Paraguay

Paraguay is a landlocked country in the heart of South America, surrounded by Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. Paraguay’s present population is the result of two different ethnic and cultural types – Guarani and Spanish. When the Spanish first arrived in the country the Guarani Indians encouraged their women to marry the newcomers – from this mixture the culture of Paraguay was born.

The Guarani culture is still evident throughout the country. Guarani is an officially recognised language and is taught alongside Spanish in schools.

Families in Paraguay mostly eat cassava (a potato-like tuber) with corn, beans and occasionally meat. Milk and dairy products are expensive and, therefore, not widely eaten, especially by children. Vegetables are rarely consumed since they are not part of the rural population’s preferred diet, and are very expensive in the local markets.

Although commerce and industry in Paraguay have potential, the general economy is still agriculture-based.

Plan’s Work

Plan, established in Paraguay in 1994, is now involved in implementing program activities in several rural areas. The main areas we focus on are child survival, providing clean drinking water and formal and informal education.