# Encarnación

> city and municipality capital of Itapua, Paraguay

**Wikidata**: [Q47138](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q47138)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encarnación,_Paraguay)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/encarnacion

## Summary
Encarnación is the capital city and municipality of Itapúa Department in Paraguay. Founded in 1615, it serves as a key administrative and cultural hub in the region, with a population of 106,842 as of 2022. The city is located near the Paraná River and is known for its religious landmarks, including the Cathedral of the Incarnation.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Capital city of Itapúa Department, big city (population ≥100,000), administrative territorial entity, and municipality.
- **Founded**: 1615.
- **Population**: 106,842 (2022).
- **Area**: 321 square kilometers.
- **Coordinates**: 27.3333° S, 55.8666° W.
- **Timezone**: UTC−03:00.
- **Official Languages**: Guarani and Spanish.
- **Postal Codes**: 070101–070141.
- **Elevation**: 91 meters above sea level.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 71.
- **Nearby Water Body**: Paraná River.
- **Notable Landmarks**: Cathedral of the Incarnation, Teniente Ramon A. Ayub Gonzalez Airport.
- **Administrative Status**: Capital of Itapúa Department.
- **Official Name**: Municipalidad de Encarnación.
- **Demonyms**: Encarnaceno (masculine), Encarnacena (feminine).
- **Related Infrastructure**: San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge (international bridge to Argentina).
- **Religious Institution**: Roman Catholic Diocese of Encarnacion (established 1990-04-19).

## FAQs
- **What is the population of Encarnación?**
  As of 2022, Encarnación has a population of 106,842, making it a big city in Paraguay.

- **What languages are officially spoken in Encarnación?**
  The official languages of Encarnación are Guarani and Spanish.

- **What is the elevation of Encarnación?**
  Encarnación is located at an elevation of 91 meters above sea level.

- **What is the postal code range for Encarnación?**
  Postal codes in Encarnación range from 070101 to 070141.

- **What is the timezone of Encarnación?**
  Encarnación operates on the UTC−03:00 timezone.

- **What is the local dialing code for Encarnación?**
  The local dialing code for Encarnación is 71.

- **What is the area of Encarnación?**
  Encarnación covers an area of 321 square kilometers.

- **What is the official name of Encarnación’s municipality?**
  The official name of Encarnación’s municipality is Municipalidad de Encarnación.

## Why It Matters
Encarnación serves as a critical administrative and economic center in Itapúa Department, Paraguay. Its strategic location near the Paraná River and the San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge facilitates trade and transportation between Paraguay and Argentina. The city’s religious and cultural landmarks, such as the Cathedral of the Incarnation, reflect its historical and spiritual significance. As a municipality, it provides essential services to its residents while contributing to the broader development of the region.

## Notable For
- **Administrative Capital**: Serves as the capital of Itapúa Department.
- **Cultural Hub**: Home to the Cathedral of the Incarnation and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Encarnacion.
- **Transportation Node**: Located near the San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge, connecting Paraguay to Argentina.
- **Economic Center**: Supports local businesses and trade through its infrastructure and services.
- **Historical Significance**: Founded in 1615, reflecting its long-standing role in Paraguay’s development.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Encarnación is situated in Itapúa Department, Paraguay, with coordinates at 27.3333° S, 55.8666° W. The city spans 321 square kilometers and is located at an elevation of 91 meters above sea level. It is positioned near the Paraná River, which plays a significant role in its regional economy and transportation networks.

### Demographics and Administration
As of 2022, Encarnación has a population of 106,842, making it a big city in Paraguay. The city is governed by the Municipalidad de Encarnación, which oversees local administration and services. The official languages are Guarani and Spanish, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the region.

### Infrastructure and Transportation
Encarnación is served by the Teniente Ramon A. Ayub Gonzalez Airport, which provides domestic and international flight services. The city is also connected to Argentina via the San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge, established in 1990, which enhances regional trade and transportation.

### Cultural and Religious Landmarks
The city is home to the Cathedral of the Incarnation, a notable religious landmark. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Encarnacion, established on 1990-04-19, further underscores the city’s religious and cultural importance.

### Historical Background
Encarnación was founded in 1615, contributing to its historical significance in Paraguay. The city’s long-standing presence reflects its role in the region’s development and cultural heritage.

### Economic and Administrative Role
As the capital of Itapúa Department, Encarnación serves as a key administrative and economic center. Its infrastructure, including the airport and the bridge to Argentina, supports regional trade and development. The city’s services and amenities contribute to its status as a vital hub in the region.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.datos.gov.py/dataset/nuevo-codigo-postal-del-paraguay)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Source](https://www.ine.gov.py/censo2022/documentos/1%20Resultados%20finales%20poblacion.pdf)
6. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
7. [Source](https://encarnacion.gov.py/)
8. GeoNames
9. BBC Things
10. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/py.htm)
11. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)