Paraguay

Miquelina Miranda is leader of a women's group in her community. [CAFOD]

Paraguay is a landlocked country with 95% of the population being mixed Spanish and Guaraní Indian descent (known as “mestizos”). The country faces many ongoing economic, social, and political challenges

After 35 years of dictatorship, a coupe-d’état in 1989 led to presidential elections. Despite democracy, efforts to improve living standards have been hampered by economic stagnation and widespread corruption and political instability.

The country is rich in hydroelectric resources and its economy is highly dependent on trade with neighbouring countries Brazil and Argentina, including exports of electricity generation, agricultural products and the re-export of imported goods.

A large part of the population makes its living from agriculture, often on a subsistence basis, and around one-third lives in poverty - 16% on less than $1 per day. The richest ten per cent spends 90 times more than the poorest ten per cent.

Key challenges

Land: Only one per cent of the population controls 80 per cent of the land. Almost half the population live in rural areas, yet rural inhabitants have little voice, and restricted access to land, farming techniques and government support.

Health and education: Spending on these areas are among the lowest in Latin America, and there is limited access to services such as electricity, water and sewage.

Gender: Although some women are in high government positions, there is significant gender inequality and lack of opportunities for women in poorer circles, particularly in rural areas.

Governance: Four decades of dictatorships have taken their toll. While efforts have been made to build the basic institutions and a participatory democracy, sufficient consideration has not been given to areas such as poverty reduction, social services, justice, and corruption. Democracy has not meant an improvement in the lives of the majority.

Read about the work of some CAFOD's partners below:

section highlights

Bilingual broadcasting

Radio FM Trinidad is a bilingual radio station, broadcasting for both Spanish- and Guaraní-speaking audiences.

Researching key issues

CDE (Documentation and Research Centre) undertakes research on key issues such as women, gender, union and rural organisations and the social political context.

Supporting democratic change

Decidamos ('Let us decide') was founded shortly after the coup that overthrew Stroessner and works to address the long-term challenges of supporting democratic change.

latest updates elsewhere on www.cafod.org.uk

Supporting democratic change Decidamos ('Let us decide') was founded shortly after the coup that overthrew Stroessner and works to address the long-term challenges of supporting democratic change.

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