Asunción covers 117 sq km (45 sq mi). It completely occupies the small capital district of Asunción and spreads into the adjacent district, the Central Department, which accounts for about half the city's urbanized area. The metropolitan area covers 249 sq km (96 sq mi). Low-lying areas near the Paraguay River are occasionally flooded, but the city's urban core is located on high ground.
Although the population of the urban agglomeration centered on Asunción totals 1.1 million, it retains many characteristics of a small Latin American city. Its skyline boasts only a few skyscrapers, concentrated in a few blocks in the downtown area. Beyond this central core, known as La Chacarita, most buildings are only two or three stories high. At midday on weekdays, traffic volume decreases and a noticeable quiet descends over most of the city as its residents return home to eat and enjoy the siesta, or afternoon rest.
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Asuncion Information info
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