Paraguay
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
63 / 100
Partly Free
Paraguay’s democracy is dominated by the conservative Colorado Party. Corruption remains widespread, while organized crime, environmental destruction, and systemic discrimination damage the rights of rural and Indigenous populations. Poverty and gender-based discrimination also limit the rights of women and children.
Research & Recommendations
Paraguay
Partly Free
63
100
| PR Political Rights | 26 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 37 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
63
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
While Paraguay’s elections are generally credible and well organized, politics have historically been dominated by the conservative Colorado Party. Corruption and organized crime are widespread. Journalists face legal pressure and sometimes violence in response to their work. Constitutional guarantees of due process are poorly upheld. Gender-based violence is persistent. The rights of rural and Indigenous people are threatened by commercial development and associated environmental damage.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
News and Updates
Featured
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
63
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 6,781,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
