Ahead of Father’s Day, which again was observed in Paraguay on the third Sunday of June, new data from the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, or INE) provided a detailed overview of the nation’s fathers. According to the 2025 Continuous Permanent Household Survey (EPHC), an estimated 1,009,064 fathers currently live with their children in the country. The report about fathers in Paraguay offers a comprehensive look into their demographic, educational, and employment characteristics, highlighting their significant role within Paraguayan society and family structures.
The findings from the survey underscore a clear demographic trend towards urban living. A substantial majority of these fathers, accounting for 71%, reside in urban areas across the country. Consequently, the remaining 29% live in rural settings. This distribution reflects broader national patterns of population density and economic activity, with urban centres being the primary hubs for employment and services. The data provides a crucial foundation for understanding the living conditions and environments of Paraguayan families where fathers are present in the home.
A detailed age and marital profile
The age distribution data reveals that the majority of fathers are in their prime working years. More than half of the total, precisely 51.2%, are aged between 30 and 49. This cohort represents the core of the paternal population living with their children. Following this group, fathers aged between 50 and 64 make up 25.6% of the demographic. Furthermore, the survey indicates that 12.8% of fathers cohabiting with their offspring are over the age of 65, while the youngest group, those under 30 years old, constitutes 10.4% of the total.
In relation to marital status, the statistics show that traditional family structures remain prevalent. Nearly half of all fathers, at 49.8%, are legally married. In addition, a significant number, 41.6%, are in a common-law union, indicating that a vast majority of fathers live with a partner. Smaller proportions are recorded for other categories; for instance, 3.6 percent of fathers are separated or divorced. Meanwhile, 3.3% are widowed, and single fathers who live with their children represent the smallest group at 1.7%.
Fathers in Paraguay: Education and economic contribution
The report also sheds light on the educational attainment of fathers in Paraguay. On average, fathers who live with their children have completed 10 years of formal study. This figure provides a general indicator of the educational background that shapes their employment opportunities and, by extension, the economic well-being of their households. This level of education corresponds roughly to completing secondary education, suggesting a solid foundation for participation in various sectors of the economy.
Economically, fathers play a fundamental role as providers for their families. The survey data highlights that approximately 890,000 fathers are currently employed, which reflects their vital position as economic mainstays in their homes. This high level of employment underscores the significant contribution fathers make to the national workforce and the financial stability of their immediate families. Their consistent participation in the labour market is essential for the sustenance and development of households across both urban and rural areas of Paraguay.
Analysis of employment sectors
A closer look at the employment data reveals a concentration in skilled and operational roles. The largest single category of employment for fathers is in trades and crafts, with 24.2% working as officials, operators, or artisans. This indicates a strong presence in sectors that require specific vocational skills. Following this, 15.0% of fathers are engaged in work categorised as non-qualified or unskilled labour, which remains a significant source of employment.
The services and commerce sectors are also major employers of this demographic. According to the INE figures, 14.8% of fathers work in services and sales within shops and markets. Moreover, two distinct sectors each account for 11.6% of the paternal workforce. These are, firstly, agriculture, farming, and fishery work, which remains a cornerstone of the rural economy, and secondly, roles as operators of installations, machinery, and as assemblers.
This detailed breakdown illustrates the diverse economic activities that fathers in Paraguay undertake to support their families.
