Not much is known about Paraguay. Landlocked between Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia, Paraguay emerged from the 35 years of General Alfredo Stroessner's dictatorship only in 1989. The election of current president, former bishop Fernando Lugo, ended 61 years of conservative rule in the country and was won on a campaign that focused on social values. Since his election, Mr Lugo has raised Paraguay's international profile, though often in an unfortunate manner. First he admitted to a high-profile paternity case, and then he was diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer.
Beyond the personal interest and the intrigue that politics inevitably provides, there is much more to discover. Despite facing myriad challenges, Paraguay's economy had been growing at almost 7% until the world's financial troubles hit in 2008. However, the country's gross domestic product is expected to return to pre-crisis levels this year.