Paraguay

Basic Indicators

Source: UNICEF: The State of the World's Children Report

Population: 6,349,000 (2009)
National language: Spanish, Guarani
Per capita income: US$ 2,280/year (2009)
Life expectancy: 72 (2009)
% of population using
improved drinking water sources: 86% (2008)
% of population using
adequate sanitation facilities: 70% (2008)
Under 5 Mortality Rate: 23/1,000 live births (2009)

Paraguay is slightly smaller than the state of California and is located in South America between Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina. In the War of the Triple Alliance from 1865-1870, Paraguay lost two-thirds of its male population, and has had great difficulty recovering. Paraguay's present population is the result of two different ethnic and cultural types: native Guarani and Spanish.

The majority of Paraguay's population depends upon subsistence-level agriculture. Paraguay’s economy also relies on agriculture, exporting soybeans and other crops to neighboring countries. A large black-market sector is connected to governmental instability and corruption.

Plan works with more than 26,150 sponsored children — and through them we benefit an additional 150,000 people living in 470 rural communities in the poorest districts of the Paraguay. Except in emergency situations, Plan does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children

An essential part of Plan's work is empowering children to discuss the issues that matter to them and to take part in decisions that affect their lives. To help you learn about these issues, the children in Plan communities have put together a series of publications called "See Our World": Read what the children have to say about their lives.