POPULATION
According to 1988 estimations, Paraguay has a population of 5,291,020 inhabitants. More than 90% of the population resides in the Oriental Region. The improvements in health, hygiene and nutrition are basic factors that fundamentally explain the decline in the death toll (down 6% in 1993). The average lifespan is increasing. In 1988, the average lifespan for men was 70 years and 74 years for women. The infant mortality rate remains high with 37 deaths for every 100 live births.
Ethnically, Paraguay has the most homogenous population of South America: 90.8% are composed of "mestizos" (Spanish and Guaranies). The two national official languages are Spanish and Guarani.
Ninety percent of the population is Catholic, although freedom of worship extends to other religious beliefs. A small number of Protestants exists.
Elementary education is free and obligatory between the ages of 6 and 15. In 1950, 34.2% of the adult population was illiterate while in 1992 the illiteracy rate decreased 8.1%. The Constitution guarantees that the child will be educated in his or her native language although in practice, great difficulties for the fulfillment of such precautions exist.
Source: www.enciclonet.com (© Micronet)
Encarta Enciclopedy 99 (© Microsoft)
Translations and editing by: JoAnn Arbore Mainardi
