*Paraguay’s national statistics institute (INE) has released new data showing that the unemployment rate increased to 6.4% in the second quarter of 2024, up from 5.8% in the same period of 2023. The total number of unemployed people reached approximately 195,948, representing an increase of 16,694 individuals compared to the previous year. Unemployment was higher among women, who accounted for 53.6% of those out of work. Despite the underemployment rate falling to 3.4%, down from 4.0% in Q2 2023, the labour market showed signs of strain, with declines in rural female employment and self-employed workers.
