaching the 40°C, which sometimes can be even higher. In the winter, the minimum temperature is 0°C. The annual average temperature is 22°C. Rains vary approximately 1433 mm per year. The period between the months of January and February is the rainiest, and the driest period is during the months of June and August.Hydrology
The department is mainly watered by the Paraguay River and its affluents: the Salado River, which is flowed by the Ypacaraí Lake and the streams Itay, Paray e Ytororó.The streams Yuquyry and Ñanduá drain into the Ypoá wetlands.
The lakes Ypacaraí, Ypoá and the lagoon Cabral are situated in this region of the country.
Orography
The spurs of the Ybytypanema, part of the los Altos chain is in this department. Its highest hills are Lambaré, Ñanduá and Arrua-í.Other lower hills in the zone are the Ñemby and the Patiño.
History
The Central Department, known as “Comarca Asuncena”, was the most populated country region in old times.In the times of the conquest and colonization, this region had already been the center from where new foundations were expanded, as well as it was the settlers’ refuge who were escaping from the attacks of the Guaicurú Indians.
The towns which compound this department nowadays had different origin. One of the main protagonists of these foundations was Domingo Martínez de Irala
Domingo Martínez de Irala
Domingo Martínez de Irala was a Spanish Basque conquistador.He headed for the Americas in 1535 enrolled in the expedition of Pedro de Mendoza and participated in the founding of Buenos Aires...
, who gave rise to the districts of Itá
Itá, Paraguay
Itá is a city located along the 35th kilometer of Ruta 1 in the central department of Paraguay. Here, one of the most beautiful handicrafts in the country is made: ceramic pottery and crocheted hammocks, some of whose admirable artists have been recognized with important international awards.Itá...
and Areguá
Areguá
Areguá is a city in Paraguay; located 28 km away from the capital city Asunción. It is the capital of Central. Probably the best feature of this Paraguayan town is its geographical location; it lays between a group of rolling hills with a distinctive rock formation and a beautiful blue lake,...
. The town of Luque was established as a Spanish village. Villeta
Villeta
Villeta is a city of Paraguay, in the Central Department, on the banks of Paraguay River. It is an important industrial center and port.-Toponymy:...
and Tapuá
Limpio
The city of Limpio is located in the Central Department, Paraguay. It was founded on February 2, 1785, by the Friar Luís de Bolaños under the name of San José de los Campos Limpios de Tapúa....
, nowadays called Mariano Roque Alonso
Mariano Roque Alonso
Mariano Roque Alonso is a district and city located in the Central Department, in Paraguay in the Gran Asunción metropolitan area. The city has a population of 85,000 people....
were founded in order to establish military forts for defence.
Others tows like Capiatá
Capiatá
Capiatá is a city in Central Department, Paraguay.It is the only city in Central that borders seven cities: Aregua, Itaugua, Juan Augusto Saldívar, Luque, Ñemby, San Lorenzo and Ypane....
and Itauguá
Itauguá
Itauguá is a city of the Central Department, Paraguay. Founded in 1728, its known by his exquisite and peculiar art of the ñandutí and his music.The San Rafael Museum shows valious objects of the Colonial Age....
were expanded around chapels used as evangelization centers, The towns which compound the department are bound, partly, due to the chaqueños Indians’ resistance against the Spanish conquest of their lands, which force the settlers to emigrate and take refuge in this part of the region. That was how were established villages like Guarambaré
Guarambaré
- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
, Ypané
Ypané
Ypané is a town in the Central Department of Paraguay, 27 km from Asunción. It is communicated by Routes 1 and 2. It is called the "Garden City"...
and Ñemby
Ñemby
Ñemby is a city in the Central Department of Paraguay. It is part of the Gran Asunción metropolitan area.-History:Among the historical sites of this city stands the Church of San Lorenzo which was founded by Spanish settlers in 1718 when Ñemby was a population of only 2,187 inhabitants.Other...
.
A different origin had the towns of Nueva Italia
Nueva Italia, Paraguay
Nueva Italia is a town in the Central Department of Paraguay.Footballer José Cardozo was born here.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
, Colonia Thompson and Villa Elisa
Villa Elisa, Paraguay
Villa Elisa is a city in the Central Department of Paraguay on the outskirts of Asuncion. It was the only colony that was inhabited by Swedish people in Paraguay and today is one of the most important and active cities that are part of the Metropolitan Area of the capital...
, already established as agricultural colonies back in the 19th century and beginnings of the XX, and mainly settled by foreign immigrants.
In 1985, it was already established the last district in the Central department named Juan Augusto Saldívar
Juan Augusto Saldívar
Julián Augusto Saldívar is a city located along the 23rd to 28th kilometer of Ruta 1 in the Central department of Paraguay. The city is well known for its exports of tangerines, lettuce and other agricultural products. The city has grown considerably in the past 15 years...
, being constituted definitely the political division of the department.
Communications and Services
This department is favored by having a lot of routes. Most of the routes of the country leave from Asunción, the Capital city, to the country towns.One of the main roads in the so called Ruta I, “Mariscal Francisco Solano López”, which links the Capital city with the town of Encarnación, capital of the Departmento de Itapúa to the south. This town border on the Republic of Argentina.
Another important road is the Number II, “Mariscal José Félix Estigarribia”, linking Asunción with Ciudad del Este, capital of the Alto Paraná Department
Alto Paraná Department
Alto Paraná is a department in Paraguay. The capital is Ciudad del Este .The Alto Paraná department has experienced tremendous economic and population growth in the past 50 years...
, which border on the Federal Republic of Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
to the east.
This department is also crossed by the Route II, “General Elizardo Aquino” and the IX, “Carlos Antonio López”.
Economy
Of the 3049 industrial plants in the Paraguayan territory, 1558 are found in this department. The intrustrial production includes the processing of food, furniture, clothing, pharmaceutical production, metallurgic, plastic and ceramics. The city of VilletaVilleta
Villeta is a city of Paraguay, in the Central Department, on the banks of Paraguay River. It is an important industrial center and port.-Toponymy:...
is home to a large number of industries. Central is the second biggest economy of Paraguay, and occupies the second place in attraction of inversions from other countries. Only 62% of the population is considered economically active.
Districts
The department is divided in 19 districts:| District | km² | Population (2002) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Areguá Areguá Areguá is a city in Paraguay; located 28 km away from the capital city Asunción. It is the capital of Central. Probably the best feature of this Paraguayan town is its geographical location; it lays between a group of rolling hills with a distinctive rock formation and a beautiful blue lake,... |
122 | 44.566 | |
| Capiatá Capiatá Capiatá is a city in Central Department, Paraguay.It is the only city in Central that borders seven cities: Aregua, Itaugua, Juan Augusto Saldívar, Luque, Ñemby, San Lorenzo and Ypane.... |
83 | 154.274 | |
| Fernando de la Mora Fernando de la Mora (Paraguay) Fernando de la Mora is a city located in the Central Department, and is part of the metropolitan area of Asunción, Paraguay. With some 160,000 inhabitants, the city is one of the most populated of the country.... |
21 | 113.560 | |
| Guarambaré Guarambaré - Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com... |
- | 16.687 | |
| Itá Itá, Paraguay Itá is a city located along the 35th kilometer of Ruta 1 in the central department of Paraguay. Here, one of the most beautiful handicrafts in the country is made: ceramic pottery and crocheted hammocks, some of whose admirable artists have been recognized with important international awards.Itá... |
190 | 50.391 | |
| Itauguá Itauguá Itauguá is a city of the Central Department, Paraguay. Founded in 1728, its known by his exquisite and peculiar art of the ñandutí and his music.The San Rafael Museum shows valious objects of the Colonial Age.... |
122 | 60.601 | |
| Juan Augusto Saldívar Juan Augusto Saldívar Julián Augusto Saldívar is a city located along the 23rd to 28th kilometer of Ruta 1 in the Central department of Paraguay. The city is well known for its exports of tangerines, lettuce and other agricultural products. The city has grown considerably in the past 15 years... |
948 | 37.374 | |
| Lambaré Lambaré Lambaré is a city in Central Department, Paraguay, part of the Gran Asunción metropolitan area.- Sources : * – World-Gazetteer.com... |
- | 119.795 | |
| Limpio Limpio The city of Limpio is located in the Central Department, Paraguay. It was founded on February 2, 1785, by the Friar Luís de Bolaños under the name of San José de los Campos Limpios de Tapúa.... |
117 | 73.158 | |
| Luque Luque Luque is a city in Central Department, Paraguay, part of the Gran Asunción metropolitan area. It is located at around . It is the location of the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport for Asunción and the headquarters of CONMEBOL... |
- | 185.127 | |
| Mariano Roque Alonso Mariano Roque Alonso Mariano Roque Alonso is a district and city located in the Central Department, in Paraguay in the Gran Asunción metropolitan area. The city has a population of 85,000 people.... |
122 | 65.229 | |
| Ñemby Ñemby Ñemby is a city in the Central Department of Paraguay. It is part of the Gran Asunción metropolitan area.-History:Among the historical sites of this city stands the Church of San Lorenzo which was founded by Spanish settlers in 1718 when Ñemby was a population of only 2,187 inhabitants.Other... |
40 | 8.525 | |
| Nueva Italia Nueva Italia, Paraguay Nueva Italia is a town in the Central Department of Paraguay.Footballer José Cardozo was born here.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com... |
- | 71.909 | |
| San Antonio San Antonio, Paraguay San Antonio is a city in Paraguay located in the Central Department. It has been significant since colonial times, as it was located beside the Royal Way, a road which leads to the city of Villeta... |
- | 37.795 | |
| San Lorenzo San Lorenzo (Paraguay) San Lorenzo is a city located in the Central Department in Paraguay, some 10 kilometers away from the capital Asunción. It is the third most populated city of Paraguay and its main activity is commerce. The National University of Asunción campus is located in San Lorenzo... |
- | 204.356 | |
| Villa Elisa | 122 | 53.166 | |
| Villeta Villeta Villeta is a city of Paraguay, in the Central Department, on the banks of Paraguay River. It is an important industrial center and port.-Toponymy:... |
- | 22.429 | |
| Ypacaraí Ypacaraí Ypacaraí is a town in the Central Department of Paraguay on Lake Ypacarai. On the road system, it is located between Asunción and Caacupé. In 2004, the village had a population of 30,150, and is 64.1 m above sea level. Notable agricultural crops of the area include tobacco and cotton... |
111 | 18.530 | |
| Ypané | 53 | 25.421 |
Waterway
The waterways which have the Central Department are determined by the “Río Paraguay”, being its main affluents those of Asunción and Villeta.Airway
Its main airway is the Silvio Pettirossi International AirportSilvio Pettirossi International Airport
-Incidents and accidents:*3 December 1945: an USAAF Douglas C-47B-5-DK registration 43-48602 flying from Asunción to Montevideo crashed 16km SE of Carlos Pellegrini, Argentina...
, located in the town of Luque
Luque
Luque is a city in Central Department, Paraguay, part of the Gran Asunción metropolitan area. It is located at around . It is the location of the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport for Asunción and the headquarters of CONMEBOL...
. This station links the department with the country and abroad.
Means of Communication
There are a lot of AM radio stations. Some of them are Radio Cardinal, Radio Ñandutí,Radio Nanawa and Radio Libre. Frequency modulation transmitters are as follows: 1º de Marzo, Ñemby, Cardinal, Disney, Amor, Luque, Itaguá, Lambaré, Trinidad, San Lorenzo, Azul y Oro, Guarania, among others.
There are also numerous television channels and cable transmission services.
In Areguá, located on the banks of the Lago Ypacaraí is situated the Satellite Station
In the Central Department it is installed telephone exchanges which communicate all of the districts.
Health
The department has numerous health places, such as Hospitals, health posts and centers. The private sector takes part in this area as well, offering health services in every district of the department.Tourist attractions
The Central Department has a large number of attractions for tourism. Among the most famous natural resources at an international level, is the Lago Ypacaraí, which is represented in the immortal play of Demetrio Ortíz, the beautiful guarania. This lake is a very important natural attraction and the town of Areguá, capital of the department is located on the banks of this lakeThere is a great variety of Museums, historical places and cultural centers in the districts.
It can be seen parks and green places preserved for the practice of outdoors sports.
The hotel industry is an important income resource of this department. Each district has its patronal feasts and celebrations which are part of the people culture.