Young people and young adults between the ages of 15 and 29 make up a central part of Paraguayan society. Current figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) and other official sources provide a detailed overview:
Share of the Population
- Around 27 % of Paraguay’s total population is between 15 and 29 years old.
- In absolute numbers, this corresponds to roughly 1.5 million young people.
- Gender distribution: 49.6 % male, 50.4 % female.
Place of Residence
- 64.3 % live in urban areas.
- 35–36 % live in rural areas.
Partnership and Relationship Status
- 7 out of 10 young people aged 15–29 are single.
- 2 out of 10 are in a partnership, either married or in a cohabiting relationship.
- 78.5 % of men in this age group are single.
- 66.4 % of women in this age group are single.
Internet Usage
- High digital connectivity: 88–94 % of young people use the internet regularly.
- Internet access is nearly universal in urban areas but lower in rural regions.
Education
- Among 15–24-year-olds, 51.6 % are enrolled in formal education.
- There is a clear urban-rural gap: the enrollment rate is higher in cities and lower in rural areas.
Work and Employment
- About 60 % of young people are economically active (working or seeking work).
- Unemployment in this age group is 10.9 %, higher than the national average.
- 13 % are considered “NEET” (not in education, employment, or training).
- Only a small portion (around 17 %) combine work and study.
- Many young people work in the informal sector, often without contracts or social security.
Health and Coverage
- Only around 23–25 % of young people have valid health insurance.
- Coverage is higher in urban areas and significantly lower in rural regions.
Conclusion
Young people and young adults in Paraguay make up a significant part of the population. With around 27 % of the total population, one in every four people in the country is between 15 and 29 years old. Overall, the statistics provide a nuanced picture of Paraguay’s youth, highlighting the social and economic realities of this age group.