Argentina/Paraguay – A Brief Overview:
This month, some of the teams will be serving in Argentina, and some will be in Paraguay. Here is info about both countries:
Known as a Crisol de Razas, or “a crucible of races,” Argentina is the largest Spanish-speaking country in South America and the eighth largest country in the world. It is a nation of immigrants, where the mix of languages and cultures have created something all its own. It is also a nation of tradition; and while 92% declare Roman Catholicism as their religion, only 20% practice it. The people of Argentina long for a relationship with Christ.
Known as the “Heart of South America”, Paraguay is home to swampland and vast wilderness. Because it was once a Spanish colony, Paraguay is still heavily influenced by Europe. The culture is more conservative than some of its neighboring countries. Over 93% of Paraguayans are direct descendants of Spanish settlers and indigenous tribes. Paraguayans are still highly influenced by their indigenous language and culture, but there is a huge divide between the rich and the poor classes of the nation. Among the indigenous people, social issues like literacy, clean drinking water, and immunizations, only accentuate the difference between classes. In fact, 1% of the population owns 77% of the land.
Fast Facts –
Type of Government:
Republic
Capital City:
Buenos Aires
Population:
43,024,374
Currency:
Argentine peso
Language:
Spanish
Religion:
nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing)
Protestant 2%
Jewish 2%
Other 4%
Major Industries:
food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables
textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing
metallurgy, steel
Size Comparison:
slightly less than three-tenths the size of the United States
Paraguay –
Type of Government:
Constitutional Republic
Capital City:
Asuncion
Population:
6,541,591
Currency:
Guarani
Language:
Spanish, Guarani
Religion:
Roman Catholic 90%
Mennonite/other Protestant 10%
Major Industries:
sugar, cement, textiles,beverages, wood products, steel, metallurgic, electric power
Size Comparison:
slightly smaller than California
Past WR Ministry –
Community Development – The Large Family in the Small Town
School Ministry – Source of Light
Country Sponsor –
Why support? Why Argentina/Paraguay? –
“RJ and Kayla’s willingness to serve God through the World Race was something that we thought was amazing. We wanted to help our friends in some way because we knew that this was a huge task to take on. We were honestly not picky about which country we were going to sponsor. The thing that we knew was that we wanted to help them with this mission to serve others. We look forward to hearing about all of the great things that they do in Argentina and Paraguay!” – Doug & Courtney Austin
