Asuncion,

Asuncion, or ASSUMPTION, the capital of the South American republic of Paraguay, stands on a terrace skirting the left bank of the Paraguay River, and has connection by steamers with Buenos Ayres, and by a railway of 45 miles with Paraguay. It has a cathedral (1845) and a college. Its trade has recovered from the depressing effects of the war with Brazil in 1865-70; the principal articles of commerce being leather, tobacco, sugar, manioc, and maté or Paraguay tea. It was founded in 1537, on 15th August, the feast of the Assumption. Pop. (1857) 40,000; (1890) 25,000.