Introduction
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Paraguay is a landlocked country, nestled between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. Slightly smaller than the state of California, it is home to 6,943,739 people. Spanish and the indigenous language of Guarani are both spoken as the official languages of Paraguay. The name Paraguay is thought to be derived from "Water of the Paguaya," an indigenous tribe, showcasing the lasting indigenous influence on the country's culture.
Paraguay is a nation of emigration, as opposed to one of immigration meaning it is more common for Paraguayans to leave the country than for people from other countries to move there. In 1870, a third of its male population was killed as a result of the War of Triple Alliance fought between Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. During the 20th century, Mennonites from Canada, Russia, and Mexico immigrated to Paraguay, but again at insignificant numbers. Most immigration has since come from Brazil in search of agricultural work. Paraguayans who have left the country often settle in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, Italy, Spain, and France.
Currently, 95% of the population is mestizo with the remaining 5% identified as other. There is little religious diversity as 89.6% of the population is Roman Catholic, 6.2% is Protestant and 4.1% identify as Christian, none, or other.
The population is centered in the eastern half of the country, with 61.6% of the population residing in the capital, Asucnión. About 2% of the population live in the Gran Chaco, an arid area that accounts for more than half of the land territory.
Globally, Paraguay is the fifth largest soy producer. Despite its suffering from a country-wide drought in 2014, the strong production and high global prices of agricultural exports has allowed the economy to grow at an annual 4% rate since. It is on its way to establishing a greater presence in the global market.
Paraguay is a nation of emigration, as opposed to one of immigration meaning it is more common for Paraguayans to leave the country than for people from other countries to move there. In 1870, a third of its male population was killed as a result of the War of Triple Alliance fought between Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. During the 20th century, Mennonites from Canada, Russia, and Mexico immigrated to Paraguay, but again at insignificant numbers. Most immigration has since come from Brazil in search of agricultural work. Paraguayans who have left the country often settle in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, Italy, Spain, and France.
Currently, 95% of the population is mestizo with the remaining 5% identified as other. There is little religious diversity as 89.6% of the population is Roman Catholic, 6.2% is Protestant and 4.1% identify as Christian, none, or other.
The population is centered in the eastern half of the country, with 61.6% of the population residing in the capital, Asucnión. About 2% of the population live in the Gran Chaco, an arid area that accounts for more than half of the land territory.
Globally, Paraguay is the fifth largest soy producer. Despite its suffering from a country-wide drought in 2014, the strong production and high global prices of agricultural exports has allowed the economy to grow at an annual 4% rate since. It is on its way to establishing a greater presence in the global market.
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The following video exemplifies the struggle between Paraguay's agricultural boom and the growing rate of poverty.
Despite Paraguay's growing ability to provide agricultural food worldwide, CGTN America states that almost half of the adolescent population are at risk for malnutrition. Moving forward, the government is looking for ways to improve the global market on a commodity-based expansion. The video acknowledges that while they continue to spread their exports, it will be important to allocate money towards relief of poverty within the country to truly enhance the quality of life for all of its citizens. |
Landlocked
Paraguay ranks below average for South America in socioeconomic categories including immunization rates, potable water, sanitation, and secondary school enrollment. Consequently, there are high rates of income inequality and despite the decline of poverty rates over the years, more than a third of the population remains below poverty line. As one of the two landlocked countries in South America, the country's status is largely impacted by its surrounding neighbors: Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. The language and education section of the website will further compare their progress with Paraguay in the respective sectors.
Bolivia
Bolivia is the other landlocked country in South America, located on Paraguay's western border. It is rich in resources, exporting mainly to Brazil and Argentina. However, the state policy tends to deter investment and thus the country remains one of the least developed countries in Latin America. |
Brazil
On the northern border of Paraguay, Brazil was the first South American country to host the Olympics. After hosting the World Cup in 2014 and the summer Olympics in 2016, the seeming rise of the country fell to a recession in 2016. As it recovers, it remains the eighth largest economy in the world. In contrast to Paraguay, it is a hub for immigration. |
Argentina
On the southern and eastern border of Paraguay, Argentina is packed with rich natural resources. Its border to the South Atlantic Ocean has allowed the country to be a major player in global exports, positively impacting its economy in the last decade. |
Christina Leedham, Fall 2018.