PARAGUAY

General

Paraguay, located in the central part of South America, is bounded on the E and NE by Brazil; on the SE, S, and SW by Argentina; and on the NW by Bolivia.

The Chaco Boreal region, located W of the Rio Paraguay, is a uniformly flat area with swampy lowlands near the river. In other parts, it is covered with either dense jungle growth, isolated forests, or thorny scrub. Grassy plains and wooded hills are located in an area to the E of the river.

The climate is mostly tropical with an abundant rainfall. There is only a short dry season, from July to September, when temperatures are lowest. The far W part of the country is semiarid.

Buoyage System

The IALA Buoyage System (Region B) is in effect. See Chart No. 1 for further IALA Buoyage System information.

Currency

The official unit of currency is the guarani, consisting of 100 centimos.

Government

Flag of Paraguay

Paraguay is a constitutional republic. The country is divided into 17 departments and the capital.

Paraguay is governed by a directly-elected President serving a 5-year term. The bicameral Congress consists of an 80-mem- ber directly-elected Chamber of Deputies, and a 45-member directly-elected Chamber of Senator; members of both chambers of Congress serve 5-year terms.

The legal system is based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes.

The capital is Asuncion.

Holidays

The following holidays are observed:

Industries

The major industries are livestock raising and forestry. Other industries are meat packing, oil seed crushing, textiles, sawmills, cement, tanneries, cigarettes, tourism, and the production of vegetable oils and light consumer goods.

The principal crops include cotton, maize, tobacco, soy beans, rice, coffee, sugarcane, cassava, and tea.

Languages

Spanish is the official language. However, Guarani, a native Indian language, is widely spoken.

Time Zone

The Time Zone description is QUEBEC (+4). Daylight Savings Time (PAPA (+3)) is maintained from the first Sunday in September until the first Sunday in April of the following year.

U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy is situated at 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Asuncion.

The mailing addresses are, as follows:

1.Paraguay address— Casilla Postal 402 Asuncion

2.U. S. address—

Unit 4711

APO AA 34036-0001

U.S. Embassy Paraguay Home Page http://asuncion.usembassy.gov

General

Qatar occupies the main peninsula projecting N into the Persian Gulf from the Saudi Arabian mainland. Qatar has a dispute with Bahrain concerning territorial claims over the Hawar Islands.

The country is mainly flat, barren, and covered with loose sand and gravel.

The climate is hot and humid. There is very little rainfall, vegetation is sparse, and temperatures are very high.

Buoyage System

The IALA Buoyage System (Region A) is in effect. See Chart No. 1 for further IALA Buoyage System information.

Cautions

Special Warning 121 (Issued 20 March 2003)

Information on Special Warning 121 can be found in Iraq— Cautions.

Special Warning 115 (Issued 5 March 2001)

Information on Special Warning 115 can be found in Iraq— Cautions.

Currency

The official unit of currency is the Qatari riyal, consisting of 100 dirhams.

Islamic holidays, which are subject to the appearance of the moon, include Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (End of Pilgrimage), Hijrah (Islamic New Year), Ashoora, and the Prophet’s Birthday.

Industries

Crude oil production, refining, and natural gas development are the major industries. Other industries include petrochemicals, fertilizers, steel, cement, and fishing.

There is little agriculture; however, fruits and vegetables are grown, and livestock are raised.

Languages

Arabic is the official language. English is also commonly used.

Mined Areas

Vessels are advised that mined areas exist in the N part of the Persian Gulf. Further information should be obtained from the local authorities. Mine sightings should be reported to the naval authorities by INMARSAT (150 5612) or to Coalition naval vessels on VHF channel 13 or 16. Details of areas reported to be dangerous due to mines are also promulgated by Notice to Mariners issued by the Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) and by MARAD advisories.

Government

Qatar is a traditional monarchy. The country is divided into ten municipalities.

Qatar is ruled by an Amir, who is also the Prime Minister, and a Council of Ministers, appointed by the Amir. There is no parliament, but the Council of Ministers is assisted by a 35member nominated Advisory Council.

The legal system consists of a discretionary form of law controlled by the Amir. Civil codes are being introduced. Islamic law is significant in personal matters.

The capital is Doha (Ad Dawhah).

Navigational Information

The maritime territorial claims of Qatar are, as follows:

* Extends to median line with neighboring states.

Flag of Qatar

Holidays

The following holiday is observed:

Regulations

Liquor is not allowed ashore and it is a serious offense to offer alcoholic beverages to a Qatari.

Smoking is not permitted in public places during Ramadan.

Search and Rescue

The Department of Customs and Ports General Authorities is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations.

Time Zone

The Time Zone description is CHARLIE (-3). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy is situated in the Al-Luqtas District at 22 February Roadat, Doha.

The mailing address is P.O. Box 2399, Doha.

U.S. Embassy Qatar Home Page http://www.usembassy.org.qa