Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay, is a landlocked country situated in the heart of South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. The nation's geography is characterized by a mix of fertile plains, subtropical forests, and the Paraguay River basin, which is crucial for its economy and transport. With a population of approximately 7.2 million people, the country maintains a strong cultural identity, with its capital, Asunción, serving as its primary urban and administrative center.