Paraguay

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

Virtually all the population are mixed Spanish and Guaraní Indian descent (known as “mestizos”). The country faces many ongoing economic, social, and political challenges

Most 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, and only one per cent of the population controls 80 per cent of the land.

Rural people have little voice, and restricted access to land, farming techniques and government support.

Spending on health and education are among the lowest in Latin America, and there is limited access to services such as electricity, water and sewage. Democracy has not meant an improvement in the lives of the majority.

take action

Advent Appeal 2008 CAFOD Advent Appeal: Please send a message of support to kids this Advent at a special school run by a CAFOD partner

Shine a light in the darkness Please sign our petition calling on the world's largest mining company to listen to communities in the Philippines worried about the effect mining will have on their land - plus send a personal message of solidarity to the people of Macambol

Buy a World Gift Browse our new range of alternative gifts that act as two presents in one – something for you to give to friends or a relative, while the real gift changes the life of someone living in poverty