Paraguay: immigration

What is the population of Paraguay?

Paraguay's population is projected at 6,460,159 at mid-2026, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) (2024 revision of its projections). It was 6,417,076 at mid-2025.

The projections start from the 2022 census and add expected births, deaths and migration. The INE expects growth of about 0.7% a year: natural growth of 56,805 people in 2026, partly offset by net emigration of about 14,400. District and department projections were revised in 2025.

Official sources: INE: national estimates and projections 1950-2050, revision 2024

How many people emigrate from Paraguay?

The National Institute of Statistics (INE) projects net emigration of about 14,420 people from Paraguay in 2026, a net migration rate of minus 2.2 per 1,000 people. The estimate was minus 15,000 in 2024.

Net migration is people arriving to live in Paraguay minus people leaving. These are projections built into the population model, not counts of border crossings. The National Directorate of Migration issues residence permits to foreigners who settle in Paraguay.

Official sources: INE: national estimates and projections 1950-2050, revision 2024

What share of Paraguay's population are immigrants?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Paraguay was 2.6%, according to the UN Population Division. In 2015 the figure was 2.5%. Latin America & Caribbean median: 4.8%; Paraguay is 23rd highest of 33. Worldwide: 120th of 193.

Are more people leaving Paraguay than arriving?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in Paraguay at -12,423 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at -8,226; its low point was 2007, at -45,914. It is 25th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is -967. Worldwide: 135th of 193.

How many refugees are in Paraguay?

4,621: that is the number of refugees in the country in Paraguay for 2025, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 6,071; its low point was 2005, at 46. It is 8th highest of 28 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 1,306. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 106th highest.

How many refugees come from Paraguay?

162: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Paraguay for 2025, according to UNHCR. The peak was 170 in 2024 and the low 42 in 2005. It is 26th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 710. Worldwide: 139th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Paraguay?

In 2025, personal remittances received in Paraguay was 3.1% of GDP, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 3.3% of GDP; Paraguay is 15th highest of 27. World rank, highest first: 50th of 127.