Paraguay, a country nestled in the heart of South America, is home to just over 6.1 million people according to the 2022 national census snj.gov.py
It is a nation with a relatively young population spread across diverse geographies – from bustling urban centers to remote rural communities. Each statistic represents a life, a family, and a dream. Behind these demographic figures lies a vibrant country, but also significant challenges that impact the quality of life of its people. Knowing these fundamental facts helps us better understand the context in which millions of Paraguayans live and the difficulties they face each day.
2. Inequality: wealth concentrated in the richest 10%
Paraguay struggles with marked socioeconomic inequality. To put this into perspective: the richest 10% of the population earns about 33.6% of all income in the country, while the poorest 10% receives only around 2%
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In other words, a small elite holds one-third of the nation’s wealth, in stark contrast to the tiny slice shared by those with the least. This huge gap is not just a cold number – it translates into drastically different realities. While a few enjoy comfort and financial security, many families are fighting to cover their basic needs. Such inequality means countless Paraguayans start life’s race at a disadvantage, dimming their opportunities for progress. In the face of this situation, one cannot help but feel empathy for those left behind and recognize the urgency of extending a helping hand in solidarity.
3. Poverty, extreme poverty, and lack of health services
Social indicators reflect these economic disparities. Nearly one quarter of Paraguayans live in poverty
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– that’s one in four people struggling to secure adequate food, shelter, and education.
Among them, about 5–6% of the population is in extreme poverty
documents1.worldbank.org, enduring absolute deprivation that puts their daily survival at risk. Behind each percentage, there are real faces: a child going to bed hungry, an elderly person trying to get by with almost nothing. Adding to these conditions is the fragility of healthcare access. In Paraguay, only 28.6% of the population has some form of health insurance, whether public or private, leaving a staggering 71.4% of people with no healthcare coverage rdn.com.py
This means the vast majority of families must face illness and emergencies with no financial safety net, relying on an overburdened public system or out-of-pocket resources that often simply aren’t there. Imagine the anguish of a mother who cannot take her sick child to the doctor due to lack of money, or a father postponing an eye surgery because he must choose between restoring his sight and feeding his family. The lack of access to basic health services is a harsh reality for thousands of Paraguayans, especially in remote rural villages and impoverished urban neighborhoods. These figures are heartbreaking and urge us to act: no one should be left defenseless when it comes to protecting their health and life.
4. Visual health: visual impairment and blindness in Paraguay
In the realm of eye health, Paraguay faces a silent yet widespread challenge. Based on regional estimates, approximately 2% of the population suffers from some form of significant visual impairment, and about 0.5% lives with total blindness
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In human terms, this could mean over 120,000 Paraguayans with severely limited sight and around 30,000 who are completely blind. Behind these numbers are people who cannot see the faces of their loved ones, children who struggle to learn because they can’t see the chalkboard, and adults who lose job opportunities due to failing vision. What is both painful and inspiring is understanding the causes of these visual problems. At least two-thirds of cases of blindness and visual deficiency are due to preventable or treatable causes
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The leading culprits are uncorrected refractive errors (people who need glasses but don’t have them) and untreated cataracts – conditions that top the list of causes of poor vision worldwide
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Alongside these are other diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy – often linked to aging or poorly controlled chronic illnesses – which also threaten the sight of thousands. The good news is that roughly 80% of all these visual disorders could be prevented or cured with proper care
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No one should remain blind simply for lack of eyeglasses, a cataract surgery that never comes, or an overdue treatment for diabetes. In light of these facts, the mission of Fundación Ver Paraguay takes on profound human meaning. Each statistic becomes a call to action – a plea not to remain indifferent to the grandmother who could see her grandchildren again with a simple operation, or the child who would discover the world’s colors with a pair of corrective lenses. Through blindness prevention campaigns and compassionate ophthalmologic services, we are determined to change these realities. Your support can make all the difference – whether by sharing this message, contributing a donation, or joining as a volunteer – so that more Paraguayans receive the gift of healthy vision. Together, we can brighten the path for those who today live in darkness or in dimness, giving them not only sight but also hope and the chance at a better future.
Sources: DGEEC (Instituto Nacional de Estadística), PAHO/WHO, BID, World Bank, among others
