Paraguay is not an over crowded land. Within it there is ample room for everybody. With plenty of space left over for nature.

The land itself covers approximately 400,000 sq km. That is almost twice that of the UK and slightly more area than that of Germany.

In those 400,000 sq km space need only be found for 7 million people. A couple of million live either in Asuncion or in the towns that surround it. Of the remainder many are in the larger towns such as Encarnacion, Concepcion or Ciudad del Este. Everyone else is then thinly spread across the countryside.

The result of this is that once you are beyond the sprawl of Asuncion you are never far from the green countryside.

This of course works in favour of the cattle ranchers needing large stretches of grass land over which their cattle can roam. However even then there are large areas left to nature all across the country.

For many people in Asuncion there is nothing more refreshing than a few days in the countryside. Often they get no further than a cool country stream in which to bathe with parkland around it to enjoy. Even that though is far more calming than the crowded streets of Asuncion.

I am fortunate to live in one of the many expanses of green countryside that cover Paraguay. The small town of Piribebuy.

The town has a small dense core with as many people living like me in the surrounding countryside as in the town itself.

It sits in one of the few upland areas in Paraguay. A range of hills that rise to little more than a modest 300 metres. It is located little more than 80 km from Asuncion.

The beauty of the area and its proximity to Asuncion have made it a touristic area. With prices to match. But away from the summer weekends it is a quiet sleepy sort of place.

Like so much of Paraguay nature holds sway over far more of the land than human habitations. In every direction stretch out hills and flatlands draped in an almost unbroken green carpet of trees and grasses.

As is true across much of the country the houses are lightly scattered across the land. Many are small farmsteads with substantial grounds. All fade into the background against the sea of green.

The country roads are simple dirt tracks. Of the same materials and the same colour as the surrounding fields and gardens. They blend into the landscape rather than imposing themselves upon it.

Many places are wilder and more undisturbed than the valley along which I live. Even here though are corners which have resisted mans intrusion. I have a small wood which is left to grow wild and natural. Then just a short walk from the house there is a rocky outcrop. Too rugged for cultivation and left therefore to nature.

From on top of those rocks it is clear just how green Paraguay is. In every direction tree filled grasslands roll on towards the horizon. There is barely a house to be seen and scant few signs of mans presence beyond the occasional foot path winding its way across the landscape.

And yet here abouts lives a sizable population. Every patch of ground is owned by someone and pretty as the views may be it is neither true wilderness or wildlife reserve.

The people though do appreciate what they have. Areas are left wild and nature as far as possible is left in peace. I have seen plenty of exotic wildlife travelling no further than my back garden.

Beyond areas like this which cover most of the country. Thinly populated semi wild places. There across the country a network of parks.

These are managed and protected. They cover wetlands, jungle, uplands and semi desert amongst other environments. The great majority are fully accessible and are promoted and maintained by a small but well organized tourist sector.

With Paraguay being beyond the traditional tourist trails and with internal tourism small scale they are also quiet uncrowded places.

The local tourism industry may be expanding and modernizing. However Paraguay remains far from the well trodden tourist trails. As such its many green and open spaces are ideal places to explore and in which to unwind.

For all those who do seek out the Paraguayan countryside there will always be a warm welcome awaiting them.