The capital of Paraguay is Asunción. It is also the largest city in the country and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Paraguay. Asunción is located on the eastern bank of the Paraguay River and is one of the oldest cities in South America, often called "the Mother of Cities." The metropolitan area of Asunción is home to over 2.3 million people, making it the most densely populated and productive area in Paraguay.