town, central Paraguay. It is situated in the westward extension of the Brazilian Highlands. Its name means “water of God” in the ancient Guaraní language. Founded in 1887, it serves as a commercial and manufacturing centre for the agricultural and pastoral hinterland, the major yields of which include tobacco, cotton, fruit, and livestock. Among the industrial activities in Ypacaraí are cotton ginning, tobacco and petroleum processing, tanning, and the production of ceramics, glass, soap, and stringed musical instruments. It is accessible by railroad and highway from Asunción. Pop. (2002) urban area, 9,073.